Singer-songwriter Denise Julia has announced that she has signed with U.S.-based record label EMPIRE, calling the milestone a historic moment in her career.
“Not so secret’s out 🥹 I’ve officially signed to a US label 🤍 thank you, EMPIRE 🩶,” she wrote on social media.
EMPIRE is a record label and distribution company founded in 2010 by Ghazi Shami. It has worked with artists including Kendrick Lamar, Bebe Rexha and 50 Cent, among others.
‘No nepotism’
Denise, citing her roots in Tondo, Manila, reflected on her journey, saying she never imagined that the “little girl making music out of instinct and pure love” would reach this point.
“No shortcuts. No easy path. No nepotism (lol) 😂 just years of choosing to create through every high and low,” she said, adding that being “one of the first and few homegrown Filipina artists signed to a major US label” is proof that Filipino artistry deserves a global stage.
The Filipina R&B singer also thanked her team and supporters who believed in her from the beginning.
“Thank you to everyone who believed in me before any of this looked possible. From barely full to sold out rooms, everyone who stayed and listened carried me farther than you’ll ever know,” she wrote.
Fellow artists and supporters took to social media to celebrate her new milestone.
“Praying for more success to come your way! Congratulations!” singer Ylona Garcia wrote.
“Philippines to the World. Just like we planned it from day 1. The story still being written. Proud of you. Time to keep turning up,” Columbia Records executive John Vincent Salcedo wrote.
“Written in the stars . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. our inspiration 🤍 forever,” artist Carissa King wrote.
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Denise is known for songs such as TikTok hit “NVMD,” “B.A.D,” “Lackin” and “Butterflies.”
She released her “2GOOD4U” track last week.
Last month, Denise was also spotted attending Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California.
“This is only the beginning. WE JUST MADE HISTORY BABYYYY 🇵🇭,” Denise concluded.
—With Rosette Adel
