Gigs across the causeway (be it underground, mixed genre) charge at least RM25 (which is a bit more than $10)... There's good turnout and not only that, the underground scene is pretty much alive because people pay to watch underground bands play even though one or two (or a few) bands may just be crappy... as a result of the ticket prices, a gig organizer is able to pay the bands who play in the gig itself (bear in mind that while venue rental may be cheap, the equipments in Malaysia are more expensive than in Singapore)... in fact, according to a regular underground gig performer there, the general sentiment across the causeway is quite the opposite... gigs that charge for free would be considered as killing the scene!
Performing band would normally make use of the opportunity during gigs to sell their wares, ie. CDs and merchandise... and these items can really sell... Some bands may even make use of gigs to extend their network, so that they can get more gig opportunities and wider audience... I guess, here in Singapore, there must be a paradigm shift in our attitudes towards what the underground scene is about... If we talk about supporting the so-called underground scene, it's time that we walk the talk and be willing to part with our money and support the bands in the underground scene where it matters most, pay to watch them play and pay to buy their merchandise...
And perhaps, we can start studying why the underground scene is alive and kicking next door... Just my two cents' worth
done by RALPHEE
