GEORGE TOWN – The past year may be deemed the worst of times for Malaysian musicians. But, it could be the best time to leverage on an international platform to promote the “Malaysian sound.”
According to Penang House of Music (PHOM) director Paul Augustin, many music makers today prefer to latch on to or imitate the sounds of already established music, but do they have the Malaysian sound?
“I did a bit of travelling when I was doing music festivals, and I get questions about Malaysian music. Which led me to wonder if we have a genre that is uniquely Malaysian.
“There are many music genres, from jazz, funk, rock, reggae and more, played by Malaysian local bands, but do they represent the Malaysian sound?”
Now on his journey to document as much about Penang’s art scene in the past for PHOM, Paul and his team screen, digitalise and archive thousands of newspaper cuttings, posters, photos, and other memorabilia to capture the essence of eras past.
“We are living in history during this Covid-19 pandemic and that is why I encourage musicians to make the most out of this opportunity.
“Go on and stream your music live, but the presentation is important as you are competing internationally. [It's not] only on the local level when you are performing to a live audience.”
There are many music genres, from jazz, funk, rock, reggae and more, played by Malaysian local bands, but do they represent the Malaysian sound?
He also said that the attention span of online audiences is short. If musicians don’t step up their game, they will be switched off in a matter of 30 seconds or less.
“It is not just about focusing on the Chinese, Indian, Malay or the other individual cultural sounds, but creating a new sound using cultural instruments. Like how the Beatles brought in the sitar to their songs like 'Norwegian Wood'.
“If Malaysian musicians want to promote their unique brand of Malaysian music, this is the best time and opportunity. Social media has created the most appropriate stage to gain global recognition.”
“Bear in mind that if Malaysians themselves don’t do it, people from another country who sees this uniqueness will pick this up,” he warned.
Though PHOM remains closed to the public due to the pandemic, employers are hard at work, building their archive depicting Penang art and culture, with some contributed by the public. – The Vibes, April 3, 2021
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