MANILA, Philippines — Singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan said he has stopped receiving royalty payments from his recordings due to declining physical record sales and shifts in music consumption toward digital streaming, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday for his upcoming concert in Pasay City.
Chan said traditional revenue from CDs and record sales has largely disappeared, making it difficult for recording companies to compute and distribute royalties from his catalog.
“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,” Chan said.
Chan, known for songs including “Beautiful Girl,” “Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile,” and the Christmas standard “Christmas in Our Hearts,” said the situation raises concerns for younger artists who rely on music for income.
“I feel frustrated, but more so, I feel frustrated for the young singer-songwriters in this country. What is the future that they can look forward to?” he said.
He added that many emerging artists may need to seek additional work outside music to support themselves.
Chan said he could not recall when he last received royalty payments.
Despite the decline in recorded-music income, he said audience appreciation remains his main motivation.
“The joy comes from people liking my songs and making my songs a part of their lives,” he said. “That’s more than any check that I can receive.”
The 81-year-old artist said he does not plan to retire soon and intends to continue performing as long as audiences support him.
“I don’t know. I think for as long as the audience is there, I’m happy to sing for them,” he said.
Chan is scheduled to perform at “Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart” on July 11 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), where he will be joined by younger artists including Kolette Madelo, Lyka Estrella, JM Dela Cerna, and Marielle Montellano.