Viva announces search for 10 new songwriters

No “talented creators,” no “hit songs.”

Thus said Viva Entertainment founder and chair Vic del Rosario, who recently announced a new nationwide talent search for talented, unsigned composers.

Dubbed Viva Musika, the project intends to discover 10 new songwriters to be added to Viva Music Publishing’s lineup. Aside from recording contracts, they will also receive P100,000 cash, royalties and opportunities to have their compositions featured in a soundtrack of a Viva production.

“The music business is dependent on compositions. And these compositions are the works of composers. We can’t have the hit songs without these talented creators,” Del Rosario said in a statement.

Entry forms will be available at [email protected] starting today up to Nov. 24. Those who wish to take part in the tilt will be required to submit three original songs that have yet to be recorded, performed or licensed to a music publisher.

The names of the 10 composers with the best song entries—to be appraised by a panel of judges—is set to be announced on Dec. 18.

Del Rosario has been in the business of tapping and building music stars for over 50 years.

Vicor Music, founded in 1966, was home to such revered artists and acts as George Canseco, Willy Cruz, Jose Mari Chan, Rey Valera, Freddie Aguilar, Odette Quesada, Pepe Smith, Wally Gonzales and Mike Hanopol of the Juan de la Cruz Band, Dennis and Rene Garcia of Hotdog and Yoyoy Villame.

Meanwhile, Viva Records, founded in 1982, released hits by the likes of Ogie Alcasid, Vehnee Saturno, Moy Ortiz, Edith Gallardo and Louie Ocampo.

Del Rosario hopes that Viva Musika could produce songs worthy of being included in the list of Filipino classics. “This search intensifies our long-running efforts to look for hidden talents, and nurture their music careers to the fullest potential,” he said.—ALLAN POLICARPIO