KUALA LUMPUR - The grand final round of the inaugural Anugerah Lagu Indie 2020 (ALI2020) will see 13 musical groups and solo artists duke it out to emerge as the winner of the contest.
The musicians - who pulled through the semi-finals in recent weeks - will be performing at the semi-indoors venue, Spacerubix, in Puchong on October 3.
Kuantan-raised trio, The Impatient Sisters, nusantara-styled Ska band, Budak Nakal Hujung Simpang, post metalcore group, Sekumpulan Orang Gila and songstress Shila Amzah, are among the well-known names in the independent circuit to make the final cut.
The finals, which would be livestreamed, will see the winners receiving cash and other incentives to push their musical careers further. However, the organisers have yet to announce the grand total of prizes as they were still open to additional sponsorships.
The 13 finalists were among 36 entries that were shortlisted among 200 who took part in the first phases of the awards
One of the main organisers, Hashtag Media Sdn Bhd, said the venue for the finals was selected based on its capacity to fit a crowd of only participants while allowing them to maintain standard operating procedures of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).
Hashtag Media managing director Mohd Zulhelmie bin Zullifan, also known as Elmi Elmo, said the Spacerubix would allow more comfortable movement for the bands and musicians.
He said during the semi-final rounds the groups and artists had to take turns entering the recording studio, with some waiting at nearby restaurants before they performed.
The final cut and significance of ALI2020
Elmi said, the final 13 contestants were selected by a panel of reputable judges.
"They (musicians) were selected based on the song arrangements, performances, song melody, and lyrics," he told The Vibes when contacted.
"Professionally, the selection of finalists by the judges is hard to question, but as a fan of some of the acts, I feel that other entries could have made the final cut too."
The awards is jointly-organised by recording and production house, Kamar Seni Studio and events venue Angkasa Space, together with media partner Rakita FM, among others.
The team of judges consisted of experienced music industry personalities such as Jennifer Thompson, lecturer and bassist Fly Halizor, lyricist AD Samad, and Rakita Radio and Music Integration manager Loy Ekzan.
Vocal instructor and producer Jodlobo and music arranger and drummer Azim “Jenk” Ali are also part of the panel of judges.
Nomination for the awards began on July 27 this year, stretching until August 14. A total of 630 entries were received during that period.
Of the hundreds of entries, only 36 were shortlisted to take part in the semi-finals which were held weekly on Sept 4, 11, and 18.
The final round of the awards will also see some surprises, Elmi said, hinting that there would be three surprise guest performers during the interlude of the show and just before the judges announce the results.
Elmi said there would be five categories for the awards for first, second and third place, while the other two categories had yet to be announced.
On the significance of the awards, Elmi said the event was held to help elevate the independent music industry in the country.
“I feel that there are many good indie bands but they push their promotions alone, which does not allow for them to maximise their potential,” he said.
“So with this awards show, we can promote an entire industry, and not just the winner alone. We can increase visibility of everyone involved.”
The reception of the show has also been encouraging, Elmi said, adding they have garnered views numbering within the tens of thousands throughout the semi-final rounds.
The list of finalists (in no particular order) are in the following:
1. Teman Lelaki - “Dengan Nama Tuhan”
2. Crinkle Cut - “Had To Wait So Long”
3. Bihzu - “I Am Enough”
4. Servants - “I Wish It Was Only You”
5. Heidi Moru and Hasha Roslan - “Jika Ini Yang Terbaik”
6. Kapow & Along - “Kangkong N Roll”
7. Oceanlights - “Landasan”
8. The Impatient Sisters - “Mari Menari”
9. Orkes A. Hizadin & Ainina Hasnul - “Menunggu”
10. Nusarasa - “Mesra”
11. Budak Nakal Hujung Simpang - “Mr Pollution”
12. Sekumpulan Orang Gila & Shila Amzah - “Pelukan Angkasa”
13. Margosa - “Penawar”
Catch the final round of ALI2020 on Kamar Seni’s YouTube channel here (https://www.youtube.com/c/KamarSeniStudio/). – The Vibes, September 30, 2020
