Rising Stars: Meet Rob Equiza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Equiza.

Hi Rob, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Jam Lemon Records was created by Rob Equiza in 2010 as a record label to house his music releases and those of his friends. Aside from making the music available online, most EPs and albums were also put out on CD in very limited quantity. Initially, the outings were sporadic, having just put out 12 releases (7 albums, 3 EPs, & 2 singles) in a span of seven years – all from just 4 artists in the roster (Rob Equiza, Brain of Zafra, Freeradio, & Juan Le Fuego). In 2018, along with Freemaya Productions, Jam Lemon Records co-produced the debut album from the collaborative group Banyan Project and released it on major streaming services. Having become interested in the modern avenue to share music and grow its roster, Jam Lemon Records started scouting for new artists while promoting the label through its production events in bars and malls. By 2020, recordings from new label artists Jany, Ja Ayong, Mace, Shaded Reveries, The Ballsbreakers, Christon Heart, Jeane J, FrolicNight, & Cheska have all been released on primary streaming services.

In March 2020, when the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown started in the Philippines, we created Jam Lemon RADIO an as a platform substituting actual stages for the Jam Lemon label artists and any artist wanting their songs to be included in a radio play. Over 500 tracks were submitted by artists from the Philippines, Australia, the United States, & European countries. Online concerts were also held regularly to give artists an avenue to continue performing. From then until today, Jam Lemon Radio continues to promote sounds from the indie underground on Spotify playlists, interviews, on their 24/7 online radio Zeno.fm/jamlemonrecords, and live programs on the label’s Facebook page.

2022 post-pandemic saw Jam Lemon Records continuing releases of singles, EPs, and albums from its label artists. The record label also aims to produce its releases on physical formats in CDs, cassettes, and vinyl. Jam Lemon Records, along with its art-related offshoots, is a beacon for underground artists – lending a hand to those who need and deserve it, to all artists in music, visual arts & literature.

Our music catalog, both digital & physical, so far has a total of 60 releases (singles, EPs, and albums combined) from the following bands/artists:

• Anarka Akaza
• Aqua Tofana
• Bad to the Bone
• Banyan Project
• Brain Of Zafra
• Cheska
• Christon Heart
• Doi Allequir
• Freeradio
• FrolicNight
• GRIDN
• Ja Ayong
• Jany
• Jeane J
• Juan Le Fuego
• Lana Gabrielle
• Mace
• Rob Equiza
• Shaded Reveries
• Project Spart
• The Bed Bites
• The Ballsbreakers
• The Moonrockers

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s always a challenging road. There are good years and bad years. But there’s growth over time. The most major hurdle is in the financial aspect. Apart from only occasional clients on song production from non-label artists, Jam Lemon Records makes very little profit – only relying on rare donations. With this, it is a feat to stage events and produces physical products and merchandise, if not for some sponsors willing to help.

Another area for improvement is some of the artists’ hesitation in coming aboard the label as they hold out for bigger labels. Understandably, being a small indie label, we’re simply a stepping stone for artists. If they decide to go with someone else eventually, that’s up to them, as long as we can provide our services to them when they need them most. Luckily, many local artists are willing to work with us.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am Rob Equiza, founder of Jam Lemon Records. I am a Filipino musical artist who writes, records, and produces my music. Since 2006, I have released music in various genres such as rock, alternative, folk, and electronic – including a score for a short film. I have also produced several songs from multiple artists. I specialize in songwriting, and music production, including its visual aspects, hosting, promotion, marketing, and artist management. Career-wise, I am equally proud of my music and record label. The quality that I put in my work, untainted by a hunger for fame and money, allows me to create a path I can call my own and leave a legacy with zero shame. Similarly, what makes me different from many others are the principles that I hold dear in life: depth, integrity, diplomacy, and balance.

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Just go for it! If you have something creative in your mind, if it keeps you awake at night, tugs at your heart, act upon it. Start as soon as you can! Stay focused on planning because that fire might go out soon if you don’t. Use all the resources currently available to you. Never fear failure. As long as you learn from your mistakes, you’ll be fine. Keep going and be adaptable. Understand that as time flows, like nature, there are different seasons.

Pricing:

• Full Band Song Recording (Includes Mix & Master) – US $90
• Acoustic Song Recording (Includes Mix & Master) – US $45
• Guitar Repair – US$20-40
• Guitar Maintenance – $10
• CD Albums/EPs – US$3-5

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/jamlemonrecords
• Facebook: facebook.com/jamlemonrecords
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/82673609/
• Twitter: twitter.com/jamlemonrecords
• Youtube: youtube.com/jamlemonrecords