Independents Dominate AIM Nominations
By Adly Syairi Ramly
JUDGING by the album nominations for the 15th Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM 15), it looks like the future of Malaysian music lies in the hands of local recording companies and independent record labels.
Persatuan Akademi Industri Muzik Malaysia (PAIMM) chairman Datuk Aziz Bakar said yesterday that out of the 51 albums submitted for AIM 15, only three were released by the big four recording labels – Universal Music, EMI Music, SONY BMG and Warner Music.
Speaking at the announcement of the top five finalists for AIM 15, Aziz was full of praise for local and indie labels.
“It’s acknowledged worldwide that independent labels produce the freshest new sounds. They dare to be different and do not conform to mainstream music trends. That’s why independent labels play an important role in the development of local music,” he said.
Karyawan’s president Freddie Fernandez said: “The industry has frozen out of fear of losing money. As such, the major labels have taken the safe route by investing in what’s perceived to be a sure thing.”
8TV chief executive officer and former Positive Tone managing director Ahmad Izham Omar summed it up best when he said: “Currently, major labels can only be distributors as they don’t have the financial luxury to do more.
“The power is with the indies, they are the ones driving the music industry ahead.
“In the next few years, I think the indies will become the most powerful force in determining the direction of Malaysian music. This year’s AIM nominations are an example of this influence,” Izham said.
Nomination-wise, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza leads the list with eight nominations, followed by Faizal Tahir with six and Dayang Nurfaizah with four.
Ash Nair, Liang, Pop Shuvit, Atilia and Kaer Azami have three nominations each.
AIM 15 will take place on May 3 at Putra World Trade Centre and will be broadcast live on ntv7, Hot FM and Fly FM.
TOP NOMINEES OF AIM 15
EIGHT NOMINATIONS
Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Hadiah Dari Hati (SRC)
* Best Vocal Performance In An Album (Female)
* Best Album Cover
* Best Pop Album
* Best Musical Arrangement In A Song (Bahasa Malaysia) – three nominations
* Best Song – two nominations
SIX NOMINATIONS
Faizal Tahir Aku.Muzik.Kamu (Monkeybone Records)
* Best New Artiste
* Best Vocal Performance In An Album (Male)
* Best Engineered Album
* Best Rock Album
* Best Musical Arrangement In A Song (Non-Bahasa Malaysia)
* Best Song
FOUR NOMINATIONS
Dayang Nurfaizah Dayang 2007 (NSR)
* Best Vocal Performance In An Album (Female)
* Best Album Cover
* Best Pop Album
* Best Musical Arrangement In A Song (Bahasa Malaysia)
(c) 2008 Malay Mail. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.