We invited Sandun Wijemanna to the 14th episode of Grow with Mayanna Sinhala Podcast to talk about the music business and how to be successful as a music artist in Sri Lanka. Sandun is the co-founder and group CEO of Serandip Music Group and Bonfire Distribution.

00:00 - Intro

Podcast starts at 01:00

03:15 - Is this a good time to become an artist?

04:12 - The difference in the industry between past and present

05:44 - How Serandip Music Group help music artists

09:18 - Revenue from streaming

11:35 - Local streaming audience

20:44 - Artist protection, How record labels taking advantage of artists

24:52 - Artist managers

31:49 - Impact of traditional media

37:44 - Publishing, Licensing, Music tracks for advertising

47:51 - Getting visibility for music tracks on digital platforms

57:18 - Artist as an entrepreneur

01:12:58 - Necessary skills needed in the current era

01:16:20 - Artist mindset

01:22:08 - Local song download websites

01:28:24 - How to start as a music artist

01:31:43 - How to get to the international level

01:37:47 - Other types of careers in the music industry

01:41:55 - Making music especially targeting streaming platforms