(From left) Moira Dela Torre, Shaira Moro, and Lenka. Images: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net, Facebook/Shairaa Moro Singer, Instagram/@lenkamusic
As a singer-songwriter herself, Moira Dela Torre underscored the importance of giving “credit when it’s due” amid the copyright infringement issue hounding local artist Shaira Moro over the use of original material by Australian singer-songwriter Lenka.
Speaking to reporters during the blue carpet of Billboard Philippines Women in Music ceremony, Dela Torre noted that artists came from “some kind of influence,” and thus, should have some responsibility over their music.
“Well, I always believed that we all come from some kind of influence. I definitely have some kind of influence and my music came from that. But I believe in giving credit when it’s due,” she said.
The “Paubaya” singer then pointed out that crediting artists is a form of “giving honor” to producers, songwriters, singers, and other people behind a certain song or body of work.
“I also believe that you give honor to the people that deserve it. It’s just what’s right. We just have to do what’s right and to credit the people that need to be credited,” she said. “As long as we’re all willing to learn, it’s a good path to take when you make mistakes [when it comes to the topic.”
With this in mind, Dela Torre said Moro and Lenka’s issue was a reminder that many people are “not educated” enough when it comes to copyright-related matters in music.
“Marami kasing hindi educated sa issue, [and sana may] willing matuto and ma-educate sa copyright,” she said. “Pati ako, kahit nag-Music Production ako in college and nandito ako sa industriya, ang dami ko pa rin natututunan. How much more sa mga nagsisimula pa lang?”
(A lot of people are not educated on this issue. And I hope that many are willing to learn and be educated on the topic of copyright. Even me — despite taking Music Production in college — and now I’m here in the industry. I’m still learning a lot. How much more to those who are starting out?)
Dela Torre then advised aspiring singers to “be willing to learn” and “give credit” if they want to take a career related to music in the future.
“I think my advice for people who want to [be in] this industry is to just be willing to listen and willing to learn. And to always give credit,” she said.
Moro and Lenka’s copyright issue came to light after the Australia-based singer-songwriter took action against the former’s “Selos,” as it used the melody from Lenka’s 2008 song “Trouble is a Friend.”
Despite this, Moro appealed to the public to stop leaving negative comments on Lenka’s social media platforms as both camps are on amicably coming to terms with the issue.