KUALA LUMPUR: Music maestro Datuk Ramli MS has partnered with Dr Ariffin Yahaya and Har Kok Kit to set up a new website called Sinio (www.sinio.com) which offers music fans the opportunity to watch live virtual concerts by Malaysian artistes.
The 63-year-old composer, conductor and musician said that he came up with the idea two years ago in order to showcase local talent, as well as to enable fans to catch shows wherever they may be and whenever they want to.
"This is a platform for our celebrities in the future. Take Ziana Zain. To me, she is worthy of having a two-hour concert since she has a long list of popular songs.
"She still has many loyal fans but it's a little difficult these days to get a sponsor what with the current (pandemic) situation and all.
"Another artiste with several popular tunes can still have the opportunity to perform for an hour. This website enables our entertainers to stage a show accompanied by professional musicians and can be accessed by anyone around the world via a pay-per-view format," he said in a news report yesterday.
Sinio's first concert was to be by rock group XPDC which was initially scheduled for March 12. Unfortunately, the concert was postponed due to the health issues suffered by the band's lead singer Ali.
"These concerts will be available even after it debuts in 4K resolution. Before this, we had already undergone several successful trial tests and we were ready to stream it live.
"But we pray for the best for Ali's quick recovery. We will be announcing updates on any change from time to time," he said.
Ramli added that everyone should embrace the changes in technology and move ahead for the further development of the music industry.
"In Malaysia, we have hundreds of artistes who, I believe, long for special concerts. But the opportunity has not yet presented itself. Sponsors also want to only support artistes that, perhaps to them, are the ones that can 'make the sale'.
"Picture those with popular songs but having no place to perform them live. I have already talked to several artistes like Datuk Awie and Senario on this new technology.
"So far they have shown an interest and see it as a new alternative for their fans to catch a concert.
"With the current situation, there are still those who are not willing to go out and about, here and there.
"Our routines and lifestyles have changed, so it's time for them to be able to be entertained by high-quality broadcasts. We bring the concert to wherever they may be," he said.
Ramli explained that he also wanted to provide a space for artistes who might not have a wide repertoire.
"I notice that promoters are not willing to feature a lot of our artistes by investing in a concert. I understand this situation and that's why we are trying to provide a space for them.
"For instance, if an artiste only has two hit songs, perhaps they can collaborate with other fellow artistes to stage a concert via Sinio.
"But we will only allow those who have genuinely popular tunes. This is not just a for fun endeavour since viewers will want quality material that they can sing along to.
"If it's just for 'syok sendiri' purposes, then I won't do it," he said.