Seeing the light
1) HOW DO YOU FIND THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
More robust. Technology helped change the scene in so many ways especially in terms of how we consume entertainment. Hard copies have changed to soft copies, offline artistry has translated online and these changes are inescapable.
I see it as a positive — for as long as there are policies that protect artistes’ rights. Piracy is still an issue, and music is more vulnerable to illegal file sharing and downloading.
That said, I do see some brightness in the digital music business, as it has been part of our lifestyle for years now. Artistes and consumers ease into it without major ramifications.
We managed to use the innovations that come with technological growth in an empowering manner. For instance, musicians are able to share music more widely and consumers in return have better entertainment choices.
2) HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED ANY DOWNFALLS WITH THE RISE OF TECHNOLOGY IN MUSIC?
One of my unreleased song got leaked and I didn’t even realised it until I saw the song in a music list during a karaoke session.
That got me puzzled and disappointed. I could not even fathom how it ended up at an entertainment outlet. That is why I stress the importance of a more controlled and structured regulation to protect our work.
3) DID IT DETER YOU FROM EMBRACING DIGITISATION?
Not at all. I had a lot of trust issues as a result of it but there are continuous strategies and sustained solutions to curb piracy presented by the government to take measures that safeguard the interest of people involved in the music industry.
The industry’s digital landscape here for musicians to thrive is better than in Indonesia. Royalty is better guarded due to stronger governing bodies. The industry here is better controlled.
4) WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF SOCIAL MEDIA?
It is a very helpful tool to help expand influence as a public figure. Privacy and over-sharing are some of the downsides to it but it’s hard not to celebrate the convenience social media brings.
5) HOW SHOULD ONE USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO ONE’S ADVANTAGE?
I am not an expert and I was one of those sceptics in the early stages when social media was first introduced.
It was not until my husband managed my career that my eyes were open to the opportunities that social media brings.
An online presence helps me engage with fans. Distance is no longer an issue to reach to my audience.