The company operates as both an independent record store and a music label under the registered trade name Backspacer Trading.2

Origins

Backspacer Records traces its roots to the personal vinyl collection of founder Robert Tuazon. According to an interview with Esquire Philippines, Tuazon began collecting records around 2009 following the release of Pearl Jam’s album Backspacer. His collection grew over time, and he became known in online music communities for assisting other collectors in sourcing records.4

Tuazon and his wife, Tasha Tuazon, eventually began selling surplus copies from their acquisitions. What originated as a collector’s hobby gradually evolved into a structured business venture.

In 2017, the couple participated in local Record Store Day activities, which prompted them to formalize their operations. They registered the Backspacer name, secured necessary permits and licenses, and launched an online sales platform, marking the official establishment of Backspacer Records as a business entity.4

The name

The name Backspacer is a direct reference to Pearl Jam’s 2009 album Backspacer. Robert Tuazon’s interest in the band was integral to the company’s origin story, giving the business a distinct identity rooted in personal collecting history rather than traditional music industry conventions.5

While Backspacer initially operated primarily as a record retailer, it eventually expanded into physical music production. A central tenet of this expansion was assisting Filipino artists and labels in pressing their music into physical formats, specifically vinyl.

In a 2021 interview, Tasha Tuazon described the company’s model as working with artists under agreements where Backspacer facilitates and distributes vinyl releases while financing the pressing and production. Initial runs typically ranged from 200 to 300 copies, with larger quantities produced depending on the project scope.6 This approach enabled artists whose albums might not otherwise receive a physical release to participate in the vinyl revival.

The company now describes its label operations as partnering with independent artists to produce OPM in vinyl, CD, and cassette formats. It also collaborates with established local and international record labels to manufacture physical records for their rosters.7

Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is central to the identity of Backspacer Records. Rather than functioning solely as a conventional shop for imported records, the company positions itself as an intermediary connecting Filipino artists, record labels, physical manufacturing, and collectors.

Its stated mission is to champion and promote OPM by producing new Filipino releases on vinyl through the Backspacer Records Collection.8 This initiative addresses the historical scarcity of physical OPM releases compared to digital formats. Consequently, Backspacer occupies multiple roles simultaneously:

• Record label
• Vinyl producer
• Distributor
• Retailer
• Importer
• Physical-media specialist
• Partner for established record labels
• Promoter of OPM physical releases

A 2023 milestone report identified the company’s two primary fronts as its record-store business and its growing role as a young record label.9

Backspacer has worked with a diverse range of Philippine artists and labels. Early projects included releases involving Ebe Dancel,18 The Itchyworms, Barbie Almalbis, Dong Abay, Truefaith, The Purplechickens, Kitchie Nadal, Ciudad, and Narda. A 2021 interview also highlighted a project involving Raymund Marasigan and various artists.10

The Dawn

A prominent example of the company’s output is The Dawn’s Tulad Ng Dati. Backspacer released the album as a double LP, remastered and reimagined for the band’s KWARENTA 40th-anniversary celebration. The edition was pressed on red-orange and orange-colored vinyl, featuring serial-number stamping and artwork by contemporary artist Lynyrd Paras.13 This release exemplifies the company’s approach to treating physical media as collector-oriented artifacts rather than mere digital transfers.

IV of Spades

Backspacer managed the vinyl distribution of IV of Spades’ Andalucia. Upon its launch in December 2025, the company served as the exclusive seller of the vinyl edition in the Philippines.11

SB19

By 2026, Backspacer had expanded its physical-format services for major acts such as SB19. The company handled preorders for the Global Version CD of Wakas at Simula, a two-disc set containing 24 tracks. The release featured specialized packaging, an NFC tag, photo prints, photocards, and a 52-page lyric booklet.1214 This project demonstrated the company’s capacity to function as a physical-release and fulfillment partner for top-tier contemporary Filipino artists.

Backspacer Records maintains a physical storefront in Kapitolyo, Pasig City, complementing its online presence. The current address is:

2nd Floor, Ace Plaza, United Street corner Brixton Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Philippines.15

The brick-and-mortar location opened in 2021 following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Esquire Philippines reported that the business had originally considered establishing a physical space as early as 2018 or 2019.15

The company’s inventory has grown significantly since opening. Its website currently lists more than 2,000 products, spanning vinyl, CDs, cassettes, box sets, limited editions, and other music-related merchandise.10

Inventory

Backspacer stocks both Filipino and international music. Collections include:

• OPM23
• Vinyl LPs
• CDs
• Cassettes
• Box sets
• Limited editions21
• Jazz
• Classical
• Blues
• Funk and soul
• Hip-hop
• Holiday albums
• International releases16
• Artist-specific collections
• Record-store exclusives
• Merchandise19

The international catalog is described as a curated selection rather than mass-market inventory.11 Online listings feature Filipino acts such as The Dawn, Eraserheads, BINI, IV of Spades, Barbie Almalbis, and Unique Salonga alongside international artists including Billie Eilish, Chris Cornell, Mariah Carey, and The Beths.10

Backspacer maintains relationships with established record companies, identifying several organizations as vinyl collaborators or distribution partners:

• Universal Records
• Vicor Music
• Polyeast Records
• Offshore Music
• Star Music
• Island Records Philippines
• UMusic Philippines
• Widescope Entertainment
• 12 Stone Records

These partnerships allow Backspacer to operate as physical-music infrastructure within the industry chain, bridging artists, labels, manufacturing, distribution, and collectors.17

The company’s operations are divided into four interconnected areas:

Retail

Sales of new vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and other physical music products through the physical store and website.

Distribution

Distribution of releases from Philippine labels and independent artists, alongside selected international titles.15

Physical Production

Assistance for artists and labels in converting albums into physical products, including vinyl, CDs, and cassettes.

Label Projects

Release of selected OPM projects under the Backspacer Records imprint.

This integrated model connects both sides of the physical-music ecosystem, distinguishing it from traditional labels that focus solely on marketing or stores that focus solely on retail.

Backspacer’s identity is defined by three core concepts:

Physical Music

The company promotes the idea that albums should exist as tangible objects for collection and preservation, beyond streams or downloads.

OPM Preservation and Promotion

Backspacer explicitly positions itself as a supporter of Filipino music in physical form, aiming to “push OPM forward” through physical releases.23

Collector Culture

The catalog heavily caters to collectors through limited pressings, colored vinyl, numbered editions, test pressings, special packaging, and exclusive releases.21 The company frequently markets the physical artifact associated with an album rather than just the music itself.

Robert Tuazon

Robert Tuazon is the collector and music enthusiast whose vinyl hobby formed the foundation of Backspacer Records. His interest in Pearl Jam and vinyl collecting was central to the company’s origins. Initially building his collection for personal enjoyment, he became known among online collectors for his ability to source records.26 He is primarily responsible for curating the store’s inventory.

Tasha Tuazon

Tasha Tuazon, Robert’s wife, played a key role in developing the business. Her background in e-commerce was instrumental in establishing the company’s online sales operation during its formative years.25 Together, the couple transformed a personal interest into a significant Philippine physical-music enterprise.

Backspacer Records operates under the registered trade name Backspacer Trading. The company states it is a member of the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) and holds relevant licenses from the Optical Media Board (OMB), Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Trade and Industry, and the City of Pasig. It also holds the NPC Seal of Registration regarding data-protection compliance.15

Trademark records from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines indicate a BACKSPACER RECORDS application filed by Robert Tuazon in September 2020, covering goods including audio recordings, musical sound recordings, gramophone/phonograph records, LP records, and related audio equipment.3

Backspacer Records emerged during the global revival of physical music but adapted this trend specifically for the Philippine market. Its significance lies in its ecosystem role rather than market dominance. The company created a pathway for Filipino albums to transition from digital or recorded masters to physical production, distribution, and ultimately to collectors.

This function is particularly relevant for older OPM albums originally released on cassette or CD, as well as for newer independent artists seeking physical representation. The catalog sits at the intersection of OPM history, modern independent music, vinyl collecting, and contemporary Philippine pop culture.

Although OPM is central to its identity, Backspacer is not exclusively focused on Filipino content. The store imports and distributes curated international releases across rock, pop, jazz, hip-hop, classical, soul, and soundtrack genres.16

This dual identity reinforces the business: international records attract collectors to the store, while the resulting customer base and expertise provide a viable market for Filipino physical releases.

As of 2026, Backspacer Records operates on a broader scale than its initial collector-driven model. Current activities include:

• OPM vinyl releases24
• International vinyl distribution
• CD and cassette releases
• Artist merchandise19
• Limited editions21
• Preorders24
• Global shipping22
• Artist/label physical-production projects
• Major artist campaigns such as SB19’s Wakas at Simula20
• Anniversary projects such as The Dawn’s KWARENTA material13

Recent company materials emphasize expanding the reach of Filipino music beyond domestic borders through worldwide sales and distribution.22

1. About us – Backspacer Records
2. Vinyl Record Store in the Philippines – Backspacer Records
3. Intellectual Property Center, 28 Upper McKinley Rd.
4. Robert Tuazon Tasha Tuazon Backspacer Records Interview
5. Backspacer Records 2023 Milestones
6. The Dawn – Tulad Ng Dati 2-LP (Backspacer Records)
7. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): IV of Spades Andalucia – Backspacer Records
8. SB19 – Wakas at Simula CD FAQs – Backspacer Records
9. [PREORDER] SB19 – Wakas at Simula Global Version CD – Backspacer Records
10. Products – Backspacer Records
11. Collections – Backspacer Records
12. Latest Uploads – Backspacer Records
13. The Dawn KWARENTA Collection – Backspacer Records
14. SB19 Wakas At Simula CD Launch Day Special Pick-Up! – Backspacer Records
15. FAQs – Backspacer Records
16. Jack White – Fear Of The Dawn LP (Limited Edition) – Backspacer Records
17. Locked Down Entertainment on first vinyl compilation ‘Locked Down
18. “Bawat Daan” album ni Ebe Dancel ilalabas bilang vinyl record
19. Merchandise – Backspacer Records
20. Backspacer Records – SB19
21. Backspacer Exclusive Pressings – Backspacer Records
22. Shipping policy – Backspacer Records
23. OPM Albums On Vinyl LP Plaka | Backspacer Records
24. OPM For Pre-Order – Backspacer Records
25. Tasha Tuazon – Backspacer Records | LinkedIn
26. Robert Tuazon – Backspacer Records | LinkedIn