Kean Cipriano admits unresolved tension with Arthur Nery

Kean also defends O/C Records amid MRLD controversy, saying artists were treated fairly.

Kean Cipriano revealed that he and singer-songwriter Arthur Nery had experienced tension during their time working together, admitting that the two “didn’t see eye-to-eye” and have yet to fully repair their relationship.

“Si Arthur Nery, honest to goodness, may tension. Nagkaroon kami… we didn’t see eye-to-eye,” Kean shared during his August 20 appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”

According to Kean, the situation was eventually addressed through an arrangement with Viva Records executive Vic del Rosario that led to Arthur’s transfer from the label.

When asked whether they had since repaired their relationship, Kean admitted that he did not think they had.

Despite their professional differences, however, Kean made it clear that he does not harbor personal ill feelings toward Arthur. He said he continues to wish the singer-songwriter and everyone else well.

Kean’s revelation came as he addressed the wider issues surrounding O/C Records, the label he founded with his wife, actress Chynna Ortaleza.

Months after the company became embroiled in a public dispute involving former artist MRLD, Kean finally shared his side of the controversy during the interview.

He firmly maintained that he and Chynna have treated their artists fairly, rejecting suggestions that O/C Records benefited from money that should have gone to its talents.

He cited the years of work the company poured into developing MRLD’s career, beginning when the singer-songwriter was still based in Leyte.

“Wala kaming kinukuhang hindi dapat kunin,” he stressed, emphasizing that the label did what it could to help its artists build their careers.

The controversy intensified earlier this year after MRLD spoke about receiving only five percent in royalties from her compositions, eventually leading to her departure from O/C Records.

Kean argued that the issue should not be viewed through a single percentage, explaining that the music industry involves multiple revenue streams, including recordings, publishing, live performances and endorsements.

He said an artist’s earnings can depend on the terms of their agreement, their career stage and the different areas covered by the business arrangement.

“That’s why it’s called the music business,” he said, stressing that artistic work and business decisions inevitably intersect in building a sustainable career.

Kean also pointed out that royalties from a sound recording are only one component of an artist’s potential income. A successful song can generate opportunities through concerts, publishing deals, endorsements and other commercial ventures.

Still, the controversy has affected him personally, particularly because he is also an artist.

“Nakaka-hurt siya dahil artist ako,” he admitted.

Kean explained that O/C Records was created from the perspective of artists who understand the importance of creative freedom while also wanting to help emerging talents navigate the business side of the industry.

Amid the criticism, he said he would rather address disagreements directly instead of engaging in prolonged exchanges online.

“Kung may problema, kung may concerns, kung may negotiations, anything, punta ka sa opisina, usap tayo,” Kean said.

“Mag-usap tayo. Huwag yung social media,” he added.

For Kean, the controversies surrounding O/C Records have highlighted how complicated the relationship between creativity and commerce can become in the music industry.

Despite the disputes, he continues to stand by the way he and Chynna have managed their company and maintains that the label never intentionally took anything that did not rightfully belong to its artists.

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