Gigi Personnel Express Opinions Regarding Music Royalty Problems In Indonesia

Gigi (Instagram @gigibandofficial)

JAKARTA - Gigi personnel do not seem to talk much about the issue of music royalties in Indonesia, which many other musicians feel need to be voiced. However, that doesn't mean Armand Maulana (vocals), Dewa Budjana (guitar), Thomas Ramdhan (bass) and Gusti Hendy (drums) don't care.

Dewa Budjana saw the royalty problems that have been widely discussed in recent times, between the songwriter and the musician who performed the song. Meanwhile, the problem did not surface much in Gigi.

"Because of the relationship between the creator and the singer. In Gigi, it just so happened to be together," said Dewa Budjana, quoting from The Soleh Solihun Interview, Tuesday, May 21.

"If there are many outside, other friends don't think about it, the creator feels aggrieved because the singer doesn't pay royalties. Yes, it means that from the start there was no agreement. If we do the song together, create it, mostly. So, what do you want to contribute too," continued Budjana.

Gigi personnel basically still see the need for improvement in many aspects related to royalties. According to them, the current system has not been able to guarantee the rights of the creators.

"Actually, we have often (talked about royalty issues). We are active when there are activities, we always give opinions. But yes, it hasn't changed either. There has been no significant change," said Gusti Hendy.

Although it is recognized that it is still far from wild, Gigi personnel also agree that the current condition is much better than the beginning of their career in the music industry.

"Actually, if you say it hasn't changed, yes, but it's better than in the past. If we look at Gigi's 30 years, there have been many changes, especially since children now understand a lot better," said Budjana.

"You don't have to talk about the era of Bang Oma, Bimbo or God Bless, our era is (still severe). Yes, it's better (now). But if you say is it perfect? Yes, far away," said Armand.

Especially for mechanical rights, Gigi sees royalties collection much better than performing rights.

If the publicishing tends to be safe. Because if for example someone wants to use Gigi's song for advertising, that's his business with publishing. There are already calculations," concluded Gusti Hendy.