Venturing off towards a new path, Bret Jackson established a music and video production company called 7640. Their mission is to bridge culture and innovation in the music industry while producing global content that's relatable and purposeful. With the launch of its official site, 7640 is a powerhouse for production, marketing, and distribution.

"By Infusing our DNA into your projects, you can take advantage of the taste and identity of 7640.  Positioning you as strong advocates of tasteful innovation, authentic talent, and branded creativity. Go beyond the commercial norm and be part of the ever-progressing culture and narrative."

As it looks, Bret Jackson is the Founder and Creatives Head of 7640, Inc., but it was also co-founded alongside Isagani Palabyab, Mic Palabyab, Liz Jao and Archie Carrasco. Bret began his artistic profession in 2011, and since then has piloted major projects. He previously was the co-founder and former A & R of Careless Music, but also worn hats as a creative director, record producer, and songwriter.

7640 aims to bring out the next phase of content creation and marketing to the industry. The team is a mix of underground tastemakers and culture shakers ready to elevate the music scene with cultural relevance.

Cover Photo Credit: 7640

Bret Jackson moved back to his hometown of Dumaguete and is helping spread Filipino talent with his new companies 7640 and Paraisla in partnership with AGC Powerholdings Corp. As he ventures in these new projects, Bret looks to bring the talent from the provinces to the forefront. He sat down with MEGA Man to talk about empowering the youth and risking it all.

The launch of 7640 and Paraisla took a couple of years of brainstorming and preparation before fully forming. Bret teamed up with AGC Powerholdings Corp, the home of the biggest local and international media brands to make it happen. 7640 is a full-scale production house and marketing think tank that focuses on creating meaningful content; Paraisla is a record label created by artists for artists that looks to emphasize culture in the entertainment industry.

Bret made the shift and moved back to Dumaguete to pursue these new ventures and become a creative powerhouse. The homecoming began during the pandemic and made him want to become the best version of himself. He aims to push the culture through local artists and tell a narrative that everyone is worth something no matter what anyone tells you.

The pull to start a production house and record label started because of Bernard, a friend and local artist who recently passed. He was a fellow artist in every sense from being a musician to creating art and poetry. He was someone who Bret looked up to. Although a local celeb himself, Bernard encouraged Bret to bring his own knowledge home and to help the community in Dumaguete.

Now, Bret's home and ready for his vision to come true. He wants to pay it forward to other creatives and be what Bernard was for him. “I didn’t make it in time to be able to help my friend, but that’s why I’m more driven than ever right now to continue what I’m doing because there’s another Bernard out there. There’s another little me. All these [creative] kids that deserve it."

Catch the Bret's piece on MEGA Man here.

Cover Photo Credit: Mega Magazine Facebook

Careless Music, the independent label founded by James Reid made huge announcements today. Last MYX Global caught up with James and Careless A&R Bret Jackson (KINGwAw), they hinted the next signee is a she and has the letter E in their name. Today, we finally find out the newest Careless artist is upcoming artist Jolianne Salvado from Cebu, Philippines. However, Careless drops another surprise with a signee that diversifies the label as a talent management company. Also added to the roster are dance world champions, The A Team.

JOLIANNE

Jolianne who's currently 17, was a contestant on The Voice Kids Philippines in 2015. Since then, she's already opened for Air Supply, Michael Learns to Rock, and Stephen Bishop. Her R&B/Pop sound fits right in with Careless' vibe. With Jolianne's smooth riffs and silky sound, her debut single Sublime out on March 26th is sure to cater to the Careless Music fans. She'll not only be releasing a song, but also a music video.

Hoping to create music that resonate, Jolianne's Sublime is reminiscent of a soulful track that showcases her vocal talent. Besides her debut single under Careless Music, be on the look out for even more music coming this year.

THE A TEAM

The label then ventures out to turn "movement into poetry" with the addition of The A Team. They are leading the way in Philippines dance hip-hop as they've represented at the World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Las Vegas. The crew led by dance duo, Angelica and MJ Arda brought home gold in 2014 and named as Megacrew champions. The Ardas are "excited and hyped to embark on this new journey with Careless." With the crew's 10 year anniversary, they look to elevate dance in both the community and industry.

CARELESS MUSIC 2021 AT A GLANCE

Careless Music has more in store for 2021 from new music from their artists: Nadine, AstroKidd, Massiah, and James. The team is also expanding to visual art with the production company, The Finest. They look to break the norm and explore new possibilities using creative spaces.

Their projects so far has touched on various creative avenues for their artists. The goal is to continue their artistry and professionalism while expanding locally and globally. Careless Music has partnered up with Transparent Arts. Transparent Arts was founded by Far East Movement and collaborated with some of the biggest names in music. Another way for a global reach is with collaborations. We caught a glimpse of it with James' feature on Backhouse Ballin' with Vancouver R&B duo, Manila Grey.

A lot is on the horizon for Careless Music just wait and see. With new content set to release throughout the year, expect a new digital experience. On the lineup are live performances, livestreams, and digital concerts. Just like you we're along for the ride and ready to jump into the experience.

Cover Photo Credit: Careless Music Facebook

Artist and actor James Reid kicks off the year with a new single, Soda. The groovy track will have you placing it on your driving playlist ready to vibe along anytime. The track released by his own independent label, Careless Music explores the nonlinear journey we’ve all experienced the past year. The song has been hitting the top of the charts in the Philippines. He hopes that Soda along with soon to be released tracks will show people a different side of him. Dannieboi chats with him to talk more about music and asks your myxer questions!

Although James mentions that the title, Soda doesn’t have anything to do with the lyrics it relates more with the sound. The track created last November then recorded in December, James says the “title came before the lyrics.” Soda was the name of the beat then they ran with it. He wanted to incorporate things he grew up with while mixing his own style into the track.

However, the meaning behind the lyrics may not be as straightforward. While creating the track with Bret Jackson and producer Isagani Palabyab, Soda looks at rolling with the punches. It talks about the ups and downs while seeing how situations affect people differently.

While Soda might not be part of an album, we can hold out that an album is in the works. However, the surprises aren’t over yet. A visualizer is coming out this Saturday, 2/6 on Careless Music’s Youtube channel for the track. The visualizer isn’t a music video, it’s more of 3D art of the cover but a music video is coming too! Before we can experience a full-length album, expect to be hear more singles on the way. James explains that he’s looking to play around with styles and just create before putting an album out. He also enjoys the feedback from fans as he experiments with his music.

After chatting music, Dannieboi then turns to the myxers to ask James’ a few questions:

1. What are you grateful for in the past year?
   
   James first mentions he’s grateful for the support of his friends and family. Going independent is a daunting journey, but “I’m surrounded by talented people who are ambitious and want to make a difference. They look to place their mark on the world.” Secondly, he’s thankful for the fans. It’s been a while since his last project, but fans have been supporting the track since its release.

2. What do you hope listeners get out of the track?

Honestly he tells us that hee didn’t think too much about it. “I want people to get to know me better and how my mind works." A lot of the song is being introspective. It’s the feeling of peace and knowing that we are where we're supposed to be right now.

3. Is there another compilation album for Careless? Vol. 2?

Before another Careless Mixtape, the team would like all artists to release their own catalog first. Everyone has their own sound and when a collab happens, they want to create a fusion of music.

4. Are there any live events coming soon?

James hints that there will be more digital live events and performances from Careless Music. In the meantime, look out for Nadine’s online concert for her visual album, Wildest Dreams, which will include collaborations and remixes.

If you’re curious about the other myxer questions James answered like who their next signee will be, you’ll just have to watch to find out. Before heading out, James teases there will be merch for Soda and promises to release a lot more bangers!

Cover Photo Credit: Careless Music Manila Facebook

Dannieboi is back with Careless Music in this myxCLUSIVE talking to the creative minds behind the label, James Reid and Bret Jackson. We catch up with them since the release of Careless artist, Nadine Lustre’s Wildest Dreams visual album, talk about the venture toward more international exposure, and find out what’s coming up on the horizon for Team Careless.

The Whole Thing is a Crazy Dream:

Bret and James agree the last 2 weeks have been hectic for the label. Within the first 3 days of its release, the Wildest Dreams visual album reached over 1 million views on Youtube. With this project, they hoped to get people thinking and asking deeper questions about growth and breaking down mental barriers. Bret highlights that it's a wholistic experience.

“It's about the overall message and watching the whole thing gives you the full message we were trying to go for .”

The Wildest Dreams visual album is the first of its kind in OPM (Original Pilipino Music) history and the feedback has been positive. James says, “people’s minds seem to have been blown and that’s the reaction we were going for.” If you’re like us and need more content, Bret and James reveal that merch has dropped with designs inspired by each song on the visual album. You’ll have to cop your gear soon as items are selling out fast!

The guys also hinted to an alternate ending, which they’ll eventually reveal along with more behind-the-scenes footage, podcasts with Nadine, and director’s commentaries about the process of making the music and its videos. BRB, clearing our schedules real quick!

_­Great Time to Do Something New and Innovative:

2020 didn’t stop Careless Music from creating and expanding their reach. Moves are being made for 2021! Bret believes that now is the time to step up. “2020 is a cultural reset for people. It leveled the playing field for everyone…gave opportunities to others like Careless to step forward.” Earlier this year, it was a big step when James performed on the IDENTITY: Project Blue Marble global charity music fest hosted by Transparent Arts. We asked James about his signing with Transparent Arts, co-founded by Virman from Far East Movement and what that means for Careless.

“Before quarantine, I spent time in LA with Virman and James Roh, it really was just the people. They see potential in the Philippines and they recognize what we’re trying to achieve with Careless…they want to help us expand into other markets.”

Lots to Look Out for Early Next Year:

Dannie tries to get Bret and James to drop more hints as to who their female signee is, but they wouldn’t budge. However, we can expect an official announcement early next year! Anyone have any guess yet? With that, loads of new stuff are also on the horizon come January. The team has been working hard on music and maybe we can expect James to officially release “I Know You Care” which we’ve all been waiting for.

The guys also answered a few fan questions and filled us in on James’ current agricultural initiative. Besides music, James is also an Ambassador of Food Security for the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture. He tells us about the Re-Terra initiative which is a “design competition that targets architecture students to help come up with ways to solve the problems of food security and integrate agriculture into the city.” Honestly, what can’t they do?

Careless is taking over and we can’t wait to see what they’ll do next. Keep up to date with all things Careless: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and kumu (@carelessph).

ICYMI watch our past myxCLUSIVES with Bret and Nadine!