OPM: It's our very own!

The essay below is by Joseph R. Atilano, an authority on popular music.

Somebody has to say this: the major labels have to significantly lessen introducing artists who seem to have came from a “biscuit factory”. Meaning, there’s really nothing new with them in terms of their appearance, song writing and the subject matter of their songs. It is becoming increasingly difficult these days to find singers under a major label who really stand out and break away from the norm. I go and check the record stores at least once every two weeks for new releases and new artists from the OPM section.

More often than not, I end up disappointed because although some of these artists are really good, have built a following, and have been seen by me in a number of venues, I feel like I had just bought “an empty bag of chips” after listening to the cd. It may seem harsh to say that the songwriting is from the same group of composers again, the same formulas are followed in the packaging and presentation of the artists. How can the real individuality and uniqueness of the artists come out if there are these limitations and restrictions imposed on them? Then you start to wonder, what happened to them? Clearly, a lot of potential talent didn’t get fully utilized and just went to waste again. What a shame because we all want OPM to regain the prominence it had in the ’90s.

In fact, some of those singers who first gained recognition during that era are still around. Why? Because they stood out; they arrived on the scene when a breath of fresh air was needed and they had hits that were true to them as artists. I think finding that balance is a key to success. We all have our own opinions on what can further help the OPM industry and what might help our artists and singers. Because we want all of them to succeed, to make a mark in their careers and prove their detractors wrong.

Yes, our artists are not only musically gifted, they also have their own individual characteristics and can set themselves apart from the rest. We should always recognize how good it is to live in a country where practically everyone can sing and carry a tune. That’s why it shouldn’t be a problem to have new artists come in and make a name for themselves. However, there is a proverbial “glass ceiling” that they must first break in order to achieve success and get their music for everyone to hear. Just like in any profession and industry, there are those who abuse their power within the record label, holding back the young and potential singers from rising and being heard. And there has always been politicking within the industry with veteran and established singers refusing to share their blessings and accomplishments even though there is really nothing more for them to prove and achieve. Just like in every era that comes, singers and artists are needed to represent their time and who are part of their age group.

The veteran and established singers have to understand that they can’t stop fans, music aficionados and critics from wanting to hear and see new artists and to discover new talents. The monopolistic mentality is hurting the OPM industry and it is becoming a cancer just like the “crab mentality” that eats up the industry inside and out. But it does not mean we will not support the veteran singers, it just means we want to support all types of singers from the various generations, eras and genres available.

After all, it’s freedom of choice we all have. The OPM industry will even grow more and gain valuable momentum in having healthy competition, new credible artists and support within the old and new generations. Instead of fighting among ourselves, let’s just work together to face the global music landscape. Would we want this generation of kids to only favor and recognize foreign and trendy music that years after would end up more of a joke than a serious genre worthy of having any relevance? We should also remember we are inarguably the most gifted country in Asia in terms of music and we have our own artists doing exemplarily well abroad. Are they not evidence enough that we can succeed anywhere and everywhere? But hopefully we learn to recognize and support our own homegrown talents first before others do. As I have always said, it’s best to love your own music, then start exploring the rest that is out there. OPM is our very own!