Phonographs were introduced to Taiwan during the period of the Japanese occupation more than 50 years ago, and the making of records has a history of more than three decades.

The phonographic industry began to grope for its groove in about 1950, when a few cottage factories were established. Record manufacturers used manual equipment to engrave the sound tracks on a wax plate for transfer to a kind of fragile disc made of insect gum.

Most of the songs were pirated from foreign countries. Because phonographs were a rarity, the market for locally-made records was very limited. Profits were so low that it was impossible to improve the quality of products, and all sleeves are plain and uniform.

In 1954, the first disc was made in Taiwan, a recording of the National Anthem played by the band of the Ministry of National Defense. Mass production of records did not begin until 1961.

At that time, song houses were popular, and proprietors made records to popularize their singers and songs.

The record industry received a major stimulus from demand among people wishing to learn Mandarin. In the 1950s, few people in Taiwan could speak standard Mandarin, and people who came from the mainland also needed to correct their native accents.

At first, all the records were sold within Taiwan. Exports started in 1965, when disc-makers attended a trade fair in Southeast Asia and found that the overseas Chinese there were hungry for records of the Chinese language and music to teach their children. After they discovered the vast potential market, local makers were persuaded to make more investments. Before long, Taiwan's pop songs were being heard all over Southeast Asia, and annual exports of discs hit a record of 800,000 pieces.

The hard currency these records earned was small compared with that brought in by other products, but the songs and melodies acted as a solace for people of Chinese descent and reminded them of their roots.

Besides pop songs, vernacular dramas from the Chinese provinces were also recorded and exported, thereby preserving an important part of Chinese culture.

In the early 1970s, young people began to tire of pop songs, and started to compose their own music and ballads. After a number of exhibitions, the position of "contemporary ballads" was established.

As most of the composers were college students and the contents of their songs were based on their experiences and perceptions, these songs became more popular than those made by commercial musicians.

Sales of records and tapes featuring ballads soared as old and young alike were fascinated by the melodies. Later, they were exported to Hong Kong and other cities in Southeast Asia, and even found their way to the Chinese mainland. It is said that most brides on the Chinese mainland like to include a tape of songs by Miss Teng Li-chun, a popular singer from Taiwan, in their dowries.

As sales soared, record makers in Taiwan began to acquire sophisticated machinery. Improved techniques and abundant supplies of raw materials led a number of foreign firms to sign contracts with Taiwan suppliers to make records.

The sleeves are now designed by leading artists and printed by reputed firms, making the records more attractive to buyers. The artists are so meticulous that the preparation of a sleeve often takes more time than making the record itself.

Before a song is recorded, the singer must take a training course, which often runs as long as six months. During this period, she or he is not allowed to appear on television or in a theater, to ensure studies are not neglected.

After the training period, the record company invites individual composers and writers to produce songs to suit individual singers. Specialists are also commissioned to design coiffures and costumes to make each debut a success.

The government has also contributed to upgrading Taiwan's recording industry. Every year, the Government Information Office presents awards to five outstanding record makers and three composers or lyric writers.

To meet the requirements of an expanding market, cottage-style recording companies have been reorganized into large corporations.

Despite all these improvements, Taiwan's export of records have declined. The reason is simple: there are too many firms in Southeast Asia pirating the products.

Domestic pirates also thrive, because fines are too small to deter them. The government has invited specialists and scholars to discuss an amendment to the royalty law to prevent this practice.

Companies have also organized themselves into a Taiwan Record Maker's Association and a Republic of China Association of Audio Industry to protect their interests. The former, established in 1960 now has a membership of more than 150, who share their experiences and techniques in a joint effort to improve the quality of their products. The audio-industry association was organized to protect the royalties of records and tapes, and chart the course for the development of the industry. Its members are not limited to record and tape manufacturers.

[Picture Caption]

The phonographic record industry of Taiwan has a promising prospect owing to economic prosperity. 1. The quality of records has reached the top-notch standard, and designing of the sleeves has also been much improved. 2. Teng Li-chun's records and tapes are popular in Taiwan and also on the Chinese mainland. 3. Chung Chen-tao, a Hong Kong singer, is popular in Taiwan.

1. Chiang Ling, a new singer, wins her fame with the song titled "The Returning Man." 2. Feng Fei-fei is Taiwan's most popular singer. 3. Chen Chiu-hsia excels in both singing and composing. 4. Yu Ya is popular in Southeast Asia as well as in Taiwan for her number entitled "Recalling the Past with Relish."

1. Hsiao Li-chu is a popular title song singer for movies. 2. Liu Wen-cheng is idolized by youngsters for his particular style of singing. 3. Shen Yen has caught the ears of the audience with the number: "I'm Coming with the Waves." 4. Huang Chung-kun, a ballad singer, is a new idol of youngsters.

1. In a recording studio, a technician (front) is adjusting the quality control of the recording machine while a mentor (back) is correcting the rhythm and pronunciation of the singer. 2. The making of a stereotype. 3. Mass production of records. 4. Record company workers check the sound effect of their products.

1. The records for children have shortened the distance between mothers and their children. 2. The record counter of a department store. 3. Buyers are used to listen first before they decide to buy a record. 4. Ballad records are produced in large numbers. 5. Folksongs have been collected and recorded to meet the increasing demand.

Teng Li-chun's records and tapes are popular in Taiwan and also on the Chinese mainland.

Chung Chen-tao, a Hong Kong singer, is popular in Taiwan.

Chiang Ling, a new singer, wins her fame with the song titled "The Returning Man.

Feng Fei-fei is Taiwan's most popular singer.

Chen Chiu-hsia excels in both singing and composing.

Yu Ya is popular in Southeast Asia as well as in Taiwan for her number entitled "Recalling the Past with Relish.".

Hsiao Li-chu is a popular title song singer for movies.

Liu Wen-cheng is idolized by youngsters for his particular style of singing.

Shen Yen has caught the ears of the audience with the number: "I'm Coming with the Waves.

Huang Chung-kun, a ballad singer, is a new idol of youngsters.

In a recording studio, a technician （front） is adjusting the quality control of the recording machine while a mentor （back） is correcting the rhythm and pronunciation of the singer.

The making of a stereotype.

Mass production of records.

Record company workers check the sound effect of their products.

The records for children have shortened the distance between mothers and their children.

The record counter of a department store.

Buyers are used to listen first before they decide to buy a record.

Ballad records are produced in large numbers.

Folksongs have been collected and recorded to meet the increasing demand.