How Guji Lorenzana collaborates with music artists all over Asia

MANILA, Philippines — Guji Lorenzana is one creative who has the vantage point of what it’s like being on camera and behind the scenes. He initially forayed into singing and acting as a featured artist and eventually expanded his horizons as an artist’s manager and a record label executive.

At this point in his professional career, Guji further explores the latter as the territory manager, A&R Business Development in Asia for Symphonic Distribution. It’s among the industry’s leading independent music distribution and marketing companies, according to a piece of information given to this paper, which has collaborated with such renowned artists as “Imogen Heap, Sarah McLachlan, Matisyahu, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Paula Cole, Sean Paul (and) Doechii.”

In a recent virtual one-on-one, The STAR and Guji picked up where they left off, talking about his being a YouTube content creator. He documents his passions and family life with the purpose of inspiring people on his channel.

“I still do that from time to time… at that time, during the pandemic, it seemed that there was more time to focus on it,” said he, who described the experience as great and shared that he applies the learning gained from it to his present work.

“I still have a lot of subscribers and followers, and they’re always waiting for news from me (like) projects in showbiz and (about) my family. I still use YouTube as a platform for that and I don’t think I’ll ever stop creating for YouTube,” added he. “It’s just that hindi yung katulad dati na (unlike before) where it was a big focus of mine. It’s something that I do for fun, which is nice because I document my life.”

As an actor, Guji had his own fair share of lock-in taping or shooting.

“Ako, hindi naman ako nawawala from showbiz (I don’t completely give up doing show business). If there’s a project, bumabalik ako (I come back), especially if my schedule allows,” said he, who is still with Viva and has appeared in the TV series “K-LOVE” with Isabelle Daza on Viu and the Viva film drama “Dearly Beloved” with Cristine Reyes and Baron Geisler on Netflix.

In fact, he just finished an acting project and played a character that will stand in the way of the dynamics of the main characters.

Aside from that, he also finds time for theater. Guji did “RENT” the musical with 9Works Theatrical and played Benny last year.

“I think it’s a matter of time management. Daming nagsasabi sa akin na (many people are telling me), ‘You don’t sleep, Guji. Ang dami mong ginagawa (you have a lot on your plate),” said he.

Treading on the path of a music label executive seemed to be a natural progression for Guji, who has solid experience as a TV, film and recording artist, plus his understanding as an artist’s manager working with local and international stars.

Prior to his post at Symphonic Distribution, which is based in Florida, he worked with companies to help them expand their presence in the country and Southeast Asia and distribute their artists’ music in these territories.

“Now, mas malawak na yung reach ko (my reach is wider),” said Guji about the extent of his responsibility at Symphonic Distribution, “and a big part of my job now is to look for artists (and) work with independent labels and artists and really expand the business in this region.”

“So, it is nice to be a part of that. Of course, alam ko yung both sides (I’m familiar with being on both sides),” added he. “I know the artist side, since I’m also an artist. I also understand the struggle and the process. I understand the executive side and then the operational side of things and also the management side.”

Guji is an asset to any company and its artists he works with and works for.

The same information furnished to The STAR said that “his extensive network within the music industry encompasses connections with labels, distributors, TV stations, and entertainment firms, aligning with his mission of empowering independent music and providing unparalleled service to artists and labels.”

In the local scene, he has Christian Bautista and Zel from December Avenue as clients, while beyond, he works with K-pop names and clients from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Taiwan and Thailand.

“I travel almost every other month,” Guji gave one more sneak peek into his work. “There are weeks where I’m in Thailand or for one week in Japan or Korea. I do a lot of traveling for my work.”

But what definitely brings joy to him, as one may put it, is the chance to discover artists, collaborate with them and further bring their music to the Asian market and even beyond it.