By Nigel Edgar
KUCHING, April 1: Aspiring local music artistes can now ‘expose’ their works across the state through CATS FM Xposed.
This is touted to be a good stepping stone to become known more widely, possibly even on the international stage.
CATS FM chief executive officer Mohamad Iskandar Mohamad Nawawi said since the initiative began in 2009, the quality and talent of local artistes had improved tremendously, especially after the introduction of the CATS Xposed Chart show two years ago.
“Through this CATS Xposed Chart that we do every Sunday in Malay and Iban languages, we have discovered and showcased many hidden and new talents all over Sarawak,” he told reporters during the CATS FM Xposed Awards 2019 press conference at UCSI Hotel here today.
Iskandar said for local aspiring artistes, trying to get their musical careers kickstarted in West Malaysia would be difficult, plus there would be a lot of hassles most of the time.
But through CATS FM Xposed programmes, he said these artistes could get an instant headstart to their musical career, so long as their sound production and recording quality is broadcast-worthy.
“Because if you want to wait for our local artistes to have exposure in West Malaysia, sorry to say, I think it is still slow and arduous, a lot of hassles.
“We (CATS FM) are doing our part to recognise these (local) talents, and this inaugural CATS Xposed Awards show is to prove to the public, especially Sarawak music lovers, that we are indeed very serious about this.
“We want to champion this group of (local) artistes,” he highlighted.
Iskandar added that over the years, CATS FM’s Xposed’s music has been getting better and better and the standard of local artistes had also improved significantly.
However, he said the standard of submissions to CATS FM Xposed should also be stringent as they were representing the state’s music and entertainment industry.
“Any talent or artiste who wants to partake in our show would have to come up with good production in terms of the demos that they give to us, which are the materials that we will play on air.
“If not, we would have to reject because at the end of the day, we have to be professional about it. Anyone can record, but there must be professionalism in terms of recording and production.
“We have stringent measures to ensure what we play on air is of good quality,” said Iskandar.
Meanwhile, CATS FM broadcasting executive 1-cum-CATS Xposed coordinator Alfairez Jenurin, or better known as Rezz Fairezz, also emphasised sound and recording quality if aspiring local artistes were to submit their music to him.
“You can send your music files in mp3 or wav to our email at catsxposed@catsfm.my together with the lyrics and your profile.
“You can also mail in your physical media like CDs, EP or album together with your lyrics and profiles to CATS FM, Lot 287, Jalan Bako, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak,” he said.— DayakDaily
