Modern advents in entertainment sector have been changing the face of recording, producing and composing music. In Nepal, usage of cassette players is still prevalent. But we cannot deny the fact that the introduction of CRBT downloads (via telecom services) and online payment systems have been widely popular amongst majority of Nepalese consumers. This has been a surplus to the pre-existing royalty schemes and channelized purchase of artists? albums but the market lacks a strong government Act to control music piracy from every level.
Talking about advances in technology, the arrival of multimedia phones and Bluetooth have been revolutionary?making the old and somewhat nostalgic music players and devices less and less visible. Furthermore, we can see various new models of music players in the market that can play music from the user?s pen drive by inserting it into a device?s USB inputs. This is applicable to laptops and computers too as we know. These technological simplicity do not require any permission or any other form of copyright issues as well. Hence, they have been a great source for music?s piracy.
Downloading and quick sharing from worldwide web have also been jabbing in the heart of true listeners. As the resources are lesser, and the market retail price is higher?an individual is bound use the cost effective internet, which basically provides everything for free! It?s a costing saving option for someone living in a third world nation. Expecting a person to buy an authentic factory release compared to an easy option is near to zero. Yes, a few websites like muncha.com and fursad.com are trying to legalize online music selling in Nepal. There are also various international websites and applications like iTunes where some of the Nepali artists? album have been displayed for online purchase. But the reality of online music selling and buying is still a doubtful issue for Nepalese music industry. ?With the increasing interest of the public towards illegal music downloads, the effort to tame their habits are becoming quite impossible nowadays?, says Jems Pradhan, celebrated singer and well-known music arranger and composer.
Due to the widespread habit of illegal music copying in public, the artists and record companies are experiencing a cold war between themselves. The record labels are finding it difficult and are skeptical when it comes to investing their money for an artist?s album since they have been become quite unsure of the returns. ?The problem with music?s piracy in Nepal is directly related to the common notion of public. A lot of them take music for granted without realizing that it is an outcome of someone?s hard work, creativity and investment?, says Nabin K. Bhattarai, a singer who has redefined pop music in Nepal.
Like the singer said, we are really lacking behind in understanding good music. It is also essential to note that pirated music will not have the required sound quality that the original musical tracks beheld. Despite this fact, a lot of us are ignoring the fact that quality associated with music depends upon the musical knowledge of artists, sound engineers at recording studios and our choice for music as well.
Whensome of the individuals I interviewed mentioned that piracy has both positive as well as negative aspects; I got a writer?s block for a while because their perception was indeed logical. I remembered how singer Bryan Adams sold so many tickets when he performed in Kathmandu. Had it not been for the selling of his pirated CDs in our country, then almost the entire mass of Nepali audience present at his concert would not have known what his music was like!
Controversies abound, the case of music piracy is indeed a serious issue. With the rise of electronic culture, it is rather doubtful whether a significant number of people would attend concerts and watch their favorite artists perform live in the near future. Therefore it would be wise decision to control this mayhem before it is too late.
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Nabin K. Bhattarai, Famous Nepali pop singer
?If we are to stop music piracy, then the only way is to make the public conscious about its negative impact. Furthermore, more than 90% of record companies are distributing music solely for the purpose of business rather than promoting it as an important form of art. An ideal record company owner should have a fair knowledge of music and its related genre before embarking into the business of selling it?. 
Jems Pradhan, Singer/Music arranger/Composer
?It is a fact that music piracy is a major problem in the worldwide context. As with the case of Nepal, it is evident that the CD selling shops have been converted into mobile shops where most of the people are downloading songs of artists/musicians illegally. Hence, this has created a lack of a good royalty scheme for artists in our country. Therefore people should be encouraged to buy the music of their favorite artists in a legal way?.
Rajan Ishan,Music Arranger/Video Director
?The efforts to stop music piracy would be rather impossible because it is true that artists themselves are not acting strongly to prevent it. Using electronic medium has really hampered music business globally. Unless the Nepalese community decides to buy an artist?s album by going to a CD shop or paying for music, the culture of respecting music will definitely take some time?.
Pravin Shrestha, Music video Director/Editor Mokshya Graphics
?Music piracy has become a major problem for producers and artists worldwide. Spreading awareness in public regarding its consequences is the only way to control it. Artists should rather opt for putting up their music through legalized distribution sources such as CRBT downloads and the content of their album should be worth people?s expenditures on buying their music. Moreover, record companies should adopt merchandising themes to promote the artists, which really lacks in Nepal?.
Jagat Bohara, Manager, Z-Entertainment (Record Company)
?If you look at the market, you would be rather surprised to know that free distribution of music has been a good option for new artists who would want to promote themselves and get established in the music industry! But this is indeed harmful for senior artists who are making a living out their music. Record companies like us are trying to set new trends to make people aware about such issues as we are also incorporating various electronic media to sell an artist?s album?.
SunitKansakar, Chief Sound Engineer (Rec Records)
Guitar Instructor (Nepal Sangeet Vidyalaya) Guitarist: Looza
?The effort to stop music piracy would be a vague effort in today?s context since a lot of people tend to listen to music for free. But if people really want to show respect to their favorite artists, then going to their concerts and paying for tickets will really help musicians. The problem here in Nepal is that lot of people don?t see music as a profession. People must learn to respect musicians for who they truly are?.
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