Jay R sounds off on MRLD-OC Records controversy, calls out industry power imbalance

Filipino R&B king Jay R recently weighed in on the controversy surrounding the exploitative practices in the local music industry.

This comes after young singer-songwriter MRLD broke her silence about her departure from OC Records. Alleging unfair compensation and limited marketing support with claims that have sparked broader conversations online about transparency, artist rights, and the power imbalance between emerging musicians and record labels.

In a TikTok video posted over the weekend, Jay R spoke out about what he calls “uncomfortable truths.” Reflecting on the dark side of the industry that has long placed new artists at a disadvantage.

“I’ve been in this industry for more than 20 years, and situations like this really do happen to artists,” Jay R said. “It has happened to me as well. When you’re starting out, you enter record deals and contracts without fully understanding what’s written in them. Sometimes, you don’t really comprehend the terms.”

He stressed the importance of legal advice and contract literacy for emerging musicians navigating the complexities of recording agreements.

“That’s why it’s important for artists to carefully read their contracts,” he added. “You should have a lawyer and review everything line by line. You need to understand exactly what you’re getting into. It’s a harsh truth about the industry, but it’s real. And honestly, I think it’s perfect timing that this issue has come to light. Artists need to be educated about what really happens behind closed doors.”

The short-form video post has garnered more than a million views on TikTok and Facebook, combined. This fuels wider debate about accountability in the music business.

Songs for Selina

Jay R further expanded on the topic during the press conference for Songs For Selina. The project, though fictional in form, brings to light tensions on creative ownership, exploitation, and the invisible pressures artists face behind the spotlight.

“Artists sometimes fear being marginalized or even blacklisted when they speak about the truth,” Jay R shared. “The story of Songs For Selina comes from real experiences: ours and the stories of fellow artists who have lived through these realities.”

Starring Rachel Coates and Mica Javier, Songs For Selina explores the power structures embedded in the music industry and the ethical dilemmas confronting artists as they navigate ambition, loyalty, and survival in a competitive landscape.

Whether by coincidence or design, the film’s themes now resonate with real-world conversation. Unfolding across the Philippine music scene, one that many believe is long overdue.

Songs For Selina opens in Ayala Cinemas nationwide beginning March 18, 2026.

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PIPOL

PiPOL draws its name from the English word “people,” reflecting the stories, identities, and experiences that shape communities and culture. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to spotlight narratives that resonate with everyday Filipinos, from their journey up to their purpose.

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