Popular singer and music maven Dayang Nurfaizah is also tech-savvy, writes Amalina Kamal.
HOW DO YOU VIEW THE WORLD TODAY WITH TECHNOLOGY AT PLAY?
I think it has helped us (the society) feel more connected as a community. If you talk about social media alone, it is so obvious that the tools have brought people closer (emotionally) regardless of where they are.
Keeping in touch with my family in Kuching is so easy and fast too.
I don’t have to wait until the end of the day to call and update them on my activities. Communication can be done instantly while multitasking.
Sometimes, I do feel they are close to me every step of my journey because their presence can be felt even when they are not physically with me.
MOVING FORWARD, WHAT OTHER THINGS IN THIS DIGITAL AGE WILL INSPIRE ARTISTES?
Personally, it is the capability of maximising my time with fans. The contact/connection does not fade when a concert ends because it continues on online. Everything was so restricted back then when we (artistes and fans) would crave for more quality experience.
IS IT CRUCIAL FOR YOU TO CONSTANTLY BE ON YOUR TOES GIVEN THE RAPIDNESS OF THINGS - FROM INFORMATION TO TRENDS AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS?
Keeping up with latest societal hits and misses is definitely quite tough. Sometimes there is not much time to process them. That said, I do try my best to stay updated and go with the hype. In this digital era, artistes are establishing and maintaining an online presence to become more engaging with today’s fans.
Like I mentioned earlier, going digital has brought people closer. I am thankful that it has allowed me to get closer to my fans. We don’t have to wait for a specific showcase to connect.
IS PRIVACY MORE VALUABLE THAN ATTENTION?
Definitely. That is why I don’t open up so much on social media. Most of my Instagram postings are related to my work (promos and upcoming shows) and I love that it’s that way. When it comes to personal matters, I like to believe that you don’t necessarily need to give out every detail because it can get dangerous, especially when you are in the public eye.
WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON CELEBRITIES COMING UP WITH THEIR OWN ONLINE BRAND?
The decision to pursue entrepreneurial goals depends on the individual.
In this case, if an artiste is confident enough and has a burning desire to set up an online business, they should go for it because it adds to their expertise.
I don’t see myself setting up virtual shops or offering products/services online yet. I am still focused on my music career.
ARE YOU PLANNING TO GO DIGITAL?
Not at the moment. I guess I am old school. I still want people to collect and own hard copies of my music because there is sentimental value.