SINGAPORE: Anugerah Planet Muzik (APM) 2012 is one of the biggest events on the Malay music calendar this year.
Held at the Singapore Expo's MAX Pavilion on December 15, the event will feature performances by many of the biggest names in the Malay music industry, from Ridho Rhoma to Malaysia's Queen of Jazz, Dato' Sheila Majid.
But Brader Bo, the Executive Music Director of Malay radio stations Ria 89.7FM and Warna 94.2FM, believes APM 2012 is more than just an awards show.
The radio veteran, who has been part of the Malay music industry for more than two decades now, explained that APM 2012 has grown with the industry over the years and reflects many of the trends in the industry today, such as the move away from album production and a stronger focus on single releases.
"Things have changed," Brader Bo told channelnewsasia.com.
"Previously, only those who have albums can take part (in the APM), but I guess the trend in the last five years is a move away from albums.
"For example in Malaysia, everybody is doing singles. That's why we don't even have the Best Album category anymore," he continued, pointing out that this was a conscious effort by APM 2012 organisers to keep up with the current trends in the Malay music industry.
New Media, New music
Another major change in this year's APM is the addition of two new awards – the New Media Nova and New Media Icon awards; a nod to the growing impact new media has on the Malay music industry.
The New Media Nova award honours musicians who are not signed to a music label, but have used new media to make a name for themselves, while the New Media Icon celebrates artistes who have a strong influence on social media.
Brader Bo believes these new awards simply reflect how New Media has drastically changed the face of Malay music.
He noted that a whole new generation of fresh young Malay music stars is now making extensive use of New Media to reach out to their fans and get noticed.
"New Media has impacted the Malay music industries in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Nowadays, because of how technology is so easy to use, you don't quite need a music label to get your music out.
"Gone are the days whereby if you want to be a star, you got to go to so called proper channels: You have to be in a recording company and you have to be an artiste that has to be packaged," said Brader Bo.
"With the New Media, the packaging is still there but the artiste has more say in what they want to package themselves as."
Almost a third of the 60 artistes nominated for awards (check out the complete nominee list here) at the APM this year are from Singapore.
If APM 2012 reflects major trends in Malay music, what sort of trend does this indicate?
Brader Bo said this is an encouraging sign.
He believes this means lesser-known Singapore acts like Pulse!, which has been nominated for Best New Duo/ Group, and Snowball, which has clinched a nomination for Best Singapore Song at this year's APM, are gradually catching the attention of Malay music-lovers and APM judges alike.
Tickets to Anugerah Planet Muzik 2012 are on sale now.
APM 2012: Holding up a mirror to the Malay music industry
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APM 2012: Holding up a mirror to the Malay music industry
