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"Hi,Anni, From your point of view, what made TVB lost its "Golden 80s" charisma? As you may knows, during the 80s, TVB's programmes were extremely famous among Asian countries including Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Vietnam and etc. But now, TVB appears to be less famous." Pom, Leicester
Anni: Dear Pom, Like Cantonese pop, entertainment execs got greedy during the early 90s. The creative process gave way to commercialism and capitalizing on a growing consumer demand. Like what Andy Lau said in an article translated by HKVP News today, actors used to sit down, read their lines and discuss their roles and the plot, but no more. There really is no incentive for TVB to shape up - they monopolize the local television market and self-congratulatory awards are given by the channel itself, not by an outsider committee. Distribution is a problem too - consumers can only purchase, not rent, TV series on VCD.

"Dear Anni, I sent a message about adding Chelsia Chan into your artists list but until now I still cannot find her name in the list. According to yesterday's news, Chelsia has composed a new song for charity which will be sung by Jackie Chan, Alan Tam, Jacky Cheung and Andy Lau. Moreover, Chelsia is now recording a new album and will be released next year. So I wonder why you overlook this great artist?" Louis, Hong Kong
Anni: Dear Louis, We will add Chelsia to our list soon. Thanks for your input.

"Dear Anni, Are there any special broadcasts coming up on HKVP Radio? I love the shows HKVP plays. It's great to tune in from work." Victor, New Jersey
Anni: Dear Victor, As soon as I get home (still out of town on business), we will start putting together an Asian-American showcase featuring indie and minor-label acts from the East to West coast. These indie and minor-label acts will shape the next music industry trend. The music, creativity and talent is amazing and will break every stereotype we've had about Asians - that we're only good in clerical, mathematical or brainy jobs. Among those featured (some are friends, some are clients and some are just terrific): Kevin So, Johnny Hi-Fi, Jin, Vienna Teng, Maggie Kim, Sophia Moon, Vudoo Soul, Robin Lang, DX5, Frances Kim, Elysia, Coco Lee, Angela Ai, Kristine Sa, At Last, Harlemm Lee and much more. In addition, we'll also be showcasing works and concerts from Joseph Koo, Connie Chan, Deanie Ip and will rebroadcast Snow Wolf Lake.

"Hi Anni, Do you know why Hacken Lee was in a period of obscurity before he became popular again? Susanna, Sydney
Anni: Dear Susanna, My friend, who used to work with Hacken, told me that that this singer was too haughty and snooty for his own good. Industry "friends" and media basically cut him off. Alan Tam swooped in, put Hacken under his wing and Hacken became a born-again salty fish.

"Hi Anni, How are the sales of Leon's new album doing?" Kenny, San Jose
Anni: Dear Kenny, Pretty well. So well that the singer is refusing to hold an autograph/listening party to continue to boost sales, and even went to China to film a movie on the day of the album release. Of course, Leon can do this because he released this album under his own label, East Music Asia. Being his own boss, he calls all the shots and chooses not to do the usual circus usually accompanied with a release.

"Hi Anni, I've just come back from Gallen Lo's show, and I'm not myself! He's such a great man! I sneaked in backstage and he did go out to sigh the postcards for me, even though his manager was adamant that he didn't have enough time to change for the next song...He's so sweet!" Mimosa, New Brunswick
Anni: Dear Mimosa, Way to go! Happy to hear about your sweet encounter with Gallen. I had tickets, but I didn't go.

"Is veteran actress Connie Chan Poh Chu acting in any films now? Please let me know her new releases." Jeeny, Malaysia
Anni: Dear Jeeny, I'll ask her the next time I talk to her. When we spoke recently, she said she wasn't really keen on taking any more work this year, but is planning something big for 2005.

"Hey Anni, I'm a singer and I want to get signed to a record label. I write all my own songs and I heard that once I sign with a label, I'll have to give up all types of creative control and probably won't own the songs anymore either. What is the best case scenario for someone like me?" Paulie, California
Anni: Dear Paulie, Since you write your own songs, I assume you are or will be signed with a performing rights organization such as ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. One of these companies will help you collect performance and license fees on your behalf, such as if another artist sampled your song or if your song was broadcasted on radio, TV or in a motion picture. As for music publishing, you'll have to decide if you want 100% (of potentially nothing) or 50-75% of something by signing with a publisher - who will go out and market your material. As for a recording contract, to retain more creative control, you might want to sign with a minor-label with major-label distribution. This means your music can stay less commercialized but yet still have access to the distribution channels of any major record label.

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