The sunshine nation is an entity that was created in the year 2012. Since then the organization has become anonymous with great music, people and events. This is an entity that has been responsible for large scale festivals like the one they did at Fort Canning, hosting yacht parties around the Andaman Islands. They have also been responsible for putting together block parties in places like Boat Quay streets. This is a company that has had very great success in the most if not all their ventures. They are also responsible for organizing grand balls in upscale bars and their functions are always exceptional providing the unique experience their patrons have gotten accustomed to. The company has only been around for four years but already they have acquired the standard of a nightlife juggernaut within Singapore. Their success is accredited to the emotional connection they have forged with their audience. They have taken their time to form a community of loyal followers thanks to the lifestyle ventures these people have decided to undertake. This is a company that does not rely on any one major act but has created their own rotating community of major acts. In this way they won't be stuck in a bind if they have some form of unexpected mishaps or miscommunication. The way these people operate ensures that their patrons support them fully and for the long term.

Chit Chat with the boss

Talking to the director of Marketing and their Director of Events and Operations, Alexander Linnerth and Bernhard Schwarz respectively, they expresses their philosophy and the growth of the Sunshine National. They are two Austrians that created the company that offers the people of Southeast Asia unique music to complement their lifestyle concepts. The two entrepreneurs saw a new niche in a market that they could easily exploit. There were no organizations like Sunshine National in Singapore four years ago the two young men took their opportunity and as not looked back since.

The love they both have for music and travel lead them in the decision to creating this company. They have successfully created a company that combines great music and travel with events to provide new experiences that like-minded individuals can share. The pair was inspired by the concepts of events such as Lighthouse Festival, the Wilderness, Primavera and Yacht Week which are all very dynamic and successful festivals. The direction in which this company is going is the exact direction the founders want their business to head. The goal of the business is to do exactly what they are doing right now and this has not changed. They have promoted some of the most unique themed events and to many surprise, these events have been major success. The main aim of the company right now is to satisfy the need of their loyal community of followers.

Getting Started

It was a hard task getting in to this type of field in the country of Singapore and even more difficult to growing a community of loyal followers. Garden Beat is described by the founders as being the perfect festival celebrating god food, music and friendship in an ideal setting. The initial event that they promoted was the Sail Spin event. This is their most memorable event with the concept of sailing the islands of the Andaman. This was the first company to promote and event with this unique theme and to many surprise this was a very big success for the promoters. This was an event that none of them will soon forget. They have also stated with their own mouths that it was probably their all-time favorite event.

What to expect

The business head of this company might tell you that Sunshine Nation will provide only the best in good music, a difference in event concepts and a never before experience. The loyal community of followers of the Nation will probably tell you to expect the same thing. The last event just happened on 9th March 2019. There are many events planned for the next year. The same quality that fans of the Sunshine Nation has come to love and expect is the same quality that this entity plans to continue delivering top their loyal followers and the potential ones as well. This is a company that provides new experiences in terms of nightlife and event promoting.

"Support local!" — This is a simple word or slogan that completely depends on involvement in circles around you; it can be a refrain even as a command. "Support local lah," the sheepish comment that was given by a musician who was on the stage "Support local", a point or comment on Facebook added with smiley sign emoji or victory. Think of what do you mean to say when you point “support local”. You may always ask the question before; the context is needed to be described. "Support local!" the passionate merchandise seller defines you to peruse shirts and CDs.

It's pretty fine to describe Singapore's indie music scene, which is thriving popularity presently. It might be the dawn of a new golden age; these are the words of Eddino Abdul Hadi of the Straits Times. Hadi is a musician by profession and a veteran of the scene undoubtedly; there are numerous players that are helping Singaporean music to get the spotlight in op-ed for going from strength to strength.

Hadi extensively did coverage of the painstaking work done by musicians, with labels and supporting organizations, but it's about the fans. They said that they are at gigs with home-grown indie talents." This comment is true but no one asks about the fans locally?”

Now let's think again and we thought for discussing "fans" because they're an inclining vital subgroup that has been a long lasting cause for curious fretting among the rest part of the scene. What a musician can be without an audience? Are local musicians capable enough to compete with international musicians for Singaporeans' eyes and ears? The perennial questions and worries are seemed to have been answered and assuaged by healthy crowds at gigs; it is having an encouraging chart show on iTunes.

The line for the release show Gentle EP in the year were extended till the block. Inch Chua, Charlie Lim, and Great Spy Experiment Hall where been sold at the music venue. Take Two and more, Great Spy Experiment, Gentle Bones, The Great Spy Experiment, The Sam Willows that can be enjoyed in the iTunes.

The line for the release show Gentle EP in the year were extended till the block.

Inch Chua

(in photo), Charlie Lim, and Great Spy Experiment Hall where been sold at the music venue. Take Two and more, Great Spy Experiment, Gentle Bones, The Great Spy Experiment, The Sam Willows that can be enjoyed in the iTunes.

Hadi noted that "the indie scene is no industry yet but only a mere scene. Many musicians do odd jobs to pay the bills and it's not new to walk away for the musicians. The blame should not be on the fans alone; there are multiple reasons why the scene is undeveloped as it's like now. Somewhere, it's true that as Singaporeans have been accustomed to accessing local music as free or cheap.

No need to look hard at all to find a free show. The most vital and important festival of Singapore is Baybeats.

Just ask fans about Charlie Lim, who has been clamouring physical copies of his latest album, Time/Space.

It would frankly be rude to define shame to people, who takes the cheap route to tight finances. It would also be exclusionary priceless to all Singaporean music to the extent the participation in the scene which becomes expensive. But it doesn't hurt to reconsider the ways to pay (or don't pay) for local music, and perhaps buy the favourite band for a round of beers after a gig that will be really enjoying. It's not rare to hear the accusations that Singaporeans value international music more than home-grown sounds, just because it'll shell out hundreds of international bands' but not extend the same to local ones.

The international music still dominates the Singaporean airwaves. Local bands always open for international headliners, never another means of around — if it ever happens at all. It's not unfairly common for people to mentally separate the locals with the international and make a comment as "This is the favourite band of mine and it's, of course, local!"

Whether it's making tribute art, or to volunteer for some music festival trying a hand at gig photography or booking local bands for a show, the possibilities are endless. The investment depends on the music scene. When listening earphones or when you are in the concert as an audience is no longer enough for the audience; know that it always takes the first step to working.

This article aims to reveal the backdrop of Singapore's music scene, as a wide range of musicians and artistes provide their share of the story. The music scene went from a quiet dead period to a lively one. It has been more than 20 years since rock and roll was banished underground, bars are prohibited from playing jukeboxes and men are not allowed to keep their locks long and hairy. Now Singapore has revived the music scene to top levels once more. Bands after bands can be seen progressing from performing privately in their rooms to shaking up audience via live performances on stage. This is just the beginning.

A dozen of independent musicians, bands and entrepreneurs were gathered around to hear them speak their mind on an uncensored manner. First in the list is Bandwagon founder Clarence Chan. He shared that there is an obvious uprising in the music scene, in areas of talent pool and artists. Digital media helped expedite the rise. Local band Gentle Bones were famous within a short span of time from the first videos produced. The hit song had more than hundred thousand views. Gentle Bones went from Youtube star to renowned mainstream musician with a contract with Universal Music.

Bandwagon aggregate performances and there is a steady increase in gigs by 28% every year. Pubs are more open to hiring local bands. Beer Market started an Original Sundays theme day for local bands to perform. Timbre Originals as well as Hood Bar are also some of the pubs embracing local bands.

Bands have taken control to organize their shows. JAWN is the perfect example of a singer-songwriter who took charge of everything right from album launch to CD décor and distribution method. They have good attention to details. The music scene begin to boom due to the singer taking charge of their baby project. The passion is in them. They were able to handle posters décor, marketing and managing their Facebook page.

Cellist for Vox, Tow Huiwen shared that it is much easier to produce music. Singapore's population has become more receptive for local gigs since the last few years. There are plenty of platforms to market a musician. Musicians are partly responsible for their own career besides relying on organisers. Guitarist for Stopgap Grayson was concerned that there is over saturation. Vocalist for Stopgap Adin Kindermann begs to differ and commented that good music will take care on its own and people will readily share good music. Grayson replied that the most important issue to address is to make a music stand out. Adin further commented that creativity is imperative in order to make money. Bands must ferociously market themselves. That is the only way to earn a teens' money.

Bands must be true to themselves to succeed and the best tracks are the ones that are unconventional. Band must strive to perform better for every performance and it is positive for all. Musicians must be creative on their distribution as well. For example, a unique method could be giving out codes or links for download. It is easy and convenient.

Entertainment head for CE´ LAVI Joshua Pillai began as a DJ. His had his first gig when he was 13 years old. His dad owns a company specializing in DJ entertainment and he could have the opportunity to perform when other DJ were absent. This is a good practice and he knew music is his life whenever he goes back home. He was happiest when he got into DL console. He performs at the same level of energy for one or thousands of people. He started from the underground music scene, playing all genres from funk to soul. He enjoyed the attention at the underground music scene as he was less well-known. I recently changed only when he joined CE´ LAVI.

Grayson concurred that the ones who look for you in the underground music scene are the best supporters. Joshua Pillai commented that not all is smooth sailing as there will be times where there is no crowd. There will also be rude crowd showing vulgarities and handing out weird requests. Some even wanted him to play a tune from his private phone. It can be tough facing these abuses. Nevertheless, as more people start to appreciate musicians as decent jobs, there will be opportunity for pay and salary progression and gigs will be paid a fair reward.

Well-known singing competition organized by Radio Malaya named Talentime in the 1950's ignited huge following from citizens of Singapore and Malaysia. Many amateur singers started forming local bands to produce locally made music. The next decades saw the growth in live performance music and successful album launches followed by crowd warming audience.

In the 1960's it was known as the Golden Age for Singapore local music scene. A performance by Cliff Richard's rock band and their collaboration with local Singapore band was monumental. It provided inspiration to immature music enthusiasts to establish local Singapore bands. Thus began the growth of Singapore's music scene, famous for producing local talents like The Quests as well as The Thunderbirds. Their debuts in the early sixties broke many records. The Crescendos were the first ever local band to establish a partnership with renowned music record label Philips International. The Quests hit singles had been at the pinnacle of Singapore music charts for twelve consecutive weeks. Invitations poured in to the bands to conduct their performance overseas. Malay bands were extremely popular in the sixties as well. A local hit named Pop Yeh-Yeh, which is a unique blend of rock and Malay melody, provided heavy influence to subsequent hit bands such as Siglap Five. They had conducted performance all over Malaysia, including perfoming to a royal family in Malaysia. Malay rock band Sweet Charity had enjoyed success for more than 20 years up till the eighties.

In the 1970's, it was a period of rapid decline for the local music scene. There are a couple of reasons for the decline. First reason would be the independence of Singapore in achieved in 1965. British military soldier began returning to their home country and demand for band performance fell dramatically at the clubs. Another reason is the rise of the hippie culture. Singapore government has openly discouraged local young males from keeping a long hair as they are concerned with the hippie culture's association with drugs and sex. Singapore government proceeded to ban rock bands from performing in Singapore in order to curb the hippie culture from spreading. Popular band Bee Gees had been ordered to leave immediately after their performance in Singapore. Many local bands' careers were unstable and many disbanded as well. Most went to overseas for greater opportunities.

In the 1980's, a hit song composed by the famous Tokyo Square named Within You'll Remain reignited Singapore music atmosphere. It was covered by Chyna lead singer and was a success with the combination of many instruments combined, including a Chinese zither.

A total of 5 Singaporean bands combined forces to release Class Acts, a hit music record which went to sell more than ten thousand copies. It was also extremely popular in Thailand with more than one thousand copies sold. Within You'll Remain even topped the Thai music charts. The song production was troubled due to music piracy when illegal vendors starting selling pirated music cassettes.

In the 1990's, it was a period where music which are non-mainstream began to flourish. “So Happy”, a hit song composed by The Oddfellows topped the local chart for the Singapore famous radio station. They were one of the first music producers to create and provide self-funding for their first album. BMG, a renowned record label subsequently bought over the distribution rights. The album sold well, and is a huge achievement to the local band. It sold over 2,000 records locally and propelled the bands into stardom. The Padres, an independent rock band, was the first local English music band to form a partnership with Rock Records. For much of the 90's, many bands were formed and they started producing non-mainstream rhythm categories such as garage rock and punk. The older generation may have recalled several of the bands such as Force Vomit or Concave Scream.

From the 70's to 90's, music piracy hit the local Singapore music scene hard and many bands were unable to achieve commercial success. Local support was not encouraging as well. The pinnacle of the local music scene will always be in the sixties which all Singaporeans can be proud of.