RnB king Jay-R made another breakthrough in his musical career as his album “Elevated” has just turned gold.
He was awarded the recognition on ABS-CBN’s Sunday noontime variety show ASAP on Sunday. The awarding was presided over by Philippine Association of the Record Industry Inc. (PARI) Chairman Marivic Benedicto and Homeworkz Ad Prom officer Perry McDonald.
The album, released in 2014, sold around 7,500 units, both digital and physical, based on data compiled by PARI and the Optical Media Board.
The 35-year-old singer feels overly elated at the success of his album, saying all his hard work has paid off. Despite all the challenges, it is indeed his faith and love for original Filipino music (OPM) that drives him to further push his best in his craft.
“I feel great about receiving a gold record under my own label. All the hard work I put into the project really paid off. It was passion that kept my drive and spirit high. I’m passionate about spreading original music. I think originality and creativity is more important than statistics and numbers,” Jay-R said.
Being an independent music label, the album faces more challenges ahead. But “Elevated’s” gold hit just proves that good music defies all odds.
“Yes, it (challenge) is harder. Being an independent label, you don’t have the major label budget to work with. You don’t have the connections of the major (label). You really have to start from the bottom up as far as distribution, promotion, recording, mixing, mastering, photo shoots, music video shoots, paperwork, permits, etc.,” he stressed.
The RnB king proves he has been in the zenith of his game as showcased by his previous works which were certified bestsellers. “Gameface” (2003) turned double platinum, “Soul in Love” (2008) earned platinum and “Jay-R Sings OPM Love Classics” (2010) also turned gold.
He also feels proud of the achievements of his own record label, Homeworkz, as it continues to perform quite well, as evidenced by actress/singer Glaiza de Castro’s “Synthesis” album turning gold last year.
More than the physical recognition, Jay-R is most elated to say that the best reward of it all is knowing that OPM is still very much alive.
“I expect my fellow artists to realize that original music does sell. You don’t have to do remakes to sell music. It’s proven here at Homeworkz that our music lovers are looking for new creations. Classic songs will always be classic. But new songs are the future of OPM,” he said.
By the looks of it, it would not be far off before “Elevated” becomes platinum.
“I would love to hit platinum status! I will be promoting ‘Elevated’ at the same time as my new release of the new album this year. If I keep at it, I’m hoping I will reach the next level,” Jay-R said, keeping his fingers crossed.
In closing, the Pinoy RnB icon gives due credit to his Homeworkz team as well as Pinoy music fans.
“I want to point out that my special handpicked Homeworkz team is solid. It’s really a team effort. I couldn’t have done it without them. I would also like to thank all the music connoisseurs out there for keeping our OPM industry alive. We make music for your ears, hearts and souls. Thank you for allowing us music artists to have the best job in the world,” he said. Clarizel Abanilla