OPM Hitmaker Rannie Raymundo on Surviving the Music Industry

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Leaving an indelible mark in the industry is one of the grandest laurels an artist can achieve. But carving out a career embellished with a timeless hit or two, or being known for a name associated with prodigious musical talent, does not happen overnight. It requires more than just having a golden voice. It requires more than just hitting the notes and delivering the perfect pitch.

In a recent episode of The Roadshow, featuring guest Wish jock Gerald Santos, listeners got the chance to hear insightful words on how to survive the music scene straight from one of the most esteemed singer-songwriters in the country, Rannie Raymundo.

On welcoming a new breed of OPM acts

Being in the industry for three decades now, the “Why Can’t It Be” crooner said he is delighted to witness the rise of new talented acts and very much willing to support them in their craft.

“There is a cycle. You know, may darating na bago. That’s why we’re very happy because, kanino pa namin ipapasa to? Just like our predecessors, bago kami dumating, sila yung nandoroon, tapos dumating kami…That’s why it’s very nice to develop these new artists.”

(There is a cycle. You know, someone new will come. That’s why we’re very happy because, to whom else would we pass on the legacy of OPM? Just like our predecessors, before us, they were already there. That’s why it’s very nice to develop these new artists.)

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On the impermanence of fame

He also shared that an artist, no matter how high his/her achievements may be, must stay humble and always look back to those people who have always supported his/her career.  

“Youth will stay with you for a while. Even fame and fortune, it will not be permanent. But if you have love and admiration from people, whether you’re up there or down there, you will survive. So, always remember that art is first. Tapos magpasalamat kayo sa mga humahanga sa inyo. (And be thankful to your fans).”

On another important note, Rannie further enthused that an artist must really enjoy and love what he is doing. “Every second is important, and if we use the time properly, and we cherish it, then we will be happy, and we will survive.”  

On failing for and making music all over again

Meanwhile, remembering the songs he has written, Rannie admits that out of the thousand compositions, not all of them are that good enough. In fact, he admitted that half of them sounds terrible. But the hitmaker revealed that for him, there is no right or wrong in songwriting. What really matters is how honest the song is — it does not have to be very complicated.

“’Pag nagsulat kayo ng kanta, yung objective, is hindi para magpasikat kundi mag inspire. hindi ‘Wow ang galing nya magsulat ng kanta’ hindi ‘yon. Naramdaman ko ba yung sinulat mo? So, you aspire to inspire.”

(When you write, the objective is to inspire, not to impress and let people say, ’Wow, he’s a great writer.’ Ask, ‘Have you felt what you wrote?’ So, you aspire to inspire.)

Music is timeless. And it is easy for people to remember such heartfelt songs that touched their hearts by the time they hear it. That is one of Rannie’s principles as to why he continues to write songs that tells the story of life, love, struggles and success.

“People always ask me about sa secret ng success ko (People always ask me about the secret of my success). Why don’t you ask me about my failures? I have a lot. [But what’s most important is],  don’t be afraid. Sulat ka lang nang sulat (Keep on writing songs).“

As another treat to his fans, he performed a stripped down version of the OPM hugot anthem, “Why Can’t It Be.”