Rob Equiza’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Rob Equiza and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Rob, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Being a family man, as a father and a husband, is the top priority in my life and gives me the most satisfaction and purpose in life. It’s not that it’s overlooked but it’s just the main thing I naturally do every day that it doesn’t need announcing nor make it public that much.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Rob Equiza, a Filipino musical artist and a label executive for Jam Lemon Records. As a musician, I have released 4 studio EPs , a studio album, a live album, and 2 compilation albums in varying genres and have toured my music live in many parts of my country as well as in a couple of neighboring countries in our region. As a record label owner, I constantly guide and assist artists in aspects of production, release, branding, and marketing.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
It’s always ultimately the care for each other. Once that gets lost (or was lacking from the start), any relationship will weaken. In a society where most things are disposable, friendships seem to be included in that list for most people. In my field, a lot of circles are in the culture of making connections for the purpose of using people for their self-gain. Genuine bonds should not be transactional. It should be built on true friendships – in that they have to be interested in the life and works of each other, extend help to one another, and have care for each other.

Lost bonds between people are rarely ever restored but it does depend on the gravity of the falling out. If there’s a mutual interest in restarting that connection, working together on something with a good cause is a great start.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Every now and then it occurs, specially for artists. Those who do not have an ounce of doubt in themselves are only fooling themselves. My tremendous self-questioning happens almost every year and it lasts for about 2 to 3 months. In the most recent one, I wrote an 8-paragraph essay on how logical it is to just quit music altogether. At the time, I was in my seasonal depression and the financial pressure became too heavy to bear. I never did share nor publish that. Thankfully I got back up on my feet and shortly after that, a lot of good things came my way. I released an EP with my band, I got a new guitarist & a keyboardist, and we got to play our first shows abroad in Thailand & Indonesia! All with the help of amazing friends.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That if you achieve stardom, all your problems will be solved. And this is the reason why a lot of artists compromise little by little until overtime they lose their integrity. Very few can ever feel contentment. It’s not the money that’s the answer, nor the praise and adoration of strangers. Every stage has its own challenges but the most important thing to possess at all times is your character and artistic expression.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
All the time. As an artist, I rarely think of how people would react to the songs I write. Although I do care how they’ll be understood. As a record label owner, I also mentor several artists and help them in whichever way I can and most times that task is thankless. In cases like that, I always come back to the teaching of my mother, which is that service is the main purpose of life.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Tracy Tuason-Obong, Cha Quintos, Nimrod, Tan Lagrimas, Britbox

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Betting on the Brightside: Developing and Fostering Optimism

Optimism is like magic – it has the power to make the impossible a reality

Highlighter Series
What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?

There is no one path – to success or even to New York (or Kansas).

Leadership Development
Finding & Living with Purpose

Over the years we’ve had the good fortunate of speaking with thousands of successful entrepreneurs,