In addition, with reciprocal agreements with other foreign performing rights societies, MACP also represents more than two million international composers, lyricists and publishers and controls for Malaysia in excess of 12 million pieces of musical works from all over the world.
Top celebrities and top guns in the entertainment industry were among the guests at the dinner function. Performers included Atilia, Nora and Francesca Peters.
(Jessie Chantelle Chocolate)
There was a video spoof on the ailing music industry which blamed downloads was projected on the screen. This aspect of the night that caught my attention. The video was funny which had the audience in stitches. But on a more serious tone, the music industry, not only locally but also internationally is experiencing bad times with very much reduced sales. The industry has become a victim of innovation in technology.
During those days when we get to hear songs by buying CDs at retail stores, the industry was plagued by music piracy where unscrupulous businessmen produced songs on CDs without paying for copyright. This act was rampant and pirated CDs could be seen being sold at night markets and shopping complexes. Raids by police and enforcement agencies were carried out but it was a futile effort.
Most recently, another form of malady plaguing the music industry is file sharing or illegal music downloads on the internet. Since the days of Napster, music listening or procuring and the music industry have never been the same. Music industry bosses endlessly complain about lost sales due to the illegal downloads.
(Ahmad Izham Omar - 8TV Boss posing with JessieChantelle Chocolate)
But is this true? Where did the money go to in spending? It does not mean illegal downloading of music caused the fall in sales in music business. According to a study in UK money used to be spent by youngsters on music has gone to other items, namely games, DVD or DVD rentals. One would rather spend on games that can will last weeks rather than on a CD with two great tracks and eight dud ones. I think the real discretion in spending is choosing the game and downloading the two tracks.
(Nor Fatimah - Award winning composer/singer posing with JessieChantelle Chocolate)
It seems not everybody in the music industry is hurt by the file sharing phenomenon. Musicians and composers, especially the 'experimental or cutting edge' ones would like to get their music out there fast in the form of sampling without listeners incurring costs.
There seems to be many and endless debates on file sharing or illegal downloads of music which is among the many factors blamed for the problem that ails the music industry.
