Jose Mari Chan Sets the Record Straight on Album Royalties

Veteran singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan has clarified that his recent remarks about no longer receiving "royalty checks" referred specifically to earnings from physical music formats such as CDs, cassettes, and vinyl records, not to all forms of music royalties.

The clarification comes after comments he made during the media conference for his upcoming concert, Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart, which will take place on July 11 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). During the press conference, some of his remarks sparked discussions online, with several readers interpreting his statement to mean that he no longer receives royalties from his music altogether.

According to Universal Records Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go, Jose Mari's remarks were meant to highlight the decline of physical album sales over the years as the industry shifted toward digital music consumption.

"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.

She added that while physical record sales are no longer the primary source of music consumption, artists may still earn royalties through digital streaming platforms, music publishing, synchronization licenses, public performances, and other authorized uses of their recordings, subject to the terms of their respective agreements.

"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."

Jose Mari Chan made the remarks while reflecting on how the music industry has transformed throughout his decades-long career. From an era dominated by vinyl records, cassette tapes, and compact discs to today's digital-first landscape.

Known for timeless classics such as Beautiful Girl, Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile, and the beloved Christmas anthem Christmas in Our Hearts, Jose Mari remains one of the country's most celebrated recording artists, with his music continuing to resonate with generations of listeners across both traditional and digital platforms.

The clarification aims to address any misunderstanding surrounding his comments and underscores the distinction between royalties derived from physical album sales and those generated through today's broader music ecosystem.