Getting some R N' R... Reflection and Realization

It’s Sunday and I’m chilling at home after watching 6 hours of metal at the Gegey Fest 2013 yesterday which was freakin’ A(wesome). Passionate bands and passionate fans are always an amazing mix of euphoria.  Ok so I never show it, I’m such a control freak that it takes A LOT to move me to any emotion… I may not look excited but I am, I may not look like I care but I do…. I’m just too much of a realist that nothing much moves me outwardly. 

I reflect the last couple of years since moving on after a 15 year stint with the Akademi and Anugerah Industri Muzik… but everything happens for a reason.  The reason came along in various packages, first in the form of Versus which is now thankfully into it’s second season.  This program is built for bands to showcase their creative ability and thanks to TV, radio and online support, get their music heard, gain fans and have fun along the way.  The formula is easy… passion, belief and great performances build fanbase… you can’t go wrong.  It is watching magic seeing these bands dig deep, challenge each other and themselves to produce some of the most mind blowing music creativity EVER.

Also the past 2 years I have gone back to being involved in concerts which is actually my favourite-st thing because the fans get to interact with the artsites/bands, see them and hear them in an environment where they can truly enjoy the music. Nothing like watching LIVE music, LIVE. 

It’s also been a revelation getting back on the ground and watching the acts.  What this does for me is affirms my faith in the talent that we have in this country.  We have an abundance of talent that is so diverse and almost all the scenes; be it metal, hip-hop, dance, indie are being held together or moved forward by one person or a small group of people with a strong belief in their genre.  We have to admire them and be thankful for without them there would be none.

Open Mic Sessions, Indie Gigs, Rockaway, Rock The World, Future Music Festival, Raise The Bar Festival, MYMC, Gegey Fest, Concerts, Paying Tours (if not album promo tours) are important to our ecosystem.  We need to support these events.. Fans need to support these events.. no support no events/venues.. pure and simple.

I have NEVER liked politics.  I like the age old joke that says it comes from two words Poli which means many and tics which are blood sucking insects. You always find some self serving person wanting to own the action and then you have those that are truly doing the work on the ground… quietly and thanklessly… but still going.  

There are a small group of “vigilantes” who I have been watching, sometimes working with, sometimes talking to, exchanging ideas on how we can move and improve the scene and all I can say to everyone is hang in there… the time WILL come.  The change is slow but there is no stopping it, it will happen.  So TOGETHER we must continue to fight the small battles to win the war.

There are a couple things that I would like to point out through my personal observation.  We all need to learn and work together no matter what genre cause our problems are the same and together we can make more things happen.

Sometimes we become too complacent hoping for free help, radio airplay, TV time, stage time, sponsors but those things don’t just land in our lap.  We have to fight for it, prove ourselves and sometime get up and fight/prove some more.  This is a game of perseverance… success in life NEVER comes easy.

Instead of complaining we need to get up AND DO SOMETHING.  Start your own scene, use all your resources (fans, contacts, friends…), get your music out there, play like you mean it, promote like your life depends on it... you have to try everything and anything!  You cannot just hope for someone to help you out, why should they!  YOU have to GIVE THEM REASON.  The passion separates the men from the boys it drives you harder, makes you think out of the box and shows who is going to go the distance.

The next observation is that we need to remember support is a two way street… between us and the sponsors, promoters, TV/Radio stations, online… (P/S :  Support and NOT taking advantage) When you finally get the opportunity to work TOGETHER with one of them you need to help promote (and sometimes help others to promote).  It not only shows your commitment but it’s also beneficial to you to outreach your fans.  When you can drive traffic, win over hearts YOU are doing that not only for the people you’re working with but you’re DOING IT FOR YOURSELVES.

Last piece of observation, which I will say proudly that most of our acts do,  always try to be on time and when you have a chance to hit the stage PERFORM like you have 500,000 people watching you all the time.  I say this cause you NEVER know who is in the audience watching… could be a BIG promoter, a sponsor, an international talent scout…. Eating dinner, having a meeting, hanging out… Being in the RIGHT place at the RIGHT time is only part of the puzzle to complete it is to be doing the RIGHT thing.

Thank you to those who keep fighting the fight… 
 Confucius says… "The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones."

Peace, Love and Respect

SHOW-ing OFF our talent

 

Anuar Zain 3 Dekad was how it felt to do shows in the 1980’s until the late 90’s.  Our artistes did public concerts,  sometime recorded for TV and audio releases too and people came and paid to see them.   Sudirman, M. Nasir, Ramli Sarip, Jamal Abdillah, Sharifah Aini, Ella, Ziana Zain, Awie, Slam, Search, Wings, Sheila Majid, Zainal Abidin and others.  During that time the technology may not have been as forward as now and we ourselves may not have had the exposure to international standards  but we started systems and now we are on par.

With shows like yesterday (Feb 16) people are moved to go and see the show cause they get the entertainment value.  I have learnt three things :

Those of us that have been exposed to working with internationals like Mac Chew, Jenny Chin, Steve Ho, Alvin Koh and myself  (Whether here or abroad) we have learnt systems and ways of working that we have applied in our careers.  That exposure has led to professionalism and a high regard for creative talent.  Therefore I disagree to not allowing foreigners into our country and competing openly.  We only learn what we want to… if you decided to close your eyes and your minds you will never learn anything… but when you go in with an open mind you can become as good, if not better, that is all up to you.

Secondly we will not get back to that “Golden era” if we continue to do free shows… apologies but this is the truth.  An artiste needs to have the right amount of exposure and the right amount of “exclusivity”.  We are not a big country, so every time an artiste does a FREE show even 3-4 songs they lose their public value unless they are a new artiste seeking to break ground.  When they do too many public show no one wants to pay cause they just saw them 3 months ago for free.  People need to pay for shows to show their appreciation for their favorite artiste.

To the Artiste themselves the commitment level is high. Practise, Practise, Practise and then practice some more.  Fitness level to be able to carry a 2 hour show all by yourselves.  Promote, promote, promote… no one can do promotion without you, the Artiste. You want people to come to YOUR show… YOU invite them.   Endless media interviews and angles, countless stations IDs, massive one on one interviews... THAT is the nature of engagement.

To the public you must understand that China and US can afford to do production shows ALL the time because cost is spread out over 100 shows (in their own country and then venturing our worldwide).   Musicians and Engineers are block booked for months at a time.  Not so here.  So when you ask why we can’t do like this or like that… it’s not that we can’t, we can, we have the knowledge and the ability but we don't have budgets or the kind of crowd turnouts that will qualify putting the amounts that internationals apply.

It is my hope that with the start of Anuar Zain and his team showing the way that others may do the same.  We have so many Artistes that are able to present shows like that.  The industry and fan buzz is phenomenal and for us it is a pleasure to be able to flex our wings once in a while and show Malaysia, what we got!  We have the best of the best… we just need to recognize it, support it and then it will grow.

Peace, Love and Respect

P/S :  Dear Government,  We are asking NOT for charity, we are asking you to open your eyes and recognize our creative talent before we lose it all.  We need those systems in place so that we may start something that will have a long lasting, meaningful effect for generations to come and not just handouts. Lastly and NOT LEAST this is not only for our cultural side but also our POP-CULTURE which has now existed for almost 50+ years... we have a history that matters.  Thank you for your kind attention.

REVISITED : There’s STILL no business like Showbusiness

It’s been 29 years in the music business… you see like most people involved, it is a curse. The passion for the business consumes you, drags you in and holds you forever.

Music is magic…. You hear a tune and it triggers a thought or flashback. Whether it was your schools days, you first boyfriend/girlfriend or the day you lost your job. We can’t help but turn to the soothing sounds (or the angst whatever your choice may be) of music. Music colors your life everywhere you turn.

I have only one complaint, that people nowadays take music for granted because it is so readily available. No one ever thinks what a movie would be without a soundtrack, what it would be like to be stuck in a traffic jam or driving long distance without it, and I wonder what those fashionable smart phones, tablets and mp3 players would be like without music.

The ironic thing is that in this day and age where music is everywhere; because it is so portable and music can sell like no other medium can; we have forgotten about the creators for without them there is no music. Strangely enough music drives everyone’s advertising campaign but the creators still get the bad end of the deal.  People are in dire need of content to drive the advertising dollar and vie for the consumer dollar. Most of the content is music or entertainment driven. PLEASE give music, it’s creators, it’s movers and it’s shakers what they are due.

We have lost two whole generations to piracy. First physical (cassettes and CDs) and now with downloads (internet). People today spend a lot of money on lifestyle, millions are spent on advertising their newest deal on talk time, who makes the best ice blended, what the trendiest phone in town is, cars that can park themselves… but when it comes time to buy music to add value to the lifestyle everyone turns to illegal downloads with absolutely no thought (and no conscience) to those who deserve the money.

In an affluent age, from which we are from, you would think people would purchase albums. “Album are expensive”, is the excuse… from people who drink RM12.00 coffee and change their mobile phone every 6 months.

An album does not only involve JUST the artistes. Read an album cover and it will tell you there were musicians, producers, composers, lyricist, arrangers, sound engineers, album cover designers involved in the process and later on when the album is marketed it will involve video directors, sound and light companies, entertainment journalists, record company executives and countless other people that give their creative input and professional energy.

We cannot hope to change the mindset of a generation brought up with freebies and a total disregard of creative talent. But everything starts with you and me. When you feel you want to illegally download a song or buy a pirated copy of a CD… think again…..turn off the radio, kill the sounds of the mp3 player you’re holding, turn the volume of the movie you’re watching down …. Life will NEVER be the same without MUSIC.

Meanwhile to those that continue to work this industry with passion and hope, I salute you. They give their lives to entertain you and me …. There’s really is NO business like show business.

Peace, Love and Utmost Respect

Being ALL that you can Be

 I was at the #ShoutMovement last Sunday watching people from the film and music industries speaking, and you notice one thing… they are all passionate about their craft.  The hard part is that art is subjective; one man’s Beethoven is another man’s Slipknot.  This uncertainty drives most parents to discourage their children from being involved in it, bless their hearts.  Always remember that they ONLY want what’s BEST.

 So this brings me to Reza Salleh’s comment that most people fall into the arts by mistake, not by design… especially their parent’s design.  This is so true their parents and teachers want them to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants some profession where you can be comfortable, maybe not happy, but comfortable.  

Our education system also doesn't help that it’s academically driven, only caring about how many A1’s you get not if you’re a natural born performer or athlete.  Not everyone is an academic some of us learn better when we’re being creative. Yes, I’m a right brainer…

In more mature communities, school recognize that when you have certain talents/interests they channel you into different specialized classes yet encourage you to score a minimum in regular studies to continue to be “on the team” or “represent your school/country”.  This is a good way of hanging a carrot to keep up in academics but allowing you pursue your talent.

Finally a personal story which I been witness to.  A musician friend (who shall remain nameless) was sent abroad to do business studies but wanted SO much to be a musician so he quit without his parents knowledge and joined a music school. His parents where livid when they found out and withdrew their support, so he had to fund his way through, music school in Berklee.  He graduated and came back and worked his way up, step by step, from the bottom.  His parents did not recognized his ability and talent.   

He worked hard and was recognized for his work as a sessionist, arranger and producer of some of the biggest names in the business.  He had also won a number of prestigious awards but his parents never came to offer support or celebrate his achievements and speaking to him, as I always noticed he came alone to these events, he always brushed it off lightly but I knew that inside it mattered.   

One day after 3-4 years of being one of the best musicians in the business his parents decided to come to one of the award shows.  For the first time I saw how truly happy he was and when I met his parents at the post award press conference (he had won best musical arrangement) and told them that they must be proud of their son, you could see the respect and pride they had for him and as they stood together I thought, “Wow! That’s the first time I had seen a win truly mean something to him".  He worked hard to be the best at what he loved and to finally get his parents support and recognition was his BIGGEST reward.

He still is one of many of us that are professionals in the music business that make a more than decent living, able to look after our families comfortably.  And by the way we DO what we love and someone pays us for it.

This story left a BIG impression on me.  Some people search all their lives, some just know what they were put on this earth for… always follow your heart and be ALL that you can be…

Peace. Love and Respect

P/s :

To my friend Reza Salleh, talented singer, composer, music entrepreneur -  Congratulations on 7 years of  “Moonshine” (An ALL IMPORTANT performance showcase platform for solos/bands/songwriters/experimental music both new and experienced) and on choosing “the musical path” may it reward you and your talent with happiness and security.

Then and Now... It's ALL the same

 

The fight through the generations is always the same you have it easier, I had it harder, things are much better now, you don’t need to do much to make it….  The argument is age old and has never changed.  The older generation says the music is nonsensical, loud, no quality; the younger ones say you don’t understand, I need to express myself, you’re too outdated…the list goes on.

I am lucky I come from within an industry that changes, it is vibrant and constant evolving.  Technology, social and economic factors force evolution in everything and I cannot believe how people forget they were young once.  They had long/short/coloured/punk hair, tried silly things, told white lies not to get into trouble… life is a constant learning process.

I VEHEMENTLY disagree with people that have the need to compare life and situations because YOU CAN’T.  Life is different at the turn of every decade - from the advent of electricity to cars to the telephone and television all of which took years apart to invent and yet nowadays in a blink of an eye your phone is obsolete and another model has taken its place.  The pace of change is phenomenal and can't be stopped.

Therefore to be judgmental of people and their situation is insane.  How can you say life today is better than yesterday or things are easier or of a better quality. No such thing! The platforms and the types of challenges may differ but there will always be problems and hardships no matter what generation you come from.

I have watched artistes in 4 decades in this country and yes the opportunities are different BUT THEN so are the problems. I can name a whole list of good and bad for EVERY decade from more airplay, piracy but still people bought originals, black and white but it didn’t mean lesser quality, reality programs doesn't mean artistes that can’t perform.

Let me just say something… the truth ALWAYS prevails.  If an artiste makes it big via a reality program, I say kudos to them cause it is torture to go through one of those, but whether or not they survive the industry still goes back to the basic talent and the ability to stand the test of time.  Market forces determine that, nobody needs to pass judgment, the people who watch and listen will decide.  If they are good they will prevail.

I talk from a music perspective… in the classical age baroque was frowned upon, classical frowned on pop, pop frowned on rock, rock frowned on hip-hop, everything frowns on metal… even the medium… analog frowns on digital… is it better NO, is it worse NO…. it is evolution.  Like I say embrace change or be run over by it.  No matter what the genre, medium, art, platform, pros or cons our lives are richer by looking back and learning… then looking forward AND LEARNING too.

Peace, Love and Respect through the ages...

Looking back over my shoulder #VersusMY (Raya Restrospective)

I was, for the first time in my life, “coerced” into doing a reunion special for Versus in conjunction with Hari Raya.  But hey, there’s a first time for everything.  So now that day has arrived I have decided to dedicate my blog post to a retrospective piece on Versus.

When I was approached by TV9 to discuss judging for a show called Versus I loved the idea.  It was fresh and exciting but the only thing that was a hesitation for ALL of us was the SMS vote and how it would affect a band with a fan base that was less likely to vote.  But all in all the idea was something I believed in otherwise I would not have even considered getting involved.

Understanding the background from the bands/industry point of view is very important.  Of all the artistes the bands actually have it the hardest because they are less likely to get dinner shows and endorsements that fuel an artists career and then there is NO platform for them to expose their talent, lesser paying shows (no more expos) or paying concerts, hardly any airplay especially if they are a niche market (metalcore, punk,)

Our bands HAVE the ability to compete at an international level but they lack the platform to hone their talent.  Bands need to perform live in order to grow and gain experience.    We also do not have the support of the government that has yet to understand that our pop culture is just as important and significant to our society as is our mainstream culture.  

The community at large still does not understand that liking a band in NOT enough.  The bands and musicians need affirmative action in the form of buying ORIGINAL CDs, merchandise, tickets, songs.  They are not paid in advance and MANY of them pay to make their own albums.  Imagine they write (song & lyrics), play, arrange, produce, record themselves; pay a studio, engineers, cover designer, printing, pressing (CD), packaging, ALL WITH NO payment and NO guarantee of return.  So if you hear the song and you like/love it, you’re entertained by it, the LEAST we can do is pay for an original copy or original download.

So when Versus came along I saw it as the perfect platform to provide everyone a learning experience. It would allow the bands the freedom to create without the thought of having to conform for fear of elimination, yet they still had to win over the fans.  But if all the band exercised their creativity that would give the fans 5 different opportunities to see what our bands can do when allowed to think outside the box.

The other thing, which was very appealing, was that we would be choosing old songs to be rearranged any way the bands wanted.  Many were worried about the purists that would condemn the new arrangements as “blasphemy “ but to them and everyone I say - everyone has a right to how they feel.  Some like, other dislike that is the beauty of creativity… to each their own.  This would revive some of the golden era repertoire that many have been forgotten or otherwise lost to an era gone-by… I call it “looking back to go forward”.

The special thing about Versus was that ALL five bands that eventually agreed to do this had different strengths that cannot be denied. From creativity, musicianship, arrangement expertise, commercial viability, performance skill each band had a combination of abilities.  They all have popularity and they all have sold respectable albums.  It was an exciting prospect to see what they would do.

For the moment we opened the door with Versus the bands were out of the starting block with a vengeance with Black Parallax’s – Pada Syurya Di Wajahmu (Nash), GoGerila’s – Biso Bonar (Hattan), Hujan’s - Lamunan Terhenti (Aris Ariwatan), Sixth Sense - Kau Lupa Janji (Jamal Abdillah) and  Sofazr - Tanya Sama Itu Hud-Hud (M. Nasir),  and as the weeks went by we saw more and more sensational rearrangements, unique instrumentation ideas, exciting performances from bands that were drawing inspiration from their talent and influences.  This forward thinking gave the songs a new lease of life and a new following/fanbase yet still maintaining a distinct Malaysian flavour.

This was a unique reality program that ended up teaching everyone something.

For the bands being “forced” to deliver the goods week after week, performing live in front of an audience, the ability to be creative without borders and the pressure of competition (although friendly) produced the “best of the best” from the bands.  From this the bands learnt their own strengths and weaknesses; and understood how far they could push the creative limits yet still be accepted commercially. TO BLACK PARALLAX, GOGERILA, HUJAN, 6IXTH SENSE and SOFARZ MY UTMOST RESPECT TO YOU ALL.

As for the audience, watching the bands in this environment, they got to see their professionalism, and learn to appreciate the ability, inventive and edgy ideas that the bands delivered. Hopefully they will continue to support these bands and their efforts in bringing something new to our industry and scene.

For me it was a learning experience as to how hard it is to critique talent especially when they are all good in different ways.  I have tried to be as constructive yet honest in my opinions but I too have been like the audience blown away and humbled by the talent of all the bands.  I have always respected talent but this program has brought to light something I’ve always known... that “Competition breeds excellence” and the competitive environment drives you to do the best you can.

The HARDEST part of Versus is that there could only be one winner.  But in my heart of hearts those who have followed the progress and development of Versus are all winners in my eyes… the bands, the audience, TV9, Hotfm, the production crew and the judges…we have been served a dish of creativity by some of the best cooks in the business.

Salam Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir Batin.

Peace, Love and Respect always

#Stop114A

For more information :  http://stop114a.wordpress.com/what-is-section-114a/

Band-it (Tips Pt.3)

In the past couple of months I have been to two amazing gigs called Mull; Debauch to Kuala Lumpur (Actor’s Studio Lot 10) and  the Northern Music Festival (Botanic Gardens, Penang). Watching the bands in action I really admire their passion and their ability to write and play their own music.  Some are veterans of the art of performance but many are still diamonds in the rough (Masih banyak yang perlu di buat untuk mengasah bakat yang sedia ada).  What I saw inspired me to do the 3^rd. Series of Band Tips on twitter.  These are the points that were put forward with slightly more elaboration. This is just from my humble point of view.

The Padangs

1)  Control your stage volume

 Sometimes when bands play live they love to play loud.  The more excited they get the louder and faster they play.  But if you play too loud you will not be able to hear yourself on stage and nothing the engineer does can help u or your vocalist if you are playing louder than your monitors.  So learn to balance yourself on stage not have a loudness competition.  The answer is NOT to play louder.

Pesawat

2)  Step out from behind

As someone who takes official pictures and camera angles for TV I always have a problem with avoiding things that are in the way.  Please learn to move the microphone stand out of your way when you aren't singing or not using it (to the back but don’t block the drummer) and if you are a musician playing a solo step forward, it helps camera pick-up (an others NOT involved learn to step back or join in don't block).  If not all the pictures and videos will have u blocked by things!

Tres Empre

3)  Big intros and anti-climaxes

So many bands do this.  Come on stage launch into some big movie soundtrack opening only to stop TOTALLY to say the bands name and the title of the next song, then pick-up again... ANTICLIMAX!  Either get someone to introduce you properly before you play  (seriously) or play the intro (I know a lot of bands do this to balance themselves/check lines) and segue straight into the next song THEN only stop and talk… watch the internationals they play 2-3 songs before even saying a word.

7 Collar T-Shirt

4) Encouraging crowd reaction

A lot of bands are throwing things into the audience as a habit to encourage crowd reaction, which is fine, but PLEASE don't throw your album into the crowd… that’s your target market, they will buy if you do a good job of performance.  Most Malaysian bands are already selling CDs at ridiculously affordable prices.  If you must throw something - picks, drumsticks, towels, posters, t-shirts are fine.  If they don’t buy your album you better think about  a) doing  better songs or b) performing better!

 

Rosevelt

5)  Special Effects not Defects

What ever you decide to do whether it’s spinning your guitar round your neck, playing guitar with teeth, behind your back, juggle drumsticks, hand confetti, it’s always planning to do something spectacular that the crowd will always remember.  BUT If you want to do something different in your set make sure it’s spectacular not a spectacle.  Practice the move and if you’re not confident don’t try it.

Kyoto Protocol

6)  Teamwork…AGAIN         

A band is a team.. you can't have good midfielders and no finishers.. so the musicians and the vocalist need to make sure they do their jobs equally well!   There are some bands where the music is very tight but have a mediocre vocalist or a fantastic vocalist but weak musician/s.  You are as strong as your weakest link… so whatever that link may be work on strengthening it!  No “tidak apa” attitude allowed.

An Honest Mistake

7) Colour me Concert

There is no right or wrong for concert attire but you don’t want to look lifeless/style-less.  Casual is fine but got to make sure you don’t look like you’re going to the pasar malam… fans look up to you, aspire to be you.  Try to wear a colour that complements your complexion… Do not wear solid white for the camera, it looks lifeless unless you’re on a big production stage and you’re wearing all white and singing like Lionel Ritchie…always where colours like blue, yellow, red or black.

Oh Chentaku

8)  Standing out

Sometimes when genres become a hit, currently/trendy or has a huge following it will spawn a number of bands with the same sound… before it was Rock n’ Roll to Glam Rock then Seattle Sound to now, metalcore.  The problem with this is that after a while all the bands begin to sound alike.. small technicalities do not make a difference to the general music fans' ear… melody, collaborations, different lead instruments, mixing genres do.  So you need to listen to others and learn to differentiate yourself… do something else that will make you standout.

Monoloque

9)  Naming the band

Names are important.. it’s branding for the artist whether solo or group.   A group has the difficult responsibility in finding a name that will project and promote the collective identity of the group and its music.  If you intend to aim for a international market then you need to think about a name that people can remember and pronounce if people can't even say your name properly you have a problem.

Tilu

10)  Arranging the set

When playing sets arranging your songs is the most important.  Don’t play the same set or songs over and over because you WILL have regulars in the crowd.  Try to plan something different every time you go out.  Think about rearranging hit songs, play acoustic versions or medley-ing songs. After working on individual songs then start practicing them as a set so that you can see the flow is and readjust as and when you think it pulls the mood down.

Again these are just humble observations.  I learn a lot from watching the bands, some of you do amazing things during your live performances - amazing arrangements,  crowd handling, gimmicks, singing ability, musicianship... there IS NOTHING like watching a band play live well... it's inspiring. 

P/S :  

Band-Aid (Pt 1) : http://jenntho.blogspot.com/2011/02/over-last-two-months-i-have-been.html

Band-Age (Pt.2) : http://jenntho.blogspot.com/2012/07/band-age-tips-pt2.html

Peace, Love and Respect.