FAST TRACK’S OPEN LETTER TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Dear Mr Lo,

I have many friends who run bars, restaurants, boutiques etc in Hong Kong. Times are tough and we are living in a down economy. What none of these hard working people need are organisations like the IFPI harassing them to pay small amounts of money to play “your music”.

Seriously, don’t you have better things to do – like try and sell music or are you being paid to harass these people?

I have been executive director at Universal Music and EMI Music, so I know what I’m talking about: Nothing to do with you personally, but this is a very “silly” rule set up by people like John Kennedy to get a tiny amount of money from, frankly, venues that should be your partners as they are promoting your music – and marketing it – for free.

Of course, you and similar organisations can send letters asking for payments – but payment for what? For example, if a restaurant plays music from Egypt, or India, or other “World Music” markets, surely, they’re doing you a favour? What do they receive from your organisation in return?

What we’re talking about is not an infringement of copyright. We are talking about major music companies trying to nickle-and-dime small bars , restaurants, fitness centres, boutiques etc trying to make a living with bully-boy tactics getting in their way. I know how music companies work, I know where their priorities lie and, sorry, you and your organisation – and organisation similar to yours – are missing The Big Picture – which is how to sell music – and get your music heard by as MANY different venues as possible. If you put your efforts into this – and focus on it – we might see a “resurrection” of a very dead industry with right now, no business partners.

I’m willing to speak to you, Ricky Fung, or anyone else on this matter as I find it quite laughable and will take this to a far greater court – the public.

Sincerely, Hans Ebert Chairman We-Enhance www.FastTrack.hk

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