Since I've never posted on this topic, so Shyam here's my two cents! (Haha.. but the previous replies sure show how much people are sick of this topic.)
1. So more than a passion is it a fashion?
I think its both. Passion is what got all of us into it and fashion for the trends. But i think passion isn't enough. Lets not forget music is a business as well if you want to "succeed". I certainly treat it as a part-time job which i spend lots of valuable time on "marketing" my band (Sponge), finding gigs which are worth the time and pay-off and lets not forget practicing. Perhaps if we really want to succeed, its going to take much more of us daring to make a full step and taking it as a full-time job (especially if you're talking about bands cos there are like what? 2-3 full time original bands in SG?). Its like any industry... i don't believe any industry can survive only on a majority of part-time members who don't put even put in at least 8-10 hrs a day in their jobs. People who have succeeded so far (our full time pub musicians, music producers) have put in that amount.
2. Is the goverment supporting us enough ?
I would say yes. Just look at the esplanade (which is financed by the government). And, i think this is a very strong Singapore mentality about the government. I dont' feel that bands overseas actually look for government support actively. Its our job to make this industry self-sustainable in the long run. In the short run, i agree that the government has done enough.
3. Are we making music good enough to keep em coming back for more?
Good music certainly. Listening to our bands, I won't say that we have failed in the technical aspects (seeing how often our guitarists have won Asian Beat etc). But i think in terms of musicality, this is where we have done poorly.
My opinion (please dont' bash me SOFTTIES!) is that we aren't smart enough musically and thinking in a "business-context". We have lots of metal bands, emo bands, indie-sounding bands which are surely great to us (who are in the music scene), but can i imagine our local population listening to these bands? My answer is a straight and simple no.
My belief is that sure, stick to our musical desires, but think of our "consumers" as well. I don't hear 250 rpm solos on radio and neither should our bands expect that on radio. Locally, the number of music listeners are small enough. Narrowing our market (e.g. emo listeners, metal listeners and other really niche genres) is not going to help to sustain a band, fan wise and financially. I feel that bands should always think about how marketable their music is and sometimes give in a little and make it easier for the general audience to appreciate (sort of an internal A&R). Create that fanbase vibe, then slowly introduce listeners to "more difficult" songs. I would say Electrico has done this well, by ensuring a balance in their records. Its the same as this - Imagine having to watch a Bulgarian art film without the subtitles. Thats how a normal Singaporean would feel having to listen to Metal, Emo or even Indie.
Also, think global. Our market is small enough. If you wanna earn a living on music, go global. If Chinese songs is your niche, go to Taiwan, China, Hong Kong. English? Australia and maybe the US, UK. (Firebrands and Electrico) Metal - the Eastern European Bloc seems like a rather favourite location. Dont' just think Singapore. Like any business or career now - Go global to succeed.
That's my long-winded opinion. I do have others but i'll keep it short here. Keep the scene alive!
Ken
S.P.O.N.G.E
http://www.myspace.com/spongemusic
