Is there a local music scene ?
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Quoting from what you mentioned, 'There are probably a few thousand more similar cases like this going on in the local music scene, talents dropping out after giving up hope of any signs of advancement in this industry.'
I believe that you are refering to the 'local music scene' as "an industry" like the engineering industry, Arts Industry, teaching Industry etc. Meaning catering to individuals who would like to pursue a living or career out of it.
The local music scene is existent. There are many full-time musicians locally, like our very own kit chan, stephanie Sun ,music teachers, pianists @ lounge, etc. could you not call these people musicians?
Perhaps you are looking at a very different 'music market'. True to words, certain genres of music like for eg, Metal, Punk, experimental may exist fewer opportunities in the music industry or scene as you may like to call it. But again, it all goes down to passion for that particular thing you are in for you to create opportunities.
Like many forumers had shared in this thread, passion is the key.
Its is not only in the Music Industry or scene as you call it, that this happen. Take for eg, in the teaching industry, I believe that there are some certain subjects which are higher in demand and more 'popular' in conjunction with employment & promotions in the working society. That said, if Maths is a hot favourite as to compared to a subject like literture, why would someone still study literture as a major? Passion is the key.
Quote "Recently i dropped bass guitar because i couldnt find like minded individuals who want to create a new style in music and travel around the world.
Another friend of mine has decided not to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional drummer because of the lack of opportunities available in this country. "
No offence really but you must understand that ESP in singapore, spoon-feeding is not encouraged nor practised. If you are passionate about certain thing, it is up to you and yourself to find opportunities and to create them! Coming from someone whos extremely passionate about music, it does seems from your words that the level of passion you had for music is kinda shallow, no wonder some of the harsh posts. However if I mis-interpret, I apologize.
We cant surely sit down and complain, expecting channel 5 to air more local music acts, tourism board to promote our local bands etc. If nothing is done, we try and try and try to get something done.
10 years back, I believe the opportunities present to our local talent Shirlyn Tan is scarce. But did she give it up because of the lack of opportunity? Look how far and how much she accomplished because of her undying hard work, belief and passion in her music. Our young and aspiring musicians should learn from her.
Dreams do come true u know, if you really try. and never say never or impossible.
Talk about the surge of overseas band performing in singapore. 10 years ago, when i was happily blasting slayer in my CD player, who would have thought that slayer would one day perform in the stage of sunny singapore. That materialise on Oct 13th.
My thoughts:
As many forumers in this thread shared, it really takes 2 hands to clap. The audiences had come to play an equally important role in promoting local music. As a musician/performer, how often had you been guilty of calling out to the crowd to 'stand up' and support your band but sit down/leave the gig after your set? If you want people to support your music, basic courtesy is to do the same. Unless you are some big-shot superstar ha!
Busy as I am, I make time to support local music acts, events even though most of the time the genres are not really my cuppa tea. Buying EP/album of local bands that I feel is good even though again their music may not be my cuppa tea. I still buy them, why? because they (the band) their music are good and me being passionate in music and supportive of local music, should`nt I support them? Also, I do if I find the time, to support a local band whos playing out of singapore.
Having seen too many of the 'I claim I love music' but due to the many reasons like family, old liaw etc and etc of reasons I DUN listen/support/play music anymore makes me a tad cynical of the local self-proclaimed music passionate pple & local music supporters. You can be too busy to jam, you can be busy with work, you can be tied up with your family but tell me, taking 10 or 15mins to listen to music? Buying a $20 album takes up too much of your time? It all goes down to efforts & passion.
Just look at FGL, at his age does he ever stop his passion for music because of the above reasons? ( dun angry ah fgl ;p)
Soooory for the long post.
I know this is irrelevant but ARSENAL RULES BIG TIME!!!! since 1995.
No lah, must bloody then got kick. I lub mah meats too much to give it up like pinkbox... But must support fwendxz mah!
