Universal Music launches Island Records in the Philippines

Iconic label Island Records is opening in the Philippines.

The Universal Music Group-owned imprint, founded 61 years ago in Jamaica by Chris Blackwell, will focus on signing and developing a domestic roster in the region.

Island Records Philippines launches with established local artists Juan Karlos, Over October and Lala Vinzon, alongside new signings Zack Tabudlo, Fern. and One Click Straight.

The first release on Island Records in the Philippines is the new single from Juan Karlos, ‘BLESS Ü’, which is out today (July 24), followed by ‘Nangangamba’ by Zack Tabudlo next Friday.

The announcement was made Thursday via a virtual live-streaming press conference from Manila and hosted by Universal Music Philippines managing director Enzo Valdez.

“We are excited to launch Island Records here in the Philippines and to build our own family of local artists, that can further extend the huge legacy of Island within the region and beyond.

“In the coming years, we will look to establish Island as a home to some of the most impactful and important artists from the Philippines, whilst introducing them to new audiences around the world through UMG’s unrivalled global network of companies around the world,” Valdez said.

The press conference featured performances from the label’s roster of artists, alongside video messages from Blackwell, global presidents Darcus Beese and UK president Louis Bloom.

The launch of Island in the territory by UMG follows the recent arrival of Def Jam Philippines, another iconic imprint but with a focus on developing and nurturing hip hop artists.