Singapore the ‘LV destination’ for concerts, but will rising costs, competition derail that?
REGIONAL COMPETITION
Meanwhile, neighbouring countries with an inherent advantage – their large domestic markets – are also eyeing a slice of the booming concert market.
CK Star Entertainment, which also operates in Indonesia, has noticed more live shows and concerts taking place outside Jakarta.
“The government is putting in effort to bring these events to other cities so instead of having all the concerts in Jakarta, we see Bali being added as a tour stop now for some artistes and it freshens things up,” said Ms Chan.
Indonesia also has “very aggressive” corporate sponsors, which are undoubtedly a “major incentive and help” for promoters, said Mr Iqbal Ameer, founder and group chief executive of Livescape Group. Based in Malaysia, the concerts and events organiser has offices in Singapore and Indonesia.
“In the past, artistes will choose either Singapore or Indonesia but nowadays, it’s getting very common to see a lot more artistes including Indonesia as a stop for their world or Asia tour,” said Ms Chan.
Another vibrant market that is becoming a music festival hotspot is Bangkok.
“Festivals are part of Thailand’s culture, like Songkran, so you know it’s a place to go for a good time,” said Mr Iqbal, adding that Bangkok now sees at least one mega music festival each month.
Still, land transport and air connectivity, as well as government policies, remain a consideration for those looking at holding an event in these countries, concert promoters said.
Elsewhere in the region, Malaysia also has a large domestic multi-lingual market and good venues to boot, although recent events may have dented some market confidence.
The government halted a music festival in the capital Kuala Lumpur in July, after the frontman of British pop rock band The 1975 kissed a male bandmate onstage and criticised the country’s anti-LGBT laws. The 1975 is also banned from performing in Malaysia.
“People were worried when it happened,” said Mr Iqbal. “I’m not saying that events are not going to happen after this but it’s making everybody think twice.
“An artiste is going to think twice before coming. A sponsor is going to think twice before they sponsor an event. The fans are going to think thrice before buying a ticket, and this doesn’t make it easier for event organisers who have just survived the pandemic.”
The country’s Arts, Live Festival and Events Association sounded more upbeat, with its chairman describing the cancellation as an “isolated incident”.
“I think most artistes understand that if they are in a country, they will need to follow the guidelines of that country,” said Mr Para Rajagopal. “What The 1975 did is not something that should be done.”
