Written by Amal Murni
Music may not be a huge significance in some people’s lives, but for most, it is their treasure. Unfortunately, the local music scene in Brunei are under-appreciated and it is partly due to the masses opting to spend their hundreds to see their favourite musicians than considering on going to a local show or the unshaken beliefs of the small specks of negative stereotypes that most people have. I can honestly go through never-ending justifications on how music and art in general is the most blessed thing a human being can experience but I will spare you that torment.
In regards to the former point of the cause of the local music scene being under-appreciated, of course it is not at all bad to go see your favourite musician because it is an experience unlike no other. However, you only go to one of those rare occasions perhaps once or twice per year or more if you are lucky. But wouldn’t it be nice to spend your weekend nights off at some venues for new local music? Let me rephrase that; wouldn’t it be nice to be able to spend our weekend nights off at venues that permits live music?
Sure, Brunei’s music scene, or at least live music performances happen once in a blue moon, but when it does, it only takes a drive and probably BND$10 to watch the show and succumb into the kaleidoscopic talents that our locals have and as a plus, you would find some new music to jam to!
There are numerous reasons to support your local musicians, which firstly, being one of the inspirations and motivations in their career. Wouldn’t it be fun to see our favourite people rise to stardom that they deserve? And who knows? maybe their music might inspire you as well.
"Inspiration is hard to come by. You have to take it where you find it," - Bob Dylan
Secondly, we have to empathise their creative process because it is not an easy job. One track can take weeks to master, one EP can take a month or two and an album can take about a year plus. I am sure you can understand the frustration and insecurities you often get when it comes to your work and it is similar to the musicians’. They would think about whether people will like it or not, or if the production is tight. Don’t you want a pat on the back after hours of overusing your left and right brain to complete a task that you are “kinda proud of, but not sure how others would think of it, but I want to be proud of it, but not really because what if it’s not good enough”? These musicians would want the same too, in fact, with merely three words, “I like this” or “this is great!” can boost their motivation and hope because that is one of the forms of encouragement and support they need in order for them to continue to follow their passion.
Thirdly, you would get musical diversity by going to shows and I can guarantee that it will be such a refreshing thing to be a part of because being able to expand your music taste and environment will enable you to have a wide variety of music to choose from.
Fourthly, you will be helping not only the musicians, but also the economy because surprise, surprise! Musicians can be a healthy part of local economies. By going to their shows and supporting them, we are simultaneously supporting plenty of business owners and their employees. Additionally, the more active we are, the more it can attract tourists to spend their weekends in Brunei too.
Fifthly, these local shows are much more personal than seeing your favourite big-time musicians because you get to talk to them prior to their performance and after (for free!). Moreover, they are there for you! They are there to entertain you and the least you can do is show up and reciprocate the good time that all of you can have.
Lastly, bragging rights. Yes, I said it. If those five reasons are not adequate enough to lure you into supporting and going to the shows, perhaps being able to say “gila dude, kami bah masa atu makan di TK sama dorang, ani famous tia, (it’s crazy dude, we got to eat at TK with them before, and now they’re famous)” may be satisfying for you.
Supporting local musicians is easy and affordable. Sometimes their shows are super cheap, if not free and their merch are not too bad either. Location wise, it is convenient for our stingy half-asses to go to and often times, it is worth it.
Music is a beautiful thing and for a land of unexpected treasures, we sure do need to put our musicians and other creatives on the map so those on the outside looking in can notice, support and appreciate the hard-work of passion driven careers.
So, follow the local bands, rappers, solo-artists and producers and go to their shows whenever you can because it would mean the world to them and it can potentially help the future of our local music scene.
R&B / Hip Hop:
@yungswanz
@_wackogenius
@adinosaurr / @dukegvng_
@meez_feeq
@thevoidcollective (lambak lord$)
@k0ldkid
@azizi_alli_sabri
@zed.peace
@jaymiefoo_
@riffdolla
@ghause08_
@rayayyann
& many more
Alternative / Indie / Rock:
@mirrortrashband
@perfectscums
@tropicalhornbills
@surfvampires
@wearethetv
@yukahati
@goateyesbn
@hurricane_h0ney
@kosmik.band
@thejetpacktheory
@edabrig
@flowersbn.official
@hangs.band
@jupiter.waves
@emptywalletband
& many more
Punk / Grunge / Metal:
@manufracture.bn
@_h8_bwn
@blurrystate.bn
@kingkimurabn
@hebiimetaru
@punkhouse.bn
@underattack.bn
@salemservants
@hauntedmelodyproject
@racebeforesunset
@d_rtyclock.bn
@pemuzik_kena_reject
@alexandria.bn
@survivingmonday.bn
@abstract.band
@senjakalaofficial
@rocketkebulan
@shadowmirth
@secretsignalbn
& many more
Ska / Reggae:
@freddyskasauce
@rootsrockreggae.bn
& many more
Pop / Instrumentals:
@syafiqabdilah
@fn.duo
@browne.bn
@modernminds.bn
@kamaloko.ent.group
& many more
Apologies if we have misspelled or missed out on a few.
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