"However, during the EP-making process, I realized that my true passion lay not in making money as a "mixing engineer," but rather in nurturing talent within the music scene."
FREESPIRITS Collective
For our small collective, which started in early 2024, we have only a small studio, a talented and creative artist, and a big dream: to break into the hip-hop industry. This is the long-term goal of the FREESPIRITS Collective, and for me, it's just the beginning of a dream.
When I started, my main goal was to bring together local artists in our small town. I met KEVS and Jay from Medisina Wrld during that time. When they visited my old studio, they asked me to join them in forming a new group called Ten Toes Gang (TTG). Being a starting rapper eager to collaborate more with KEVS, I accepted their offer and also suggested forming the FREESPIRITS Collective alongside TTG.
After that, two key members joined the FREESPIRITS Collective: Young Wayne and Don Owa from Cavinti, Laguna. Young Wayne is a hidden talent who can rap and sing melodies, influenced by hip-hop from the early 2020s. Don Owa, on the other hand, has a more hardcore style, drawing inspiration from street life in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Don Owa has some experience in the underground scene, while Young Wayne is still progressing in his career.
Following Don Owa's addition, I invited more members from Medisina Wrld and Young KOS Music. Then, we started our first project featuring our early collective's roster, called Cypher 01.
Due to limited finances and resources, we adopted a DIY approach. We handled everything ourselves, from mixing and mastering to creating track art, music videos, and promotions.
After a month, Zion, one of our most promising members, finally booked studio time. After some sessions and bonding, I asked him if he wanted to join FREESPIRITS, to which he eagerly agreed.
To push us further, I proposed to Zion and Young Wayne a individual extended play (EP) project. However, during the EP-making process, I realized that my true passion lay not in making money as a "mixing engineer," but rather in nurturing talent within the music scene.
I aspire to see them succeed in the hip-hop world, despite the challenges of our country's music scene. Even though the competition is tough and the industry is dominated by big players, I truly believe that the FREESPIRITS Collective deserves recognition as a label or contributor company, akin to TMP or Universal Records.
It might seem like a crazy dream, but dreaming of soaring high is something we've held onto since childhood. It's like a spirit that fuels our soul to keep going, even without external support.
Sher Carlo Avila
FREESPIRITS Collective
Such an inspiring story! I hope many artists will see this and be inspired to pursue their passion in music no matter how crucial to make it, like how the collectives of the FREESPIRITS are still persisting in making their own name in music industry.