Star Records exec on the benefits of collaborating in music

MANILA, Philippines - The old adage "two heads are better than one" also applies in songwriting.

Thus said Jonathan Manalo, the artists and repertoire head of ABS-CBN's recording label Star Records, on the fourth day of the Elements National Singing-Songwriting Camp at the Hacienda Isabella in Indang, Cavite on Wednesday.

Jonathan, who has been in the business for fifteen years now, discussed about collaborating with Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda and rapper Gloc-9 at the national music camp.

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The record label exec gave three different perspectives about collaborating on songs: as an artist, a producer and publisher.

"Tayong songwriters, nagsisimula tayo writing our songs mag-isa lang kasi nga hinahanp natin 'yong sarili nating tunog," he said, talking as a songwriter. "Pero darating yung time na parang 'yong ginagawa n'yo paulit-ulit."

"So the best advice is to open yourself to collaborations," he continued. "Hanap kayo ng someone to trust. Siyempre it starts with trust and respect sa taong gusto mo maka-collaborate."

Aside from creating a new sound, Jonathan sees this as an opportunity for songwriters to broaden their creative scope.

"Kapag nag-collaborate tayo sa ibang tao with different styles, it's like opening a magic door," he explained. "Mayro'n siyang style na angkop sa inyo. Mayro'n kayong ma-open na bagong creative door na mag-enhance ng musical side mo."

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As a producer, Jonathan said that collaboration is good for increasing the market of the artists.

"Recently Erik Santos collaborated with Gloc 9," he said, citing as example the two artists. "So nama-market mo 'yong dalawa, napapakilala mo pa si Gloc 9 sa market ni Erik and vice versa. So lumalaki ang scope ng artist."

He added that this helps new artists in introducing themselves to the public.

"It will help this new artist na ma-share 'yong following na mayro'n na ang big artist," he explained.

Lastly as a publisher, Jonathan said collaborating helps in creating a "new sound" either for an established or new artist.

Citing Star Records as an example, he said they try to find a different songwriters who would fit the sound of the artist they are working with.

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"Makakagawa ka ng bagong tunog na i-publish, ma-introduce namin sa market at ma-monitize namin," he said. "So at the same time nakakapagbigay kami ng bagong tunog."

"So it works din kasi nakikita ko na iba ang nagiging output, nagiging mas exciting," he said.

Elements Music Camp started on Sunday and will end on Thursday.