Indonesia has its own music store online, dubbed IM:port, an abbreviation of Independent Music Portal. This is Apple iTunes-like, but for mobile phone devices only, and is considered a breakthrough for the music industry in Indonesia.

At least 3,000 song titles from 700 musicians are already listed here.

Until the day after this service was launched last month, more than 2,000 songs were sold and 4GB of content were downloaded already.

Based on antipiracy technology's digital rights management (DRM), this digital music was sold at its Web site (www.importmusik.com), and at 2,000 ATM-like kiosks owned by M Photo Studio and Fuji Image Plaza.

The Web site

IM:port also sells other mobile phone related content such as ringtones, ringback tones and wallpaper.

The portal uses a specific file format called .jts, which was originally created by mobile content provider Jatis Mobile. Before downloading the song, users should download a certain music player software (WinAmp and the likes) sized 100kb from the Web site or its kiosk.

But you can enjoy the shorter version of the song as a preview on your mobile phone first. If you like it and want to have the full version, a message will automatically send to 9333. In seconds, you will get a reply containing an activation code, and your cellular bill will be automatically debited for the amount of Rp5,000 (50 US cents)

IM:port also provides certain MP3 format songs which can be downloaded and played in any portable music device. This is the first time MP3 format songs are offered on an online store legally and for free.

Different from major label recording distributors, IM:port offers an opportunity for anyone to promote and sell their songs without any charges at all. You don't need ability and capacity like major/famous musicians because the music storeowner even accepts the works of amateur songwriters.

Yes, this is a golden opportunity for Indie label musicians and singers! Indie music (from independent) often refers to an artist or band that is not part of the mainstream culture. The "indie" definition comes from the do-it-yourself attitude and ability to work outside large corporations and their record labels, operating without the funding from major record labels. If there is any funding, it's outside the organizations of major record labels.

The only requirement for submission is that you should submit your song file in .WAV format, in high audio quality recording. There is no duration limitation.

There are two options for those who want to upload their song into the portal: For promotion only and sales as well.

No wonder Indonesian music consumers find new musicians like Gondal Gandul, The Demit and Pendobrak Cinta listed on the music portal. "Indeed, we are trying to accommodate indie label music groups so their songs could be listened to and distributed as easy as possible," Hanny T Lesmana, general manager for IM:Port, told to the daily Koran Tempo. In addition, at least 10 indie groups from Kanada will join the portal soon.

This portal, of course, also provides any major song by prominent singers and musicians, like Indra Lesmana, Idang Rasyidi, Maliq ND' Essential, Dewi Sandra and Malaysian singer Siti Nurhaliza.

The idea of IM:port was instigated four years ago by Anang Hermansyah, Abdee Negara, Indra Lesmana and Triawan Munaf. Most of them are musicians. According to the founder, the portal is to anticipate the declining of CD and cassette purchasing in Indonesia. Five years ago, sales of CD would reach 10 million copies annually. But this year, the figure is only 1.2 million.

Nobody can stop the music (industry) on the go.

 

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