#SaveMusicSG Wants To Rescue The Scene, But What Conversations Should It Be Having?

What is #SaveMusicSG? And why should you care? (Credit: Courtesy of Matty Wainwright)

Of course it’s an admirable and noble idea. I don’t need to embark on another rambly rigmarole about how our scene is in shambles (in case you've been living in a hole the last two years, this overview feature documents several of the low points that mangled the industry). A few days ago, Matty Wainwright, head honcho of The DJ Dispensary, launched a social media campaign succinctly titled #SaveMusicSG with a motive that’s pretty self-explanatory. It’s the kind of intention you can count on the scene to rally behind. An empowering message that will have chests puffed out and backs patted in encouragement. It’s an agenda that we absolutely need for sure.

Simple but effective (Credit: #SaveMusicSG)

The fledgling campaign exists to highlight the injustice that continues to burden members of the industry, be it DJs who can’t play out, gig promoters who can’t organise events, or clubs and livehouses that aren’t allowed to have their entertainment restored. As of now, #SaveMusicSG is an amplified mouthpiece that’s gaining more and more traction, sharing posts on Instagram that shed light on the persistent issue. The purpose of these posts is to generate chatter, with content ranging from visual memes and extensive campaign rationales, to calls for video submissions from affected individuals. It’s a gradual rollout that’s already begun garnering shares from the community and even some publications, and that indeed is a good start for such a fresh initiative.

But now that the spotlight is on this promising platform, #SaveMusicSG should make use of its influence to drive the right conversations in the right way. It’s not enough to win the support of the community that already loves it; what needs to happen is to create dialogue that the average Singaporean Joe can empathise with. What are their concerns? And why should they care?

#SaveMusicSG is the brainchild of industry stalwart, Matty Wainwright (Credit: Courtesy of Matty Wainwright)

For starters, #SaveMusicSG can promote content that debunks the stereotype that DJs are dangerous. The fatal misconception that all DJs play destructive, “put-yo-effing-hands-up” music needs to be culled. #SaveMusicSG can show that electronic music – and the role of a DJ – is nuanced and diverse, and it can be more relaxing than riotous especially when you put on examples of Balearic, downtempo, deep house or ambient. The label of a DJ needs to be redefined in the eyes of the unwary public, and #SaveMusicSG can tap into its associated network of DJs to prove that point.

#SaveMusicSG can show that these events or listening sessions can be regulated. With the right conditions in place (assuming there’s no one out there irresponsible enough to f*uck it up), these environments can be controlled without misplaced fears that music will brainwash the masses to torch the status quo. Almost every pivoted club or livehouse has already done this. They are obediently following the rules. They have spent so much money on this forced adaptation. So let’s hear from these establishments. #SaveMusicSG can show that these beloved institutions are not hotspots for hell to break loose. Let’s remind the public of not just the diversity of our city’s venues, but that there is an endless, one-sided cooperation that isn’t being reciprocated.

With gigs obliterated, DJs have had to resort to other means of revenue like lessons for kids (Credit: Courtesy of Matty Wainwright)

Then there is the human element. Just like a pilot who’s been grounded or a hawker who’s been shuttered, there are countless people in the industry whose livelihoods have been disrupted because of this standstill. The government’s inaction has led to mass incapacitation. Our society, however, has shown shades of sympathy in the past. They have a tendency to call out on equalities and find solidarity in victims whom they grow a soft spot for. In this aspect, #SaveMusicSG has already gotten the ball rolling with a request for anecdotes from aggrieved individuals. It should continue building this narrative to show that we are not the bad guys of society, but fellow breadwinners who are being dealt a bad hand.

And lastly, it’s no secret that we live in a country that likes red tape proposals. To effect change, constructive feedback – rather than negative rants or shaming callouts – is key to convincing the relevant authorities. #SaveMusicSG has the power of the scene behind it. There are numerous great ideas that can be drawn from this creative force. In line with the campaign’s mission to “create a roadmap to normalcy for the music industry”, it needs to start paving the way with resourceful ideas and solutions that the government hasn’t arrived at yet. And why should they? They don't know the scene like we do. Besides, Matty has won the approval of the authorities before. With the backup of the whole industry, maybe he just might do it again.

If #SaveMusicSG plays its cards right, this scenario might come sooner than you’d expect (Credit: Courtesy of Matty Wainwright)

These are just a few ideas that I think #SaveMusicSG can harp on and flesh out on its platform. With a solid strategy in place, the credibility of the cause can convince even the most uninitiated members of society, from those who hold power in parliament to the Mothership masses who think that techno is Eurodance. There is something special in #SaveMusicSG. Let’s hope it can get us out of the dark ages.

P.S. Thanks for doing this, Matty.

#SaveMusicSG will be organising a 24-hour live-stream that will showcase Singaporean talents and F&B establishments, broadcast live through local and international media partners. Follow its Instagram page for more updates.