Young Singers Must Release New Songs Regularly, Says Norman KRU

Staying Relevant in a Competitive Industry

Making a name in the local music industry with a distinct identity is no easy feat, let alone staying relevant or building a lasting career in this competitive field, especially with the continuous influx of new talents.

Consistency is Key

With over three decades of experience navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, renowned singer and composer Norman Abdul Halim – best known as part of the sibling trio KRU – said young singers should avoid being complacent after achieving popularity with just one or two songs.

He advocates for a strong work ethic, encouraging consistent output of fresh material, ideally releasing a new song every two months. Norman, the eldest of four siblings, underscores that this strategy is vital for new artistes to remain relevant and competitive in an ever-evolving industry.

The Impact of Social Media and Streaming Platforms

Norman pointed out that the music industry is continuously evolving with current trends, as listeners and fans are always seeking fresh content from artistes, whether it comes from their own compositions or works crafted by other songwriters and composers.

“The trend has shifted. Fans or listeners, after hearing a song from an artiste, no longer want to wait as long as six months for new releases,” Norman said.

Norman, CEO of KRU Studios, highlights that social media and streaming platforms now allow artistes to reach a global audience more easily.

A Global Audience

“Record labels and artistes today need to recognise that fans expect a steady stream of fresh songs. These tracks don’t necessarily need to dominate radio airplay but can instead focus on other platforms like video and audio streaming,” he told Bernama.

Norman noted that the presence of various digital platforms to promote new music – whether through social media or streaming services – has made it easier for new artistes today compared to the past, when they heavily relied on radio and television.

Evolution of Song Structure and Arrangement

Norman emphasized that producing a song requires more than just a casual effort: it demands meticulous attention to structure and the arrangement of elements, which have evolved alongside changing listener preferences, cultural shifts, and advancements in technology.

“In the past, song intros could be lengthy, but that’s no longer the case. You need to get to the punchline right away. Sometimes, people won’t even click on songs longer than three or four minutes… the format has evolved,” he concluded.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Norman Abdul Halim aka Norman KRU stresses the importance of consistency and relevance in the music industry. Young singers must adapt to the ever-changing landscape by releasing new songs regularly and leveraging social media and streaming platforms to reach a global audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should young singers release new songs?
A: Norman recommends releasing a new song every two months.

Q: What is the importance of social media and streaming platforms in the music industry?
A: Norman highlights that these platforms allow artistes to reach a global audience more easily and promote their latest creations.

Q: How has the music industry changed over the years?
A: Norman notes that the industry has evolved with changing listener preferences, cultural shifts, and advancements in technology, leading to changes in song structure and arrangement.