Musicians too can go digital
Melantha Perera
Today most industries in the world are suffering due to the pandemic situation and Sri Lanka is no exception. Major Forex industries, factories and other way of living are at risk due to this situation. Music and Entertainment industry is the very first segment to cease operation under these circumstances.
The musicians in Sri Lanka are the most effected sector of the entertainment industry. Today there are no Musical concerts, no dances, no weddings, no night clubs and no gigs what so ever for the musicians to earn their daily bread. So, what can the musicians do?
Social Media has shown the path for them to float in the trouble waters at least till the life line is thrown in.
Like everything else, entertainment industry too now goes digital with virtual concerts, digital platforms for performers and live web concerts etc.
YouTube has provided a mechanism for the musicians to earn a living through YouTube monetization. However, this is NOT something that the musicians can achieve by themselves.
‘We need the support from our fans, family, friends and students to support in this important journey for the musicians to earn a living in the ‘new normal’ through YouTube monetization’ said Melantha Perera, the creator of ‘MelaNota’.
‘MelaNota’ is a notation system invented by Melantha Perera of ex-Mirage fame that used to teach the students at his music school ‘Riversheen’.
YouTube allows musicians to create an account, post their songs, lessons and other materials to popularise the channel. So how does it work? A musician needs to attract 1000 SUBSCRIBERS to the channel, and the channel must have 4,000 hours of music or other material posted within the last 12 months to be eligible for monetisation.
So, what can fans do to support musicians ? Very simple, they may support their favouite musician in two ways.
1. Click on the SUBSCRIBE button to subscribe to the musician’s YouTube channel so that the owner of the channel can increase the number of SUBSCRIBERS to 1,000.
2. When a new song is produced and sent to you, please be kind enough to watch the song, so that the number of hours will be increased.
‘That’s it. You don’t have to buy tickets, spend money, sponsor the musician or pay the musicians. The only support that’s requested from music fans is to SUBSCRIBE to the channel and watch the songs or the lessons, and of course enjoy them. Doing this, you will be helping the musicians to reach the required criteria set by YouTube’ Melantha said.
‘You might receive a link who’s unknown to you as a musician or in any front-line singer of a band are the most popular among the fans. But there may be other musicians who play a vital role in the band musically behind the scene to keep the standard of the band, but not truly recognised. Don’t turn them away and please help them too’ he added.
Can musicians support each other? Yes, and very simple. Each musician can SUBSCRIBE to each other’s YouTube channel, and support by watching each other’s songs. That’s it.
‘This is a humble request for the musicians to help each other, and fans, family and friends to support the musicians that you care about in the current environment where the musicians are suffering badly’ Melantha said.