Candra Darusman Said About EO And Difficult Music Promoters When Billed By Royalties

Candra Darusman (leftmost) during a discussion with ACTION (Ivan Two Men/VOI)

JAKARTA - Candra Darusman shared his views on music royalties in a discussion organized by the All-Indonesian Composters Association (AKSI) at Artotel Gelora Senayan, Central Jakarta on Friday, February 28.

The 67-year-old musician was present as the Supervisor of the National Collective Management Institute (LMKN) at the invitation from Piyu and Badai as the General Chair and Secretary General of ACTION.

Based on his experience managing the National Collective Management Institute (LMK) more than 30 years ago, the collection of royalties for performing rights from music concerts or live events is the most difficult to handle.

"Radio, television, karaoke are obedient (rice royalties), which is rather difficult, EO (event organizer) and promoter. At that time, it was the most difficult to collect from the promoter," said Candra.

Still based on his experience communicating with EO and music promoters, Candra said that the stagnation of royalty payments was because the event that ended was not profitable enough.

He said, EO and promoters were burdened with expensive production costs, so that some organizers did not return on investment.

"We are open. After we have studied for years, EO also has problems. The point is that they are overloaded, billed here and there, 'Boro-boro pays songwriters, we just have to pay others'," he said.

Candra herself has had a bad experience with music royalties. He admitted that he did not get royalties for performing rights from his 1978 song, Youth, which is still being performed on the music stage.

"Friends know the song 'Young people'? 'Tu, I haven't got royalties until now? Zero,' said Candra. 'I've also experienced something like this, but I'm patient.