Singer-songwriter MRLD announces she is transitioning back to being an independent artist, marking a new chapter in her career after five years with O/C Records.

In a statement on March 6, she says the move comes from a desire to reclaim creative freedom and receive fairer compensation for her work. She explains that she previously earns only five percent from songs she both writes and produces under the label.

“As a songwriter and producer, I believe I deserve more than five percent,” she says, adding that the arrangement makes it difficult to support her family. She emphasizes that she is a breadwinner with sisters still in school, saying her family “cannot live on loose change” (“di kami mabubuhay sa barya lang”).

MRLD clarifies that her decision is not driven by resentment. Instead, she frames it as a matter of survival and self-advocacy. She says she previously requested meetings about her concerns, but those efforts do not lead to a resolution.

Despite describing the process as filled with “frustration and sadness,” she expresses gratitude to the people she works with at the label. She also shares excitement about what comes next as she starts again as an independent musician.

“Starting from zero again is scary,” she says, “but I’m excited to finally release music on my own terms.”

The announcement marks a return to MRLD’s roots. 

Before signing with a label, she begins her music career at just 14 years old as an independent artist, building a following online through heartfelt releases such as An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You and Ligaya.

Now stepping into a new phase of her career, she looks forward to creating music freely and receiving the full value of the work she puts into it.

PHOTO: MEWYEL (via Instagram) and MRLD (via Facebook)