Making a name in the local music industry with a distinct identity is no easy feat, let alone staying relevant or building a lasting career in this competitive field, especially with the continuous influx of new talents.
While this wave of fresh faces adds vibrancy to the nation’s entertainment scene, seasoned artistes view the saturation of the industry as a challenge. As a result, young artistes must adopt strategic approaches to stand out and gain recognition from fans.
With over three decades of experience navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, renowned singer and composer Norman Abdul Halim – best known as part of the sibling trio KRU – said young singers should avoid being complacent after achieving popularity with just one or two songs.
He advocates for a strong work ethic, encouraging consistent output of fresh material, ideally releasing a new song every two months. Norman, the eldest of four siblings, underscores that this strategy is vital for new artistes to remain relevant and competitive in an ever-evolving industry.
Furthermore, Norman pointed out that the music industry is continuously evolving with current trends, as listeners and fans are always seeking fresh content from artistes, whether it comes from their own compositions or works crafted by other songwriters and composers.
"The trend has shifted. Fans or listeners, after hearing a song from an artiste, no longer want to wait as long as six months for new releases.
"Record labels and artistes today need to recognise that fans expect a steady stream of fresh songs. These tracks don’t necessarily need to dominate radio airplay but can instead focus on other platforms like video and audio streaming," he told Bernama.
Norman noted that the presence of various digital platforms to promote new music – whether through social media or streaming services – has made it easier for new artistes today compared to the past, when they heavily relied on radio and television.
Additionally, Norman emphasised that the power of social media and music streaming allows artistes to share their latest creations with a global audience, breaking down geographical boundaries. He views this as a highly effective strategy for helping artistes stay memorable to their fans.
However, the CEO of KRU Studios stressed that producing a song requires more than just a casual effort: it demands meticulous attention to structure and the arrangement of elements, which have evolved alongside changing listener preferences, cultural shifts, and advancements in technology.
"In the past, song intros could be lengthy, but that’s no longer the case. You need to get to the punchline right away. Sometimes, people won’t even click on songs longer than three or four minutes… the format has evolved.
"Previously, melodies and music arrangements had multiple sections, but today’s audiences prefer things to be quick," he concluded.
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Full Review
A Quick Synopsis:
In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, Norman Abdul Halim, a seasoned artiste, shares valuable insights on the importance of consistency and innovation for young singers to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. With a wealth of experience spanning over three decades, Norman’s advice serves as a guiding light for aspiring musicians looking to make a lasting impact.
Review:
Norman Abdul Halim’s perspective on the changing dynamics of the music industry sheds light on the essential strategies that emerging artists must embrace to carve a niche for themselves. His emphasis on maintaining a steady flow of fresh content resonates with the current demands of listeners who seek constant engagement from their favorite artistes.
Norman’s recommendation of releasing new songs every two months underscores the significance of staying relevant in a fast-paced environment where trends evolve rapidly. By leveraging social media and streaming platforms, artists can now reach a global audience with ease, transcending geographical barriers and establishing a strong connection with fans worldwide.
The evolution of music arrangements and listener preferences underscores the need for artists to adapt to changing formats and audience expectations. Norman’s insights reflect a deep understanding of the industry’s nuances, highlighting the importance of structure, attention to detail, and a keen sense of innovation in producing music that resonates with contemporary audiences.
In a landscape where creativity and consistency are key, Norman Abdul Halim’s wisdom serves as a beacon of inspiration for young artists striving to make their mark in the competitive realm of the music industry. His holistic approach to music production, coupled with a keen eye for emerging trends, sets a precedent for aspiring musicians to follow, paving the way for a new generation of talent to shine on a global stage.
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Conclusion
Norman Abdul Halim’s advice serves as a valuable compass for aspiring musicians navigating the intricate landscape of the music industry. By embracing innovation, consistency, and a deep understanding of audience preferences, young artists can chart a path towards success in an ever-evolving market. Norman’s insights offer a roadmap for emerging talents to thrive, ensuring a harmonious blend of creativity and strategic thinking in their musical journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often does Norman Abdul Halim recommend releasing new songs for young artists to stay relevant?
Norman suggests releasing a new song every two months to maintain relevance and competitiveness in the music industry.
2. What platforms does Norman highlight as essential for promoting new music in today’s digital age?
Norman emphasizes the importance of social media and streaming services in promoting new music to a global audience.
3. What key factors does Norman emphasize in producing a successful song in the contemporary music landscape?
Norman stresses the significance of structure, attention to detail, and adaptation to changing listener preferences in producing successful music.
4. How has the evolution of music arrangements influenced audience preferences according to Norman Abdul Halim?
Norman notes a shift towards shorter song formats and quick introductions, reflecting evolving audience preferences for concise and engaging music.
5. What role does Norman attribute to social media and streaming platforms in helping artists reach a wider audience?
Norman views social media and streaming platforms as powerful tools for breaking down geographical boundaries and connecting artists with a global fanbase.
6. How does Norman Abdul Halim’s advice cater to the challenges faced by young artists in the competitive music industry?
Norman’s advice on consistency, innovation, and strategic planning offers young artists a roadmap to navigate the challenges of the music industry and stand out amidst growing competition.
7. What insights does Norman provide on the changing trends in the music industry and listener expectations?
Norman highlights the need for artists to adapt to evolving trends, shorter formats, and quick engagement strategies to meet the changing expectations of listeners in today’s music landscape.
8. How does Norman Abdul Halim’s experience of over three decades benefit young artists seeking to establish a lasting career in music?
Norman’s wealth of experience offers young artists valuable insights into the industry’s dynamics, helping them navigate challenges, innovate creatively, and build a sustainable career in music.
9. What key takeaway can emerging musicians derive from Norman Abdul Halim’s advice on staying relevant in the music industry?
Emerging musicians can learn the importance of consistency, innovation, and audience engagement from Norman’s advice, shaping their approach to creating music that resonates with listeners.
10. How does Norman Abdul Halim’s guidance reflect a holistic approach to music production and career sustainability for young artists?
Norman’s guidance encompasses a holistic view of music production, career sustainability, and industry adaptation, offering young artists a comprehensive roadmap to success in the competitive music landscape.
Tags: Norman Abdul Halim, KRU, music industry, emerging artists, music production, audience engagement, digital platforms, social media, streaming services, industry trends.