Support Creativity. Stop Piracy

In Singapore several CD shops have closed due to rampant illegal music download. Singapore is not alone. CD sales has plunged globally since the invention of free music download site. Sembawang Music Centre, which used to dominate the music scene with more than 20 shops, has recently shut down. Now only HMV is standing alone to battle this challenging piracy war. To increase sales, they are resorting to selling books and allowing customers to pay and download their favourite music. To win battle, they have to change their strategy else they’ll be the next to go.

Although I am known to be parsimonious, I like to support great creative work by outstanding artists such as Jay Chou, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Lady Gaga. I enjoy the thrill of unwrapping thoughtful design CD packages and CD, with all the hard work and love put in by these geniuses. I do not hope to see all the record company shutting down. I still like the concept of mortar shop as I want to touch and feel the product. You are right; I am not a fan of online shopping.

I just watched Bad Romance, one of the best music video of the year (in my opinion) by Lady Gaga. In fact, I am inspired to write after watching the video. The music is deliciously catchy and, I think it has cemented her status as an influential fashion icon and talented musician. She writes her own songs and has her own design team to design her clothes) To me, it’s a visual feast, what with the inspiring metallic concentric spiral design encircling around her and her geometry glittering 17th century inspired costumes. It could be too much for others though as she also went naked in a subtle way without revealing too much. Instead it highlights the beauty of human female stature. The video ends off with Lady Gaga sitting indifferently beside a burnt corpse on the bed. She cleverly used metaphor to send strong message. Nakedness is related with vulnerability. A burnt corpse sends this shivering message to all man to be faithful and never ever incurred woman’s wrath for you never know what they are capable of.

I can’t wait to buy this great record by a great artist, definitely another icon after Madonna.