Why the local scene sucks...

[theliverevolution]

There is no contradiction.

Right... Delusion

Suspend your disbelief and cynicism about the local scene and take a look around.

I've never disbelieved the scene nor have I ever been cynical about it. Sure, it's not like how we want it to be at the moment, possibly because of our different expectations and other factors, but it has gained ground in recent years.

One thing I like about the local scene is that the music that comes out is really one that is true to the heart, trying to distinguish itself from others and making it very real. It's original, a blend of both east and west influences, which gives the music and exotic taste no matter what it is. Perhaps because Singapore is right in the epicenter of both the east and the west, and being one of the most established countries in SEA we benefit by listening to a lot of different tunes all over the region, if not all over the world.

Think about it, we get to listen to various bands from America, United Kingdom, Finland, Australia, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, etc. If we can put all these influences together, this would create a sound that is unique to us as the Singapore music scene, that no one, no where else in the world would be able to imitate so freely

 

[danilo]

It depends on how old you are. If you're studying and no money, its ok to just go for the shows.

I have a friend who's working, and buys the band's cd after she enjoys the (free) live shows.
Even if she don't like the genre, she just buys the cd and leaves it untouched. That's called supporting!

But I think teenagers also have money. Next time before spending $6 on starbucks coffee or $20 on a meal, use it to buy a local cd instead =)

 

[hecklerkoch]

Just a quick question.

Let's say somebody comes up with an idiot-proof technology that involves no money at all (unlike having to buy a NETS card reader to pay for online purchase), besides paying for the actual product -

Would teenagers (and practically everybody else) be willing to pay, let's say, S$1 for a song and own that legally?

So, let's say anybody who has access to a PC and maybe the technology allows the user to pay for online products via information from his plugged in USB thumbdrive and that makes the process so easy - I think most of us wouldn't mind paying S$1 for a legal song download.

This easy process will mean constant revenue for the bands and artistes because almost all the teenagers in Singapore are plugged in to the internet at least 3 hours a day, so that makes the purchase decision way easier and convenient than going to maybe HMV to buy CDs.

Yes, this is something like iTunes but I am thinking of something that will be as easy as typing your emails.

You go to a local gig - the local bands advertise their MySpace web address and list of songs - you go back, plug in your USB thumbdrive, go to the band's website then pay for the song download.

Hell, the bands can even set up booths to let the fans who come to their gigs download their songs for S$1 right there and then at their show through laptops!

Although the downside is still that the current MP3 technology means that it's still damn easy and convenient to share and download illegal copies of songs from almost any artistes but my rationale is that if it's as equally easy to download it LEGALLY, then if the government pushes for stricter laws against online piracy and the recording companies and bands work together to create awareness and promote legal downloads (which I think is the way to go now, and CDs will be a thing of the past) - then maybe 70% of people will opt for legal downloads.

What do you think?

Come share your ideas and thoughts.

 

[Dime]

Downloads will be a crime in the future just like contraband ciggies.

 

[hecklerkoch]

Downloads will be a crime in the future just like contraband ciggies.

Bro, contraband cigarettes only mean that the government is cheated of the taxes, but Marlboro etc still makes money man.

So, we need to ensure, as a show of support and appreciation for the bands' talent (and recording company's efforts too), that these bands still get money to further make more excellent music for everyone to enjoy.

:-D

 

[Jerseystar]

Downloads will be a crime in the future just like contraband ciggies.

Nope... Its the way of the future...

Embrace it or get left behind. Unfortunately we Singaporeans are and have always been seeing it the wrong way on how to 'MAKE IT' in music.

It's actually the best time to choose music as a career if we only knew. I could share some tips but I believe it deserves a post all on its own. If I got time I'll post it

 

[Dime]

Bro, contraband cigarettes only mean that the government is cheated of the taxes, but Marlboro etc still makes money man.

Someone is still being cheated though.

 

[EngelFaeuste]

What? Local scene? Where?!

 

[hecklerkoch]

What? Local scene? Where?!

Two words.

Your signature.

:mrgreen:

 

[ymmak]

err. the impression i got from this discussion is that many of us feel that buying CDs is the sole definitive demonstration of support to local bands. but i personally believe that there are many other different manifestations of support, like attending concerts, inviting bands to grace whateva events u organise, blogging, reviewing, critiqueing, words of mouth publicity, covering ur fav local songs, having it in ur ipod, etc.

if we persist in not looking beyond the sale of CDs and other tangibles, we are truly "contained within the walls of a society" that "that favours collective conscience over inherent individualism, numerical economical growth over expressive egomaniacs". if we really embrace what the ts preaches, we really should go beyond discussions such as whether buying CDs or not, or downloading of tunes, are supports for local bands.

probably why local music scene isnt as strong, is because the market here is so small, compared to elsewhere. even if everyone in singapore buys ur CDs, it probably is just less than 1% of timbaland's total sales figure worldwide. there is a limit to what you can earn from a singaporean fan base, but if the world is ur fan, ur music is lucrative. so it will seem that unless there is some sort of market penetration to the rest of the world, there isnt much to earn by making a living as a musician. now, in this light, it is no wonder that some local singers, songwriters and musicians choose to develop their career in places like taiwan, japan, usa, etc. these people are good, but i am sure among us, we know of some reclusive friends, who are equally good or even better. the difference between them (locals who went overseas) and us (local musicians) is that they are marketting to a larger crowd, while we are selling to a geopgraphically small number of people.

so my point is? pick up ur instruments, pack up ur stuff, march forth and go beyond our borders. if you are not recognised here, attain achievements elsewhere, and come back glorified. i believe, if more of us penetrate the world with full force, one day, the world will finally hear our music, and so will singapore too.

 

[ymmak]

downloading of songs for $1 is possible. i think apple is doing that with their itune. the last time i read about that, apple seems to be quite successful in it.

 

[EngelFaeuste]

Two words.

Your signature.

:mrgreen:

oops.


Haha that post was in jest! Forgot to add the smiley

 

[hecklerkoch]

downloading of songs for $1 is possible. i think apple is doing that with their itune. the last time i read about that, apple seems to be quite successful in it.

Yes, but kindly read my post carefully.

Not everybody has access to credit or debit cards and thus purchase songs via iTunes.

I am thinking of a more idiot-proof way, a way so easy it'd be almost a decision that you don't need to think much about, like buying a burger when you are hungry outside.

 

[hecklerkoch]

probably why local music scene isnt as strong, is because the market here is so small, compared to elsewhere. even if everyone in singapore buys ur CDs, it probably is just less than 1% of timbaland's total sales figure worldwide. there is a limit to what you can earn from a singaporean fan base, but if the world is ur fan, ur music is lucrative. so .....

Read my post #7 in http://soft.com.sg/forum/music-kopi-tiam/110307-local-music-radio-tv-station-what-we-missing.html

 

[optisailor2002]

[=ymmak

like i mentioned in my previous post, we should define "support". i agree, buying of CDs definitely isn't the only method of showing support, attending performances and stuff like that are also means of showing support, but for the local scene i believe buying of CDs and merch do make up a large portion of "support" in terms of financial help to the band that have put in effort to record their CDs.

people often do not realise that attending of gigs do not help the band (financially), as some bands play for free, and some even have to pay to play (or sell tickets, otherwise fork up money to pay if they cant hit the quota). if you want bands to pay to perform for you, how is that considered support? of course, your presence there might help in letting the band know that you listen to them, but wouldnt it be better if you can help them out as well by buying their stuff?

you mentioned how international performers earn little from CDs, but we are talking about the local scene here. if a band/artist were successful internationally, of course album sales from a small country such as ours would mean nothing. but in a small scene like singapore, album sales could perhaps mean a difference (even if it's only a bit) to bands and artists.

 

[blank]

astaroth, lol. have you ever released an album? Just to let you know, it isn't free. Maybe you are some rich kid and you wouldn't mind spending a shitload of cash and effort on an album just to give it out for free, but for most people that doesn't really work out.
Watching a band live is supporting them yes, but so is buying their CD, it's quite surprising how you can't grasp such simple logic.

On topic, Singapore has 4 million(last time i heard anyway) people, to limit yourself to it is just illogical. If you love music and you want to make a living out of it, disregard the "local music scene" completely. Leave this country. Don't use the local scene alone as a benchmark for the quality of your music(though if you are self-critical enough you won't need a benchmark). You should be thinking your songs are good and unique enough to stand out in an international context before you decide to keep them, what's the point in being another generic band? Then again I suppose you could make a living from being generic, since most of the bands that swim in cash are. Whatever makes you happy.

cheers

 

[biopromax]

Use Nokia 5800 , free music all year long

 

[ymmak]

hecklerkoch: oops, didnt read that portion in detail. sorry. i m not sure whether itunes allow online bank transfer to their account? maybe record labels can lias with internet provider to charge d/l music to their broadband bills, similar to how gprs, 1800- calls, mobilebroadband, are charged to ur hp bills. maybe can giro it or something, u know. hmmm... sounds like a viable business idea.

optisailor2002: well, for the sake of pragmatism, buying CDs, i m afraid, may just be the only thing that we can do to support them. oh, i didnt mention that "international performers earn little from CDs", please do not put words in my mouth.

well, i concur that album sales will make a difference for these local bands. but if local bands do not expand internationally, they will forever be local bands, supported by the few local fans, and 10-20 years down the road, our sons and daughters will still think that local music scene sucks. the main discussion brought up by the ts is "why local scene sucks", and not "why we should buy CDs from local bands".

so to improve the local scene, local bands must go international. let the world know and hear local music. let them wow the world with local music. let our local performances gain world recognition, and create a singaporean brand for ourselves (glocalization). only then, can all singaporean observe a significant improvenment of local scene. yes, we can buy CDs, but there is a limit to how many CDs we can buy, on the other hand, international fans can buy endless CDs.

i believe for local scene to improve, we really have to think more than just selling and buying of CDs. we have to think global. if the locals cannot support u, then solicit for support elsewhere.

 

[Jerseystar]

On topic, Singapore has 4 million(last time i heard anyway) people, to limit yourself to it is just illogical. If you love music and you want to make a living out of it, disregard the "local music scene" completely. Leave this country. Don't use the local scene alone as a benchmark for the quality of your music(though if you are self-critical enough you won't need a benchmark). You should be thinking your songs are good and unique enough to stand out in an international context before you decide to keep them, what's the point in being another generic band? Then again I suppose you could make a living from being generic, since most of the bands that swim in cash are. Whatever makes you happy.

cheers

Right on!

Its true. Forget a local scene. We are first and foremost limited by population which means the size of 'your buying public'. Secondly we are limited by geography or rather national borders or rather a small land area, meaning if you want to even sell your CD's at an overseas gig, there are hidden costs such as tax etc depending on the country. Since our land area is too small to have more than one city, its like a band trying to make it in a small ulu town in America rather than a big city there.

I think people should first and foremost realize that the day of the CD as a source of realistic source of income for the musician is over. No matter what legislation may be passed in government to ban the 'mp3 download' there are corporations whose profits from making mp3 players run into the millions. Even so, if by some miracle such a law is universally passed, the format will easily change and to enact another law to ban this new format will take an act of parliament/congress. Its the chicken vs the egg.

And another thing, stop dreaming that some international label is going to sign you, a band from Singapore and market you international even though 'you can't sing, you can't play and you look awful' (like the old Kit Kat advertisement from the eighties.. anyone remember?). But seriously it just ain't gonna happen. The closest chance of it happening is if you're looking at China/Taiwan but that is probably one in ten to the power of minus fifty anyway.

And lastly... Never ever pay to play a gig. Never. EVER. You think you are getting a headstart over other bands? You're only doing all musicians yourself included a disservice if you do.

 

[Jerseystar]

i believe for local scene to improve, we really have to think more than just selling and buying of CDs. we have to think global. if the locals cannot support u, then solicit for support elsewhere.

or make your own support. But you are right that album sales can no longer support artistes and in Singapore, they never could since the sixties.

If you made it anywhere, don't come back. There is no saving the 'scene' because there is no 'scene' to begin with and there never will be a 'scene'. If you consider what we have right now a 'scene' then seriously its time to hang up your guitars and start doing something else.