JUST two days after launching its Youth in Music official website, the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) has announced yet another programme, called the ‘Youth in Music – Open Mic’ under the Youth with Rhythm initiative, for youths to showcase their talents.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the programme is a golden opportunity for youths to express themselves, showcase their talent and socialise in times of pandemic but under strict standard operating procedures.
“We want to develop youth through music. From performing on stage, the youth will be able to boost their self-esteem and self-confidence and also help them to pursue their passion.
“PYDC wants to help them discover their different talents. And they may go on to perform at the national and international level or become professional musicians,” Soon said at a press conference in Komtar today.
The initiative is being done together Soundmaker Studio as the co-organiser. The Open Mic programme will be held at Soundmaker Studio in 18, Bishop Street (1st floor) from 8.30pm to 11pm on Feb 12.
PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling said developing our youth has always and will always be PYDC’s main objective.
“Here in Penang, we have so many hidden talents but so few platforms for them to shine. Thus, we have come up with this initiative to give them the platform that they need.
“Music is not just a great way for the youth to escape the hustle and bustle of life and release their stress, but it is also a great way for the youth to express their creative side,” Dr Gwee said.
Soundmaker Studio co-founder Cole Yew Kok Cheong said four pre-registered performers would be selected to perform in the Open Mic programme on Feb 12 and the fifth slot of the programme would be an open jam session.
He explained that the open jam session is for any attendees to have an impromptu performance with other musicians on the stage. They are welcome to bring along their instrument.
“This is actually the best part of the Open Mic session because this is the time when the participants or musicians will have a cultural exchange with new friends. This is also the climax of the Open Mic where you can see new creativities and impromptu skills of music come together.
“New artists and musicians can be discovered through Open Mics, which are usually hosted by live music venues and entertainment outlets.
“Open mic is also a good training ground to improve themselves or to test themselves before they get more serious in their music career,” Yew said.
Based on the SOPs during this Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers require pre-booking attendance.
Soundmaker Studio, Yew said, could accommodate a maximum of 80 people.
The organisers are now accepting registration from now until Feb 10.
Participants are free to showcase any kind of performing art in music; solo or in groups, in whatever style they choose to do, from reciting a poem to rapping, from playing instruments to singing.
Also present at the press conference were PYDC directors Lee Khai Loong, who is also the Machang Bubok assemblyman, Lee Wei Seang and Fahmi Zainol, who are also also councillors with the Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai City Council respectively.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar