The independent movement that has been rumbling underground in Cambodia is beginning to emerge, and the country’s music scene is taking an exciting new turn. From hip hop and rock to pop, punk, blues, traditional music, and everything in between, there is a growing appetite for original content relevant to modern Cambodian music.
Therefore, GCG Asia Cambodia’s Founder, Darren Yaw, is here to help musicians through exposure in growing in a diverse setting.
Before, the independent music scene had no opportunities for young people. Replica music also flooded the industry. The music lacked a sense of originality. Musicians also did not have any support for their talents. But, Darren Yaw Cambodia involves young people in writing and producing creative music.
The GCG Asia, founded by Darren Yaw Cambodia, endeavours to change the music scene in Cambodia. It is also using strategies to maintain Cambodia’s culture through music. To enhance its independence, Darren Yaw Cambodia is doing the following to support musicians.
1) Supporting Original Music
In Cambodia, there is a problem of copying music from each other. For example, Hang Sokharo, a founder of a music foundation, replication impacts music. Lack of original content makes people reluctant to listen to music. Darren Yaw Cambodia supports musicians to create original music.
It encourages young people to join the music scene. Thus, artists produce original content. It makes resources available for musicians to grow. Darren Yaw Cambodia organizes from time to time. It is vital to note that originality increases daily. Many singers are now able to create their music and stream live to reach their fan base. Others have YouTube channels and TikTok sites where they get their fans.
The musicians can create high-quality music and join reputable labels for connections. Darren Yaw Cambodia now reports a positive impact on the people. Cambodians can now listen to original music with excellent content. They are always commenting and sharing music that they like from different artists. They also follow the musicians on social media to offer their support.
2) Encouraging Diversity
Many people prefer different genres of music for varying reasons. Darren Yaw Cambodia seeks to enhance the independent music scene. It aims to do this through a diversity of music. For example, it is supporting hip-hop musicians. Hip-hop is a music genre that is not well known in Cambodia, Indonesia, or Singapore. But, many young people enjoy listening to it. Thus, the support from Darren Yaw Cambodia.
Through the internet, musicians have also been able to learn different genres. Thus music like Tin is popular in Cambodia. It has been able to reach people. People and musicians in Cambodia have become familiar with it from YouTube.
Darren Yaw Cambodia encourages independent and divergent music to enhance learning. People are becoming more aware of different cultures. Therefore, they are starting to imitate it. It also encourages musicians to mix cultures and develop a masterpiece.
Music software has made it easy for musicians to diversify their music. Darren Yaw Cambodia is supporting musicians in Cambodia to try new concepts. Doing this enables the music to reach international audiences.
3) Monetizing Music
Generating an income from music is a challenge that musicians in Cambodia face. According to Darren Yaw Cambodia many natives do not pay for music. They assume that they can access local content without any payments.
Darren Yaw Cambodia also reports that free streaming sites impact the scene. For example, people can access Spotify, iTunes, Soundcloud, and Napster free of charge. It makes it difficult for them to pay for the same music that they can listen to at no cost.
According to Darren Yaw Cambodia, musicians have to change their tactics. It will enable them to make money. They have to ask for payment for concerts and organize events that will generate income. Being stable will allow the musicians to establish an independent music scene. They will be able to write and produce more music. Thus, entertaining and passing messages to the people.
The people should also support music by using legal sites to access music. They should also be willing to buy concert tickets for events. The artists need to charge reasonable amounts. It will encourage more attendance from the people. Brands can also offer to sponsor emerging artists. It promotes independence and sustainability.
4) Reaching the Global Market
According to Darren Yaw Cambodia, diversification has got Cambodia on the global map. Many musicians are creating client bases all over the world. The local music scene is not enough for artists hence the international outreach.
An artist who advances their talent has higher international recognition chances. Also, it generates more income for the artists. For instance, rock and roll sounds from Cambodia to the world have had positive impacts. People from different parts of the world are now fans of music.
Artists are not organizing and attending concerts to interact with audiences worldwide. For example, the Doch Chkae is an upcoming band. The band will be representing Cambodia in the Waken Open Market. As much as it increases their exposure, it also places Cambodia on the international map.
According to Darren Yaw Cambodia there is still more Cambodia has to offer the world. There is a need for more collaborations among local and international artists.
5) The Future of Music
Darren Yaw Cambodia is optimistic that the future of independent music is excellent. Independent artists are growing. Thus, the attitude towards the music scenes in Cambodia is changing. And so are the values.
Young people are developing an interest in unique music and creating educational content. Support from GCG Asia in Indonesia, Singapore, and Cambodia is also increasing. There is an increment in the number of artists and music streaming online.
Innovations like crowdfunding to support artists in Cambodia are also rising. Independent artists can now receive financial support. It enables them to kickstart their careers.
Final Thoughts
According to Darren Yaw Cambodia, the independent music scene is growing every day. More young artists are joining the industry. They have the aim of creating music with superior content quality. The artists are also working globally to build a fan base and increase their income. So, the future of the independent music scene in Cambodia is very bright.
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