In Burma , it’s hard for underground bands to break into the music industry.
Few people have internet access, and producers are reluctant to promote them if they’re uncertain of success.
But after living with censorship for 60 years, many young people are now forming bands and are expressing their opinions at the political and economic situation in the country.
One of the few underground bands is Fever 109 – a metal band that was formed 5 years ago by a group of friends.
They meet regularly in their studio to play but want to make it big so they can work full time doing what they love.
”To set up a group is not easy; it takes a lot of time. Money is the problem,” says guitarist Si Thu.
“We need someone who can help arrange the shows. Then, someone should organize underground music shows once every three or four months. That would be great.”
The hard work has paid off and Fever 109 are finally about to produce their debut album, says vocalist Adino.
“We hope to produce the album this year. But it is late for many reasons. We will try to get it out next year. We record in this room. ”
Alternative bands have trouble getting signed in Myanmar.
Mainstream pop music, says Si Thu, is more in demand and therefore more profitable.
“Producers will look for profit. They choose the music that will be popular. So we need a producer that loves our kind of music”.
Another problem is the market is flooded with illegal pirated CDs.
As soon as a new song is released, illegal copies pop up everywhere – and it’s the musicians who miss out on the profit.
“Because there are so many illegal copies, it’s putting off the producers from distributing our work.”
Some bands suspect the producers themselves sell illegal copies of the CD’s they promote to make even more money.
But Fever 109 say they’re not interested in becoming rich and famous – they just want to do what they love – making metal music.
“We like what we do. If we do what we really like, people will know you at some point… “ says vocalist, Adino.
“I believe that if other underground bands work together, we will succeed.”
West Coast City is an R&B band also from Yangon who have just released their debut album.
But it took 6 years to get it out, says one band member.
“We tried to find a producer. But we had no money. Our colleagues try very hard. But the market here is not very strong yet.”
Despite the struggle West Coast City’s future looks good.
“The main point is to keep trying. You need to keep focused.”
Though it’s hard for underground bands to make a profit from their music, there are now so many more bands emerging.
