The letters O and C are usually used in reference to obsessive-compulsive behavior. Not Orange County of the U.S. of A. This mental disorder is characterized by not trusting oneself enough to refrain from doing routine things repeatedly. It is a life of always thinking, do it again, just to be sure. Did I wash my hands? Did I lock the door? Etc.
Now the young showbiz couple made up of actress Chynna Ortaleza and singer, songwriter and occasional actor Kean Cipriano have decided to go into the music business. That is put up their own record label. They want to use their names. At least their initials. And the best way that the letters O and C can come together is as OC.
If you take your mind off the obsessive-compulsive disorder bit, I must say that their initials together do have great recall. Besides, you can add an R and a K on both sides and OC will become ROCK. Chynna and Kean rock and I must say that if these two take the OC meaning to heart, than we will have two music executives who, thanks to being Ocs, will truly pour heart and soul into creating good music.
Leading the O/C Records roster of impressive young talents is UNIQUE, who is indeed unique in every way. UNIQUE is spelled in all capital letters. He is a singer and songwriter. He was formerly the lead singer of the hot young band IV of Spades but has now gone solo. Dubbed the Surrealist, he has released his first solo album simply titled Grandma. The first single, the introspective Midnight Sky, went No. 1 in the Philippine Viral Chart and now has over a million streams on Spotify.
Take note, all UNIQUE fans. Don’t forget to catch the soulful introvert in his first major solo performance soon. He is now gearing up for the Grandma Concert Tour which will kick off at the Kia Theatre in Araneta Center in Quezon City on Sept. 29. Tickets are priced at P3,922 for VVIP which includes a photo-op and autographed album; P2,650 for VIP; P2,120 for Orchestra; P1,272 for Loge; and P848 for the Balcony seats.
Also in the O/C stable are Rice Lucido, the lyrical folk artist who sends out truth, pure and simple in her songs. Watch out for her debut single, A Letter For Her.
Earl Generao, a singer and songwriter with a funky way with the guitar and lots of soul in his vocals. Check out his first single Lunas and his latest Katabi.
Bita and the Botflies, the misfits of O/C led by the pretty vocalist and songwriter Sofy Aldeguer. She performs with her father Rebel Aldeguer and Kevin Navea as guitarists; Rheymon Concepcion on bass; and Mark Lincallo on drums. Listen to what they have to say in Sisikat Ka Ija, Tagu-Taguan, Chop Chop Blues and Manghuhula.
Frizzle Anne, who has evolved from doing run of the mill covers to becoming a singer and songwriter with her own identity. Her sweet tones belong to an angel but her angst is that of every woman. Her first single out is Di Para Sa Akin.
Last but certainly not the least, there is Kean Cipriano himself, the visionary of O/C. Of course, Kean has to be the label’s lead drumbeater and he does it with his own distinctive sound. After 13 years in the business, he is now a full-fledged artist eager to explore every possibility. Watch out for his new releases, Later When I’m Drunk and Tayuman.
Chynna and Kean’s O/C is now a full-fledged music label. It is now a joint venture together with Vic del Rosario’s Viva Music. O/C is vaunted about as a place where artists can go and just simply be themselves.
The intro blurb for the label says: “It is a haven for fearless and authentic artists to fully explore their craft that insights no less of an unadulterated sound the moment you press play. An eye opener that defies what is deemed typical and calls for a new set of dynamics in rhythm. A true partnership that supports the idea of the journey more than the destination.”
Cheers to O/C and to all its future journeys.