| I'm so proud of you :o) Do you have an idea of the amount of signatures on the "What More Can I Give" Release petition ? More than 3000 in less than a week time! Isn't it doing great thanks to all of you? We even have fans of Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Anastacia, Carlos Santana, Reba Mc entire, etc ... who are joining us and signing. The petition is n° 5 in the "Most Popular" TOP 10 on Petition On Line :o) Please keep on spreading the word and we'll reach such an amount of people ready to boycott, that Sony will have no choice but listen to us. *** Executive Producer Interview Here is the full transcript of the interview with Marc Schaffel, executive producer of the song. The exclusivity was at first granted to the "Hollywood Weekly", but because it will only be published in the July issue (coming out on July 15th) we had to decide to use it as soon as possible. Thank you to Prather for his understanding and also for adding his name to the petition ;o) The complete interview appears on Planet Jackson (http://www.planetjackson.com/html/news/whatsup/index.html) and is reported by Shout Magazine (http://www.shoutmagazine.net/inglese/news.htm). Extracts have also been published in MJNI HotShots(http://www.mjni.com). Thanks to all of Them :o) P: Who wrote the lyrics and music of "What More Can I Give" ? MS: MICHAEL JACKSON P: Who are the artists who participated in recording? MS: "What More Can I Give"-English "Todo Para Ti"-Spanish Michael Jackson-English/Spanish Celine Dion-English/Spanish Billy Gilman-English Reba McEntire-English Usher-English Mariah Carey-English/Spanish Ricky Martin-English/Spanish Beyonce Knowles from Destiny's Child-English Mya-English/Spanish Gloria Estefan-English/Spanish Luther Vandross-English/Spanish Shawn Stockman & Michael McCary from Boyz II Men-English 3LW- English Brian McKnight-English/Spanish Anastacia-English/Spanish Thalia-English/Spanish Aaron Carter-English Ziggy Marley-English Tom Petty-English NSYNC-English/Spanish Hanson-English Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys-English Carlos Santana-English/Spanish Alejandro Sanz-Spanish Cristian Castro-Spanish Jon Secada-English/Spanish Julio Iglesias-Spanish Juan Gabriel-Spanish Luis Miguel-Spanish Shakira-English/Spanish Ruben Blades-Spanish Laura Pausini-Spanish Joy Enriquez-Spanish Bryton-English Olga Tanon-Spanish P: When was the song recorded and for what purpose ? MS: The Music was recorded previously to 9-11, as the original intention was that "What More Can I Give" would be the sequel to "We are the World." It was MJ's original idea that the funds would go to children's charities of all kinds around the World. After 9-11, the vocals were recorded by the celebrities above and the focus changed to be a fund raiser for the victims, victims families (survivors), and child charities (both directly related to 9-11 and some that were just related to helping children) P: What was your task as executive producer of this song ? MS: My tasks included organizing the entire project, from the financial aspects to the actual daily production. This may include everything from musically related items of the recording, to all the video, behind the scenes, (Including documentary) deals with aspects of television, print, artists relations, legal matters, finances, etc., (pretty much put together the entire thing from beginning to end) P: What are the reasons why the single has not been commercially released ? MS: As I had stated in the past, The singles were not released at first when completed because Sony felt there would be a conflict with releasing this at the same time as MJ's "Invincible" record. That was never my feeling or the feeling of many of MJ's supporters, who felt that releasing the two at the same time would only have help in the marketing of the both records. The other thing you have to remember is, that even know MJ had wrote the song and does perform on it, their are 34 other artists involved that will share in the credit. So this is not just a MJ project. That alone should have been enough to release it when it was first completed. After the "Invincible" release, the relationship between the two had quickly deteriorated and the song become a "Bargaining chip" if you would, or a pawn, in Sony's corner. However it is not only MJ that gets hurt if this not released, Sony is punishing many innocent people who would have been the much needed beneficiaries of the proceeds. This is the saddest part. It is the most blatant disgusting act of Corporate greed I have ever seen. Sony should be ashamed of themselves and the public should not them get away with this, without a stink. MJ and others, including myself, have already footed the bill to make these songs. It would not have even been any kind of expense for Sony to do release this, and their could be no reason in the world to justify "throwing away" the hard work of so many artists who donated their time for this cause. Sony just does not want MJ to be associated with, or have any project out there now that would be number one hit's, (especially something that another label would release) when he might be shopping for another deal. They also feel that by the song not coming out, MJ will receive negative press for announcing his attentions and not following through. Every single person who had heard the two songs have been absolutely sure they are both number one hits. The Spanish version produced by Grammy award winning KC Porter has been said to be number a number one hit in both markets as well. P: After the refusal of Sony to release the single, what have you been doing to convince them to allow another label to release the song ? MS: I have met with other labels who all have said they would release these songs in a heartbeat if Tommy Mottle (Sony) would allow them too. However because it is a charity record and the record company would not be making the normal profits off releasing it, nobody is willing to start an internal feud with Sony for the ability to release it. If Sony were to willing give the permission for another label to release them, and would guarantee to the release of the Sony artist involved (which all the other labels had already released their artists to Sony when they thought Sony was going to be releasing them) It could released by someone else without any problems. P: Up to now, what has been Sony Japan Headquarters reaction ? MS: They have not responded at all. They must not feel (even know people from all over the world were victims, both actually during the attacks and as a ripple result after) it is a big enough problem for them to step in and take over. I was shocked at no response at all, as I always felt the Japanese and especially a company like Sony would not fall to "Low Level" politics like this. This is not an honorable stance to be taking. This has completely changed my feelings toward that company, and anytime I would got to buy something, I will remember them and choose not to buy their products. If enough people in the world realized their actions, I feel they would follow suit. P: If in a way or another you manage to convince Sony to release the song or to allow another label to do so, what amount of benefits do you expect ? MS: That would depend on how much marketing and promoting they put into it. You should not have to "Beg" anyone to be a part of such a worthwhile cause. That is one of the issues when we first discussed the release that I knew we were going to have problems. If you just "dump" a release out without proper marketing and promotion it can only do as well as what is behind it. Obviously if there is something put behind it and a push from the label, it would do double or triple in sales. I feel, Sony could not believe that I was able to deliver the singles as promised, since previous MJ projects have missed their anticipated completion dates. I feel they agreed at first because they just figured it would never be completed as promised in a million years, and they just wanted to appease MJ who was so passionate about this project. I also do not think Sony anticipated the next problem of it being ready to be released the same time as the "Invincible" album. However, with all that past, THERE IS NO REASON WHATSOEVER WHY THIS SHOULD NOT BE RELEASED FOR THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY. P: How do you intend to distribute the funds to the victims ? MS: That will be an issue agreed upon by the designed charities and the artists who would be involved in researching the charities to be recipients, they would then instruct the record company who would be cutting the checks. I know in the past it was discussed to keep the charities as much "grass roots" that reach the needy receptionist and less administrative challenged organizations. It was discussed that each charity would be capped as to the amount of funds they would receive so the amount of charities benefiting would be much greater. The other item discussed was in certain areas such as South America, having the funds generated there by sales would be going to organizations in that region as recipients. P: What is the deadline to receive the acceptance of Sony to release the song in order to get the benefits by the anniversary of the tragedy ? MS: In order to have a successful 9-11 release date, the deadline is NOW! P: You probably know by now that Michael Jackson’s fans have been very active in many ways to support their idol (demonstrating against Sony, boycotting their products, promoting Invincible, advising the press about the feud), do you have any suggestion of actions that the fans could be taking in order to convince Sony to permit the release of the charity single ? MS: Well publicly bringing this to the worlds attention is the best. I know that hitting Sony in the pocket book, and bad PR, is another great way of ensuring this gets released and is done properly. The last thing we want is for this to be just "dumped" out for the sake of the pressure being taken off and minimal funds being raised. All eyes need to be on the company that puts this out to make sure proper attention is given. I know the Sony shareholders are meeting soon. Maybe the last effort should be made to focus on them. If they understand how this issue could potentially hurt Sony both in PR and sales, they will demand the release or replace the people who are hindering this and have made this such a public spectacle for Sony. We need as much support now as ever. Every fan base from all the artist involved should be making the same demands. Charities that can show they give directly to the needy victims should be getting involved by publicly calling upon Sony to release this or let someone release this. They need to let Sony know not to "Throw this away", you cannot just "throw" peoples lives away because it is not convenient for you at this time. The charities and all people alike need to join in by publicly showing the world how "stupid" this game is that the record company is playing, and get the victims to write, picket, demonstrate, contact the media, etc. Sony only hopes time will pass and this issue will go away, they do not want to face the public in a bad light. It would be so easy for them to put a little elbow grease behind this and do it properly. Raising a lot of funds would sure help close this wound and give the public a different view. One journalist told me that Sony's nonchalant response was that they already donated 13 million dollars in the past for charitable purposes, and they do not need to do this to prove anything to anyone. They refuse to be "strong armed" into any fundraising effort. Maybe Sony needs to stop for a second and listen to the lyrics "WHAT MORE CAN I GIVE," and then ask themselves that same question. Thanks a lot, Marc Schaffel, for your contribution. *** I know most of you already signed the petition ; but in case some haven't done it yet ... What Are You Waiting For ? Here is the link : http://www.petitiononline.com/WMCIG/petition.html Keep on informing the media and talk about it in every forums (MJ or not) We need everybody's support !!! Let's tell all your friends and Think about Charity foundations and other artists' fans. Remember that most of Sony's contributors got the link to the petition, and I bet they're keeping an eye on it instead of working ... LOL *** Dot Music Wed 3 Jul 2002 "Michael Jackson has fallen out with Sony Music again, after they have refused to release a charity song for the families of victims of September 11. Jackson had recorded 'What More Can I Give' with a host of famous singers, including Ricky Martin and Mariah Carey, but executives at Sony chose not to release the fundraising single. Speaking on behalf of Jackson, Mark Schaffel, who produced the song, said: "Sony Music are punishing many innocent people who would have been the beneficiaries. This is the most blatant disgusting act of corporate greed," reports the Sun. Last month, Jackson claimed that he had left Sony because of their refusal to properly promote his last album, 'Invincible'. "It's true I have left Sony," 'The King of Pop' told fans in London. "A record company leaves you no choice when they virtually give up on promoting your album. But I've always said that great art never dies and this isn't the end of Michael Jackson." However, Sony wouldn't confirm that Jackson had left the label and this latest bust up seems to suggest that Jackson is still on their books." (http://www.dotmusic.com) Thank you to Caro for this article. *** Hollywood Weekly seeking for Fans to help spreading the "Sony Wars" Issues "The Hollywood Weekly is looking to expand, and is seeking Summer Interns to set up distribution of the Hollywood Weekly, worldwide. Basically, we have been working on establishing a better system to distribute the magazine without the fans having to pay high postage fees. We are looking for fans to notify us, if they can contact various store managers in their country, to discuss distribution at their store. Any MJ fan that wish to help should contact us at this new email address: [email protected]" *** I know what you're all waiting for (thanks for your patience) ... "I went to the protest in front of Sony and I also went to the "30 Years of Magic" at NYC's Webster Hall. The whole thing was incredible, words can't describe, all the fans were really into the really, only thing is I wished more people showed up to the protest (it was the 4th of July Holiday though), I'm pretty sure Europe had way more protesters than us, oh well next time we will have more. Still it was amazing, people of all ages and children carrying their signs, then Michael Jackson on the tour bus. Oh but my favorite was at Webster Hall, some of the kids performed a tribute to Michael and there were impersonators who liked alot like MJ, the crowd was so enthusiastic, everyone was looking up at the balcony wondering where MJ was, then suddently people were cheering I looked up to my right and there he was sitting at the corner of the balcony, its so funny MJ has this presence when he enters the room you just know he's here. Anyway I was screaming, cheering calling out to MJ, waving my hand and I through him a peace sign and he returned one back to me, it was so awesome! MJ stood up and waved to all the fans and he blew kisses, he looked so handsome in his all black on black embroidered suit, he was hot! Anyway, he watched all the performers singing and dancing for him and there were some speacher and MJ was so into it, he loved all the performances MJ was bobbing his head to the music, smiling and laughing pointing and waiving to us, I'm still can't believe I was there to witness all this. Oh and one of the best parts was when we chanted Sony Sucks! MJ made a fist and moved his hand to the beat of our chants. After the performances MJ can downstairs to the stage to accept his award and to say a few words, also MJ took some of the signs against Sony and held them up, MJ was proud of us, he took some of the signs held them up and said "This here says it all, there is no more I need to say except that it's about pure evilness" then he thanks us all for coming and said how much he loves us and how wonderful all the performances. It was amazing Pascale, the energy, the enthusiasm, people of all ages, people from all different countries came to support MJ. Words can't describe, I've never been so close to MJ before, makes me love him even more for all that he is. When I got home I was so in a daze replaying everything in my mind over and over again. I turned on the 11:00 pm news and it was on all the news stations, even my sister called to tell me. Yesterday was so wonderful, dreams do come true, I'm floating on cloud 9 right now!- Elena" Love You Elena and thanks a lot for sharing ;o) Here is where you can find pictures of Michael taken yesterday in New York ;o) http://www.mjfrance.com/site/news_infos_juillet2002.php He looks Gorgeous !!!!! *** "We are Here to Change the World" Pascale *** 2000 fans from more than 62 countries *** |