Through decades the music industry had its ups and downs. Record sales thundered through and collapsed, live venues suffered and were revitalized, sponsors showered the industry with money and found other media. Various parts of the industry tried to save their own skin at the expense of others. Can some of the groaning and complaints in our industry be avoided if we focus on increased dialogue and cooperation inside the industry by realizing that if there is a dangerous competitor or enemy, he's outside the industry.

It's been seen that heavily competing breweries find each other in solid campaigns - "drink beer - rather than wine ". Are we in our business able to keep in step? Have we really tried to add to one overall agenda for our industry in order to achieve the highest respect for music and its values and qualities so that we take off from one united platform when we approach officials, governments, the EU etc. regarding regulations for PRS, visas, tax, carnets, adds, support.

Should we have one body to handle our interests in any aspect irrespective of genre of music, live or plastic format, German or Greek, tax or education. Handled and coordinated on our behalf and with the assistance of our experience and expertise. Like among others the film industry and the sports industry has it. I'd like to see many architects of the base and fortune of the business in general. After that the many architects can build their own houses - stronger and taller.

Many good industry conferences take place throughout the year. Should we for a while lift the agenda above everyday matters, figures, charts and whimpers - and seek a more united, general way forward. Then we'll know and understand each other better as friends and colleagues - and fair and determined competitors.