On January 22, 2019, while most people were making New Year’s resolutions they’d soon forget, something unusual emerged in the Philippine music scene — a platform built not for fame, but for the dreamers. It was a shot in the dark — much like the “double-1” in darts — a difficult win, but glorious if you hit it.

That’s exactly what Rannie Raymundo — a name respected in the OPM industry — had in mind when he founded Madhouse Music, now recognized as an independent music label in the Philippines.

“Sira-ulo ka ba?”

Some called it crazy. And maybe that’s why it made sense to call it Madhouse.

Before he became the visionary behind one of the most talked-about indie collectives, Rannie was passionate about darts. In that world, “madhouse” is the dreaded double-1 — a hard target. When he started building Madhouse Music Philippines, an online platform for unpaid and unsigned Filipino songwriters, people didn’t quite understand his mission.

But Madhouse was never about being understood — it was about giving chances.

Madhouse isn’t a traditional record label. At its core, it’s a three-pronged ecosystem:

• A recording and production studio
• An independent music label
• A Philippine online radio playing unsigned and original music

The mission is simple: provide an honest platform for self-managed artists and those with no connections — just original songs and big dreams.

Studio Vibes: “Parang bahay ng tropa na may mic”

Artists walking into the Madhouse studio aren’t greeted by executives in suits. Instead, they find an environment that feels like jamming with friends — but with pro-level equipment.

“Hindi pressure cooker, kundi pressure with purpose.”

Through songwriting challenges during the pandemic, Madhouse gave Filipino songwriters ways to grow, collaborate, and stay inspired.

Many participants were first-time composers. But with each challenge, new songs — and communities — bloomed. The studio became more than a facility. It became a home.

The Label: Talent Over Trend

Forget formulas and TikTok hits. At Madhouse, the only requirement is authenticity.

“Walang pinipiling genre basta’t malinis, orihinal, at de-kalidad ang awitin.”

Each artist is handpicked by Rannie Raymundo himself — not because of followers or streaming stats, but because of their originality and musical substance.

Once signed, artists receive full development — from technical help to guided exposure. It’s a slow process, but one rooted in care, not speed.

Online Radio: Elevating Filipino Indie Voices

Madhouse Radio may no longer be live 24/7, but its essence is alive: it plays unsigned, original music — no politics, no payola.

The criteria? Clean lyrics, original composition, and genuine artistry. Artists can still submit their work by emailing madhousemusicvault@gmail.com.

Looking Ahead: Indie Pilipinas on the Rise

Madhouse dreams of seeing more indie songwriters on global stages, more Filipino stories told through music, and more artists embracing originality.

Their advice?

“Todo.”
Do it with everything you’ve got — no shortcuts, no apologies.

Follow Madhouse on Facebook and YouTube to discover the next wave of Filipino indie music.

Be bold. Be brave. Be original.