Singapore’s modern music scene seems to be less well-known compared to its Southeast Asian compatriots. However, that doesn’t mean that their local music scene is down and out. On the contrary, this little county’s artists and musicians are very much active and can hold their own against big names from all over the world. If you are adventurous about your music and would like something new, check out these five Singaporean artists.
1) Tiramisu
Tiramisu is one of Singapore’s longest-running bands, having turned 16 this year. The band is known for their kooky get-up and unlimited energy while performing, but it wasn’t always the case. Frontman Rizman Putra recalls that in the early days of the band, they were played with their eyes on their shoes. They ramped up the energy and despite the several line-up changes, managed to keep it up.
Rizman describes the band’s music style as “a zany, funky, clown-rock jamboree.” Hid bandmate Zul Andra says that the band takes in whatever is comfortable for them, and uses it in their music. It’s seems to work well with the audiences, both at home and abroad. Whatever formula these guys have, they should keep it up.
2) SIXX
Out of the band’s nine members (this number makes them one of SIngapore’s largest bands), seven have committed themselves fully to music by quitting their day jobs. The band’s bassist, Timothy De Cotta, describes Sixx’s sound as a mix of 90s, R&B, hip hop, funk and soul. They do what they can to promote their music, including performing on the MRT and inside a Mini Cooper while on the road. The band also had the privilege of representing the country in the Marche International du Disque et de l’Edition Musicale (MIDEM) in Cannes. That should be enough to convince you of their talent.
3) Natalie’s Plight
“Real people, honest music.” These words are how the band defines themselves, rather than boxing their music into a genre. In late 2011, Natalie’s Plight came back from a three-year hiatus mostly on the desire to share songs that they wrote during their absence. The result is a three-track EP “What You See Is What You Get”.
4) Ivan Ng
This young man stands out not only for his choice of music, but for the instrument he plays it on. When he was 15, Ivan became interested in the Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer after watching a Cyndi Lauper performance. His parents were supportive of their son’s unusual interest, and there was even a time when they would patiently wait for him while he would busk along Clarke Quay (before moving to Orchard Road). These days, the self-taught musician plays in various events and festivals, including Lights of Spring in Sentosa and National Day celebrations. While his favorite tunes to play are American folk and Celtic music, Ivan also adapts modern pop songs to appeal to a larger crowd.
5) The Pinholes
Take any song from the Pinholes and you’d immediately think of classic American rock music. Like the kind that the Beatles or the Beach Boys play. However, it’s got its own local Singapore flavor that makes it familiar yet new. There’s a certain sentimentality that their songs bring, and even if you don’t know the lyrics, you couldn’t help but sway along. The Pinholes have played in various gigs outside of Singapore and have been included in the SXSW 2010 lineup in the United States.
Special Mention: The Great Spy Experiment
Their music has been compared to known greats such as Franz Ferdinand, The Killers or Anberlin. With the guitar licks, the drum beats and lyrics of their songs, I couldn’t help but agree. Listening to their song “Class A Love Affair” made me want to jump up and down and say “This is the kind of music I’m looking for.” Of course, that is a highly subjective comment, but when you hear them, I’m sure you’ll agree.
