O/C Records comments on mrld’s statement about '5%' royalties, says contract is still valid

Mrld is making big waves on social media after announcing she is "finally free" and is now an independent artist after her contract with O/C Records expired. 

In a second Facebook post Sunday, she even disclosed her royalties, saying "I deserve more than 5% of the songs I wrote and produced."

"I deserve more for all the hard work I put on for my name," mrld added.

According to mrld she is the breadwinner of her family and is the only one with a job.

“I didn't go independent because I'm selfish and want revenge. I went independent because my family needs to eat and live. 'Di kami mabubuhay sa barya lang,” she said.

In her post, mrld said she asked several times for a meeting but "it’s always a no show."

In a call with GMA News Online, James Banaag of O/C Records said the artist only receives 5% because it is in the contract she signed.

“That’s right. That’s what she signed naman,” Banaag said.

“Ang claim niya is she only gets 5% of her royalties di ba? That’s true. But she’s just pertaining to the royalties of composer and publisher. In our case, siya ‘yung composer, kami ‘yung publisher din,” he explained.

Banaag emphasized the numbers are just one part of the revenue stream. “May mga ibang aspect pa kung saan kumikita ang artist at ang record label. Kumbaga, one side lang siya,” Banaag said.

And while he maintained that mrld’s contract with O/C Records is still valid — “Her contract talaga is still in full effect sa amin," Banaag said — he did not comment on the artist's claim about the "no show" meetings.

O/C Records is yet to release an official statement.

In her statement mrld said, “The expiration of my contract came and you come huddling as if I owe you something?”

She also said everyone should have the right to leave. She said she stayed for five years and her streams have contributed to the label.

“I know what was written in my contract. I know my percentage share. Ako nakakatanggap ng pera ko. Pinapalabas nyo pang sinungaling kaming mga artist hahaha,” mrld said.

She made sure to address record labels saying, “alaagan niyo artists niyo. Mga tao din ‘yan. Wag niyo tipirin sila nag papayaman sa inyo. Respect the hustle and the art.”

Mrld said that she is back to zero and will be releasing her own songs very soon.

“At mas gagalingan ko pa magpakilala sa buong mundo. Salamat.”

In her earlier Facebook post, the “Ligaya” singer announced she is "now an independent artist."

“I am no longer in any contact with O/C Records," mrld added, saying she did not want to sound ungrateful or to hold grudges, and remains thankful to the label for trusting her as an artist.

“I have never been this happy and grateful. I am finally releasing my own songs,” mrld said.

“I can't wait to get the hundred percent of all my hard work,” mrld said as she thanked her fans.

— LA, GMA Integrated News