Jose Mari Chan, Universal clarify comments on 'royalty checks'

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan issued a clarification regarding his viral comments that he does not receive royalties anymore for his music spanning decades.

Chan made the remarks during the press conference of his upcoming "Afterglow: Seasons of the Heart" concert next month, leading people to believe he no longer gets paid through royalties.

The artist later made it clear he doesn't receive royalties from physical music formats like CDs, cassette and vinyl record sales, but still does for other royalty forms.

Universal Records Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go echoed Chan's explanation, noting how it highlights the growing decline of physical album sales as people are shifting to consuming music digitally.

RELATED: Drake, Taylor Swift lead Apple Music's all-time streaming list

"As physical music formats have gradually declined over the years, so have the royalties associated with those sales," the executive continued. "His statement should not be construed to mean that he no longer receives royalties from his music altogether."

Dy-Go assured that artists still earn royalties through digital streaming platforms, music publishing, synchronization licenses, public performances, and other authorized uses of their recordings, reiterating that physical media aren't the primary source of music consumption now.

"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," she added.

Some hits by Chan include "Beautiful Girl," "Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile," and "Christmas in Our Hearts," the latter of which is no doubt repeatedly streamed on digital platforms whenever September rolls in.

RELATED: How the British royal family is funded, and where the money goes