MR 20% HAS LEFT THE BUILDING WITH ELVIS (BITCHBACK)

Yes, it’s true: “Mr.20%” has left the building.

This was the infamous name given to one music executive with one of the so-called major record companies.

Formerly known as “Mr.10%”, the man grew greedy as his titles grew bolder and there was no one looking over his shoulder.

So he signed artists – mainly in China and Taiwan – he took “10%” for “handling charges”, made money with his “full-time gig” and gladly accepted back-handers.

Of course, he is not he first and nor will he be the last person in the Asian/Greater China business who has had this attack of Greed though the sanctimonious hypocrites will tsk, tsk this.

The problem with “Mr. 20%” was that what he did was the Greater China “music market’s” LOUDEST secret.

Music executives knew, those within the company knew, artists talked, managers squawked and so his boss in Oz had to finally do something.

He did a Donald Trump on him.

So, with “health issues” given as the reason for his move sideways, he is gone.

The bigger question is what will now happen to this major.

It’s in a fucking mess and with those who see opportunities for promotion are, like vultures, calling for advice as to how to “take over” from “Mr 20%”.

I have no advice to give.

The Greater China music market is an oxymoron.

It only exists in the minds of some who get excited that Baidu, or China Mobile, or Tencent etc are going to pay them 20 cents more.

And so what?

Remember that “360 Degree” mantra chanted by many dullards who hadn’t woken up to the fact that artists had wised up?

And knew they could have all “all the degrees” with the Three Degrees and “When Will I See You Again” thrown in?

Yes, outta the ashes will rise another phoenix.

But this phoenix will not be yet another “music company in China.”

And it cannot be another turkey.

There are too many of them around and going for a nickel and dime.

So you buy them cheap – and then what?

Look at Louis Pong and Pacific Capital who are left holding that turkey known as Gold Typhoon.

They can tell you that there is no money to be made in a music company in China.

And, I would add, anywhere else, for that matter.

No, this phoenix must be a totally, all-in-one entertainment company.

It must be capable of doing it all – creating and producing movies.

Creating and owning Intellectual properties.

Have access to venues.

Have the ability to handle all forms of marketing – traditional and social media.

And know how to make money.

This company doesn’t have to be BIG.

It doesn’t need the BIG office.

It just needs a few good people with BIG ideas – and who have the time management, the ability to juggle more than one ball and can really deliver.

Fuck all the meetings, conferences and conventions.

These are just wankfests to show that people are doing something.

Networking?

Nah. It’s all nothing but nutworking.

For years, I have kept quiet and allowed others to spout grand Wisdom.

Well, now I can say that this Wisdom should have had the name Norman in front of it – as in that great British comedian Norman Wisdom.

No one knows it all.

We are back to the drawing board.

And, like anything else, it’s those who can fill in that blank page will have a head start.

The others will simply be also-rans or has-beens or never-beens.

#chinaasiamusicindustry #mr20