Morissette, Stell of SB19 and other homegrown talents are among the featured artists in Waterwalk Records, the newly-launched “first Christian label” under a major record company, Sony Music, in the Philippines.
The aim of Waterwalk Records is to “bring fresh Christian music to a new, streaming generation” and “faith-based entertainment artists, who represent the best of Christian music combined with their own unique styles.”
Morissette, who released the label’s first single Waterwalk last Oct. 28, is “excited and thrilled” to be collaborating with the label and Sony Music Philippines.
The singer dubbed as Asia’s Phoenix has been in the industry for 10 years already but it was only a couple of years ago that she “decided to accept Jesus in my heart,” she shared during the virtual launch of the record label.
“During those times, things got super tricky in my life. It was very personal. It was literally around those times kaya I always tell people na hindi porke’t you accept Jesus in your heart, things are gonna get easier,” said Morissette.
“For me, it was really a challenge and He really tested my faith. At the same time, I just literally decided to walk in faith. And even during this pandemic, I decided to go into songwriting as well because there were no live shows. And so I took that as an opportunity to kind of grow my artistry as well. ‘Sakto lang din ‘coz 10 years in the industry, being a singer, performer and now venturing into songwriting and producing,” she continued.
Through the song Waterwalk, Morissette was able to share her journey as a Christian.
“I feel like a lot of people also just need to hear and be reminded of all His grace and the miracles He has made, especially during the pandemic,” said she. “We’re actually blessed because we still get to hold events like this and still connect with people.”
Award-winning songwriter-producer Jungee Marcelo, who also spearheads Waterwalk Records, furthered that the label is “a collection of different stories of what Jesus has done for the few years that he was with the disciples.”
“Lahat ng mga stories, like turning water into wine, healing the lame, the sick, and claiming it that he can do it for me, too. That’s why I’m also like Peter who would want to water walk, to step on the water and I can only pray that my focus would be on Him, and Him alone,” he said.
“Otherwise, alam niyo naman ang story kay Peter. ‘Nung tumingin sa paligid, natakot, lumubog. He sank because he wasn’t focusing on the Lord. My prayer is for us to keep on focusing on Jesus,” he added and hoped that this song will help remind listeners of Him.
Jungee also recalled his “wonderful fellowship” with Morissette via Zoom after recording the Waterwalk track for an hour and a half or two.
The Voice alum Morissette had a catch-up with Jungee whom she previously worked with in Diamante, a 2016 Himig Handog love song. Jungee composed the track, which was interpreted by Morissette.
“It was (also a) kind of a worship song. It can be interpreted in two ways — you would like to dedicate it to someone na you really, really love but at the same time, it’s also a worship song to the Lord, because siya lang naman talaga ‘yung the most important out of them all.”
The song was a “reminder of everything that the Lord has done for His people then and that He will continue to do up until now,” recalled Morissette and admitted she also experienced anxiety attacks like everyone else. “And so this (song) really just came during the perfect time. It really just reminded me na the Lord continues to provide. The Lord has much grace. And He really loves His people and His children.”
Likewise, she is also excited for everyone to hear the new track Waterwalk to remind, especially those who are undergoing tough times, to “continue to walk by faith in life and He will continue to answer your prayers and bless you immensely.”
Meanwhile, Roslyn Pineda, general manager of Sony Music Philippines, said “Waterwalk Records has huge opportunities to grow as we work with talented artists such as Morissette, Gloryfall and Hazel Faith and others to bring their music to fans all across Asia.”
Ariel Fung, EVP of Sony Music Southeast Asia, added “with Waterwalk Records, our vision is to create a hub for Christian music in Asia that serves artists and writers who are creating ground-breaking music and impacting the lives of millions. Our stellar lineup of artists we’re working with is just the start of helping us achieve that vision, representing the very best of local and regional talent.”
Twelve new tracks from the local Christian label across a variety of genres are expected to be released within this year. Some of the songs that have been released were Mapayapa, a collaboration between Christian worship band Gloryfall and singer-songwriter Hazel Faith; Walang Katulad by Cherise Katriel; Fortress by of Mercury lead vocalist Nathan Huang; Paano Mo Kinaya by Lee Simon Brown; and Wanahapinpa by Cola Cabalcar.
Other artists who will also be featured are rapper-actor Jericho Arceo, Taiwan’s Ariel Tsai, Janine Danielle, Darla Baltazar, Kent Charcos and Sam&Steff.
With Stell being one of Waterwalk Records’ artists, will other SB19 members join the label?
“We don’t know yet… But anything is possible,” said Roslyn.