Let the digging begin
A big haul of vinyl leads the charge at the upcoming Musika indie music market.
IN Malaysia, the reports of the death of record-buying culture and the end of physical music formats have been greatly exaggerated. Even with the shuttering of several popular record stores – notably three Rock Corner outlets and diggers’ favourite Joe’s Mac – in the Klang Valley last year, there’s still a hardcore following of music lovers keeping the art of collecting alive.
There is some truth in The Smith’s song There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.
The annual Musika independent music market, set to return at The Gasket Alley, Section 13 in Petaling Jaya on April 1, promises to bring much-needed cheer to record collectors who have been cut adrift by the closure of so many mainstream music stores.
This year’s event is billed Crate:Musika, with support from entertainment company FWD.
“It’s no understatement to say that many music fans have had their supply chain cut. Yes, we are talking about those who actively buy vinyl and CDs. Musika, in a small way, is a meeting point for music lovers to regroup and find a way to network. Where there is music to be bought and sold, people will find it,” says Nurul Jannah, one of the Musika organisers.
“There is still a need to hang out with friends – new and old – and discover music.”
Musika, established in early 2016, has championed physical music formats with annual independent markets brimming with vinyl, CDs and tapes.
“The independent record shops are all we have right now. But let’s not forget flea market vendors, private collectors and Facebook sellers who have also been important in filling in the gaps. The secondary market is really active in terms of music buying and selling,” she adds.
The upcoming Musika, according to Nurul, will feature a stronger private collector presence. Over 30 vendors have confirmed participation.
“With private collections, you have a personally curated stash ... be it vinyl, CDs or tapes. We’re glad to have several collectors on board. The digging vibe will be exciting. With the Musika team’s input, we are aiming to find a good balance of genres for sale, especially rock, indie, pop, jazz, metal, right down to the more obscure stuff.”
Vinyl will be Musika’s biggest draw, considering the format’s popularity. But CDs and cassettes also have their following.
The bargain hunting for pre-loved records will keep collectors busy for hours, but Musika also has new records and homegrown indie releases. Music-related merchandise, DVDs, books and turntables might also crop up from booth to booth.
“Based on the previous Musika editions, everyone has his or her preferred format. As a market, we don’t discriminate,” says Nurul.
Among the vendors set for the upcoming Musika are Sputnik Rekordz, New Leafz, Payola Records, Soundscape Records, The LP Freak Store, Biawaqqs Records, Effloresce Records, Peluru Dalam Perahu, Gee Amcorp, Sollehah Audio, Fenomena Music, Badmotorfinger, Amused To Death, Disko Santan, and Shiny Happy People.
“I was a collector at first, now I have my own indie record-selling business,” says Sputnik founder Naza Mohamed.
“In fact, I haven’t stopped collecting vinyl. But I also enjoy selling records and meeting fellow collectors. It’s a two-way street. You buy, you sell, you build a base. We all know that the digging scene can be better in Malaysia, and it takes a whole community of music lovers to move things forward.”
The Musika experience will be soundtracked by vinyl DJs and collectives such as Disko Santan, Ruud (Public School), Olympic Diggers, Alijo, KidG and Xu. With a crowd of 1,000 fans expected, the digging and the party spread look to be in good hands. Food will also be on sale to keep diggers going.
“Music lovers deserve their day out. It’s a chance to mingle with like-minded souls,” says Awyn Razali, from the Disko Santan collective.
Crate:Musika takes places at The Gasket Alley (opposite Jaya One), Section 13, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, on April 1. Open: 3pm to 9pm. Admission is free; note that the event is restricted to those aged above 18. Limited spaces are still available for vendors. E-mail: laydeh@ gmail.com. Facebook: Musika.