Jose Mari Chan clarifies comments on royalties were about physical music format
Jose Mari Chan clarified that his viral remark about no longer receiving "royalty checks" referred to physical music formats such as CDs and vinyl records.
In the past days, the veteran singer made headlines after revealing in a press conference that he no longer receives checks from his hit songs from the recording companies since most people now subscribe to streaming platforms or download songs.
"Unfortunately, since record sales are almost zero now, nobody buys records. Nobody buys CDs anymore. They download. And so, it’s hard to quantify those. So, I have not been receiving my checks from those recording companies,” he earlier said.
“I feel frustrated, but more so, I feel frustrated for the young singer-songwriters of this country. What kind of future can they look forward to? You know what I mean? Where can they get their income?” he added.
Speaking on Chan's behalf, Universal Records Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go said his remarks were intended to underscore the decline of physical album sales amid the industry's shift to digital music.
"We would like to clarify that Mr. Jose Mari Chan was referring specifically to royalties from CDs, cassettes, and vinyl records. As physical music formats have gradually declined over the years, so have the royalties associated with those sales. His statement should not be construed to mean that he no longer receives royalties from his music altogether," Dy-Go explained in a statement.
She added that artists continue to earn royalties through streaming, publishing, licensing, public performances, and other authorized uses of their music.
"The music industry has evolved significantly over the years. Today, artists have various revenue streams beyond physical album sales, including streaming services, publishing rights, licensing, and other royalty collection mechanisms. Mr. Chan's comments were simply referring to one specific source of royalties that has naturally diminished with changing consumer behavior," she said.
Chan is known for his classic songs, Beautiful Girl, Please Be Careful With My Heart, Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile, and the all-time favorite Christmas song, Christmas in Our Hearts.
In 2024, Repertory Philippines staged a musical Going Home to Christmas featuring Chan's songs.
