2003 music album releases

July 23, 2003
Steven Ma has been going against the markets, in a low for the record industry at the moment, in the past three months, he has released three albums in both Hong Kong and China, including "New Princess Flower", the Mandarin album "Romantic Holiday" and in order to coincide with the airing of "Gam Pai Bing Yan" (Better Halves) his new compilation due out on 23rd called "My Theme Songs".

The "New Princess Flower" album has brought Steven an award for the 'Best Adapted Song Performance' from the Guangzhou TV station. Earlier, Steven travelled up to Guangzhou to receive his award and the Guangzhou fans created a special group to wave his banner and calling out "Steven Ma", making him very happy.

As for the award this time, Steven is very happy and as well as thanking the awarding party, he expressed his gratitude that after so many years in the industry he has finally gained the recognition of fans in both China and Hong Kong. He is also very grateful to all his musical predecessors and friends for their support.

Translated by Em @ http://tvbspacenews.blogspot.com/

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July 25, 2003
With regards to recent reports that Steven Ma's "New Princess Flower" album may be faced with a legal case, the Managing Director of Steven's record company, Chan Ho Yuen, made the following statement: "Before and after we made 'New Princess Flower', we have been in contact with Hong Kong's composer and lyricist association (CASH) and they have confirmed that the score to "Dai Nui Fong Wan" and "Ying Chor" are traditional tunes and are therefore not governed subject to any copyright regulations and there is no problem."

Mr Chan mentioned that the lyrics were written by their lyricist Shum Wai Chung and they were rewritten completely for this album. After their completion they were also checked through with a lawyer who compared them with the words written by Cantonese Opera composer Tong Dik Sang in the original "Princess Flower" and it was proven that the lyrics to the two new songs have no trace of plagiarism or infringe on any copyright matters.

Also, Mr Chan went on to mention that out of respect for Mr Tong's original creations, they intentionally promoted the new album as "Steven Ma's New Princess Flower Collection" to avoid any confusion.

translated by Em @ http://tvbspacenews.blogspot.com/

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July 27, 2003
Recently there have been reports that Steven Ma's "New Princess Flower" album may have legal implications, but Steven responded to this when he appeared at an event, he said: "At the moment I am unsure of any new developments as it is in the hands of the company and I haven't been briefed, but the company has said that there is no problem with the lyrics. I fully respect Mrs Lau and the record company will be passing the information to her, it's probably just a misunderstanding."

When it was mentioned about TVB's prevention of artistes appearing on Cable, Steven says that he has a singer as well as actor contract with TVB. At the moment, Candy Lo is going against monopolisation, saying she may consider not signing again, when he heard this, Steven said: "Wow, so serious! I don't think it needs to be so serious, everything should be done peacefully. I am not standing up for TVB, but everyone's contract is different and it should be discussed in good time."

Steven points out that when he is away from Hong Kong in other countries, he will only speak in Mandarin: "I haven't been interviewed by Cable, maybe they understand my identity. (Will you take care not to breach your terms?) I will respect the contract conditions and I believe that TVB will not act on one or two mistakes that artistes will make, but this will have no effect on me anyway." He also laughs that his contract with TVB will be up next year so he will check through the relevant conditions then.

Translated by Em @ http://tvbspacenews.blogspot.com/