Quote:
Originally Posted by maikaru
If we try to understand each other, we'll have a better understanding of just how rotten this music industry is. Of course I want her to do good, but on the other hand I still have feelings taught to me by society - personal and professional lives should be completely separate. You don't see a CEO marrying an employee and then placing him on the board of directors. That's just bad business, as is this.
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I totally agree with you. Although I'm not Japanese nor can I possibly speak for everyone, as a Taiwanese person with a decent sized amount of Asian connections, I'd say that I have a sound understanding of the Asian entertainment industry in general.
Although Ayu's relationship with Maro may be real (or it could really be a publicity stunt), to the general public it's just a cry for attention. As innovative as Ayu may be, the reality is that most people in Asia consider her as an icon from back in the day, and are generally not interested in her new works anymore. The fact that her marriage to Mannie coincided with Love songs, and she announced her relationship with Maro while again was about to be released just makes it seem like a cry for attention to the general public. I think what makes it worse is that the whole "single-in-disguise" is overloaded with Maro overtones, whether it be the positive covers or negative snowy kiss PV.
Speaking of which, consumers in general are not dumb either. I think that Ayu's sales for again would be an indication of how many die-hard fans would purchase a single release, rather than an indication of general album sales. I do believe that Ayu is definitely an artist who focuses on expression, but I think domestic fans are also fed up with her promotional antics. Without a clear indication for her path of releases up to her 15th anniversary, why would anyone other than die-hard fans want to buy these singles-in-disguise when they might have the chance to purchase all of the promotional main material (original mixes and videos) in a single set four months down the road?
I love that Ayu is still active in the music industry as an artist. I am slightly irritated that Maro is being pushed in my face with this release.