Before I even post a cover online, I think many times whether or not
it should go online. What's more, when it comes to my own work, I go over that
decision more than a thousand times. All of this because the online world is
not the same anymore. It is a cyberpublic. It's like when you think a thousand
times before you choose an outfit to wear before you go out. Yes, there is the
argument that some just wear whatever they are comfortable with or what is on
the top of their pile of clothes. Sure that works too but we have come
to a time where you are what you wear. Well at least, that is what I have come
to think now, not that I apply it all the time.
Going back to music, I
literally do go over my own work so many times because I see this responsibility
to be one of importance. Not because it is going to reflect me but because
people are going to listen to it. I practically have the responsibility to give an above average product. My parents are going to listen to it, my family, my
friends, my Facebook connections, the baby boomers, the echo boomers, the Gen
X, the very awesome Gen Y and the rest of the cyberpublic. So yeah, it does
matter even though they would never actually click on it. But what if they do ?
Whether or not the content agrees with them is secondary but the way the
content is presented is what pushes my button. The art of presenting the
message you wish to convey at that right degree is what boggles my thought
process.
And then.... I see clowns with their half baked products. Like seriously,
what were you thinking ? You have all
the avenues in terms of resources to come up with a real good product but in
the midst of all the excitement, you forget you have this responsibility to the
public. I put myself first as a listener when I listen back to my work, then
after that only as the creator of the product.
My wonder is that you have so much money to do a song, why does it
always have to be on love, break up, how-another-person-trashed-you-and-that-you're-actually-much-better-than-them, nights at the club, how a certain girl is
everything in your life etc. You are an agent to tell your listeners a message,
why not highlight issues that need awareness? Public transport, education,
civic consciousness, healthy eating habits, filial piety and so much more. You
have the gift of having so many people who follow your updates on social media,
the resources to come up with good picture quality videos, the connection with
media agents like radio, TV and the likes, then why not use that to highlight
these causes ?
Music for me isn't about the glitz and glamor of the industry. It's about being a medium to convey a message when you can and touching people with the message.
Corporate social responsibility or fondly known as CSR is something
common in the corporate sector. Being a future policy maker in this country, along
with the many other important issues like education and more, I believe this
would be something I would definitely implement which is on a lighter note.
Audio visual social responsibility among artists in Malaysia. Yes it is petty
compared to bigger issues this country has been facing but this policy is one
where I feel can encourage artists to be a driving force for an issue to reach
the people or the other way around.
I call out all you artists out there to take up this challenge, only
if you care, to write a song on a social issue that you deem is important to be
addressed. Is that too much to ask, my dear Manin Mainthargals ? Just a small
request from an avid listener of the local music scene. #2cents
And, its okay if you don't take up this challenge (like...who am I to dictate your music kan ? ;) ) but do keep that audio visual social responsibility at the back of head whenever you come up with a song aite.
"My heart's a stereo
It beats for you, so listen close
Hear my thoughts in every note"
;)
