A New Era for the Filipino Independent Music Scene
The global spotlight shines brighter on Original Pilipino Music (OPM) as Symphonic Distribution, a leading international music technology and services company, officially partners with Underdog Music Philippines, one of the country’s fastest-rising independent labels.
Announced on October 3, 2025, this strategic partnership represents a shared commitment to empower Filipino artists through world-class digital distribution, advanced technology, and global reach—ensuring local talents can thrive both at home and abroad.
Championing Artist-First Innovation
With a reputation for championing creative independence, Underdog Music Philippines has quickly built a strong foundation for homegrown musicians. The label’s roster includes powerhouse vocalist Morissette—also a co-founder of the label and known across Asia as “Asia’s Phoenix”—along with acclaimed indie folk act The Ridleys and alt-pop band Over October.
For Symphonic, which has worked with global artists like Imogen Heap, Doechii, Ozuna, and Nick Murphy (Chet Faker), this partnership reinforces its growing investment in the Asia-Pacific region and the vibrant Filipino music scene.
“With artists such as Morissette and bands like Over October and The Ridleys, the Filipino independent scene is vibrant and resilient,” said Guji Lorenzana, Territory Manager for A&R and Client Development, Asia-Pacific at Symphonic. “Our partnership with Underdog Music Philippines strengthens our commitment to nurture Filipino artists with global distribution and tailored support.”
Empowering Filipino Musicians for Global Success
Founded by Martti Uy, Underdog Music has become a key player in redefining how music labels operate—grounded in transparency, education, and community. Uy emphasized that the collaboration with Symphonic is about more than just distribution—it’s about transformation.
“Underdog was founded on the belief that artists should have both the freedom to create and the tools to build sustainable careers,” Uy shared. “Partnering with Symphonic means embracing technology and resources that help us empower Filipino artists not just locally, but globally.”
The timing couldn’t be better. Each of Underdog’s core artists is reaching a new career milestone:
- Morissette celebrates her 15th year in music with a major concert at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
- The Ridleys achieved a sold-out concert following their acclaimed 2024 album All These and More.
- Over October landed a hit with “Ikot” on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 and sold out their debut major concert at the Music Museum.
These achievements underscore Underdog’s impact in elevating Filipino artistry and its readiness to expand to the global stage.
A Step Forward for Philippine Music
Through this strategic collaboration, Symphonic Distribution and Underdog Music Philippines are set to unlock new opportunities for local talent—bridging the gap between the country’s rich musical heritage and the global market’s ever-evolving digital landscape.
By combining Symphonic’s cutting-edge tools for content management, royalty tracking, and global marketing with Underdog’s artist-first philosophy, the partnership aims to reshape how OPM reaches international audiences.
This collaboration signals a defining moment for Filipino music. With Underdog’s grassroots innovation and Symphonic’s global network, local artists now have a stronger platform to share their stories with the world—and redefine what it means to be proudly OPM.