YouTube Philippines launched, opens new doors for Pinoy music
YouTube, the world's largest online video-sharing community, announced on October 13 the launch of its localized service for the Philippines.
As part of this initial phase of its launch, YouTube partnered with TV stations ABS-CBN, GMA Network and TV5. There will also be constantly-updated channels from President Benigno Aquino III at www.youtube.com/govph and www.youtube.com/rtvmalacañang as part of the administration's way of reaching out to the people.
'Fair payment for artists on YouTube'
A major highlight was the announcement of YouTube's partnership with local major record labels, the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP), and the new online portal PinoyTuner.
FILSCAP, being the collecting agency for local songwriters and music publishers, has set up a a licensing agreement that will allow local music artists to earn revenue from YouTube, via ad displays against their videos.
For FILSCAP general manager Debbie Gaite, “reaching an agreement with YouTube is a step forward that creates major new opportunities for our members and affiliates. From now on they will receive fair payment for the use of their works on YouTube which is a very positive step for our songwriters and publishers, and more broadly, the Internet.”
General counsel Thursday Alciso adds, “The partnership will also make protection for unlicensed use of copyrighted music easier to facilitate.”
New venue for indie musicians
PinoyTuner in the meantime has established itself as the newest online home for local musicians. Through its inaugural project, the alternative and rock radio channel DigRadio.ph, the months-old online music service has also given unsigned and independent musicians a venue for their music to be heard. Its partnership with YouTube strengthens and expands its commitment to introduce more of local talent to the worldwide stage.
They already have their own official channel on Youtube, featuring bands like Greyhoundz, Peryodiko, Wilabaliw, and comebacking independent vanguards Twisted Halo.
More artists are being added to the channel. According to PinoyTuner's content director Francis Reyes, they are currently in talks with local independent musicians, imploring them: “Don't make it hard for the audience to look for your music.”
These talks are leading to a potentially game-changing project involving local music, original content, PinoyTuner and YouTube. Details will be unveiled in the weeks to come. “We are so excited about this series of new initiatives,” says general manager Norman Bungubung. “Tune in to our YouTube channel and our site itself in the following days.” Indies (regardless of genre) are also encouraged to drop by the office (in front of the famous Saguijo Bar in Makati) or contact them via their website for details.
YouTube has changed the lives of artists like Charice and Arnel Pineda. Its local presence is bound to open doors for more talent in the vein of these two greats. And that can only be a good thing.
