We are living in a time when American popular music is finally being recognized as one of our most successful exports. The demand is huge.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Music has an intrinsic value that touches Americans - they love their music, and want more.
I think in certain areas the demand is greater than it has ever been, and my business is better than it's been in 30 years. The music business is so precarious, as you know-you've got to make it while you can make it, and that's exactly what we're doing.
For us music is mainly part of the entertainment world and is often a luxury.
More and more people are finally realizing that in the heart of America, there's all this incredible music that wasn't widely heard before because it wasn't in the interest of those who feel they have to control the taste of the wider public.
We're a staple in the American music culture. Like us or not, we're here to stay.
The making of music is profoundly affected by the market.
American musicians are very giving - they have the highest standard in the world - but they are also very demanding in their conditions.
The music scene is more competitive in the States.
I firmly believe that we have more latent musical talent in America than there is in any other country. But to dig it out there must be good music throughout the land, a lot of it. Everyone must hear it, and such a process takes time.
There's been a shift: Country music is popular music now. Every other genre wants to come over to our land.