Red Dot Radio

Red Dot Radio

About Red Dot Radio. Tune in to a month of new songs and artist renditions of radio-friendly hits and lesser-known gems at Red Dot Radio! Catch the live broadcast of LUSH 99.5FM on 20 Aug and be one of 10 lucky winners to walk home with a ESPLANADE x SUPERMAMA tote bag and Red Dot Radio pin! That's not all! From Aug 1 – 31, 2016, you can redeem the same tote bag just by spending $50 at the Esplanade Mall*. There are just 200 bags up for grabs, so don't delay! *Terms and conditions apply. Maximum 3 combined same-day receipts. Redemption is on a first-come, first-served basis and while stocks last.

Mayuni Omar featuring Maiya Rahman and Hariani Hassan

1 & 2 Aug, Mon & Tue 6.45–7.15pm 7.30–8pm Esplanade Concourse

Mayuni Omar, the former keyboardist of popular band Tokyo Square, ventured into local Malay compositions for Suria in 1997. He has gained recognition for his works by COMPASS, who awarded him the Top Contemporary Instrumental Award in 2008. His compositions for Suria also won awards in Pesta Perdana for Best Drama Song in 2007, 2009 and 2012.

Mayuni will showcase some of his best compositions featuring Malay contemporary singers Maiya and Hariani.

Closer to Home

3 Aug, Wed 6.45–7.15pm 7.30–8pm Esplanade Concourse

Closer to Home comprises a multi-racial bunch of local and international kids who make music with their guitar and cajon (box-shaped percussion instrument). Coming from all walks of life who have found a home in Singapore, they are excited to perform local songs and tunes with an acoustic touch. They hope their music will bring a sense of home to their listeners; nostalgia to the older generation, comfort to those who are away from their own homes, and a celebrative spirit to the younger generation.

Dominic Chin

10 & 11 Aug, Wed & Thu 6.45–7.15pm 7.30–8pm Esplanade Concourse

Dominic was inspired by the sounds of R&B and jazz music when he was young but only started covering songs on YouTube in 2010 as DominicSings. He covers genres such as pop, jazz, RnB etc, and has a total viewership of 1.4 million and 8,500 subscribers. Dominic has performed at Esplanade for YFest, at Marina Bay Sands' Grand Theatre for Straits Times Charity concert in 2012 & 2014, and at the Star Vista Performing Arts Centre, where he presented the song he penned for the late Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a tribute performance.

Natalie Hiong

12 Aug, Fri, 6.45–7.15pm & 7.30–8pm 13 Aug, Sat, 5.15–5.45pm, 6–6.30pm & 6.45–7.15pm Esplanade Concourse

Natalie Hiong is an award-winning singer-songwriter. Since leaving her banking job to pursue a music career in 2010, Natalie has made her mark on the local music scene with her very own brand of folk pop. Her lilting voice, deeply personal lyrics and charming disposition have captured the hearts of many. Active in the local scene, Natalie has performed at Music Matters Live, Night Festival and Singapore HeritageFest. She had the privilege of opening for Lenka, Marie Digby and Tiffany Alvord, and was also one of Starbucks' featured artists. Internationally, Natalie has performed at renowned live music venues in London, New York and Toronto, and at festivals such as Spring Scream Festival in Taiwan and MEOW Con in Austin, Texas.

Natalie has released two EPs, Little Heart (2011) and Beautiful Mess (2013). In 2014, she won the Homesongs Contest with her Singapore song Coming Home, while her Unravelling won the Love Song category of a UK Songwriting Contest.

Natalie is also a versatile composer and lyricist, and was involved in the multi-million dollar magic spectacular Incanto at Resorts World Sentosa, and was behind the new Hollywood Dreams Parade Theme Song at Universal Studios Singapore. An avid and dedicated educator, Natalie also enjoys writing music for children.

Bennett Bay

12 Aug, Fri 7.15–8pm 8.30–9.15pm 9.45–10.30pm Esplanade Outdoor Theatre

Bennett is a musician based in Singapore. Since the inception of his solo project mid-2015, he has been making his mark on the local arts scene. Following his debut performance at the Esplanade Concourse, Bennett has gone on to perform at the Red Dot Design Museum, as part of their bi-yearly MAAD Sounds!, and SingJazz Club. Bennett was invited to perform at the first inaugural Neon Lights Festival, held at the Fort Canning Park, where he was one of four local music headliners (including Hanging Up The Moon, Lost Weekend and Paint the sky Red) among an array of international acts which featured internationally acclaimed artists such as Damien Rice, Rachael Yamagata, Mogwai and more. Bennett recently released his debut single Komorebi, and will begin recording his first full-length album Compass in July. Inspired by emotions, dreams and everyday occurrences, Bennett's brand of acoustic music will take you to places that you've never been, propelled by the combination of lush acoustic guitar, strings, horns and more.

Rishi Kumaar

13 Aug, Sat 7.15–8pm 8.30–9.15pm 9.45–10.30pm Esplanade Outdoor Theatre

Rishi Kumaar is known in the Indian entertainment circle as a singer-songwriter and versatile actor. He has written many compositions for television dramas on Vasantham. At Red Dot Radio, Rishi and his ensemble of local celebrity singers will perform hit television theme songs of local programmes from the '90s to the present.

Chen Wen Hua featuring Intune Music's Evan Liao & Jamie Lee

14 Aug, Sun 5.15–5.45pm 6–6.30pm 6.45–7.15pm Esplanade Concourse

Marking his return to songwriting after a 10-year hiatus, Chen Wen Hua showcases his newest compositions that are close to his heart. The singer-songwriter will be on the piano, joined by Intune Music artists Evan Liao on the guitar and violin, and Jamie Lee on percussions.

The Lost Box

14 Aug, Sun 7.15–8pm 8.30–9.15pm Esplanade Outdoor Theatre

Brought together by their passion for music, what began as a group of friends jamming at HDB void decks soon became a trio doing what they love most for a living. The Lost Box have been pursuing music full-time for the past three years as a cover band. Their humble beginnings include playing at neighbourhood bars, a Korean restaurant and Fish & Co. The boys are now proud to hold a residency at Wala Wala and Barossa in Holland Village. As much as Dale, Darren and Jed enjoy playing their audiences' favourite top 40 hits and evergreen classics, what they really want to do is share their original music and story. Listeners can expect a rocking good time and the same feel-good vibes from the boys, this time on a more intimate level as they play songs off their debut soon-to-be-released EP, Years Lost.

Imagine Music

15 Aug, Mon 6.45–7.15pm 7.30–8pm Esplanade Concourse

Elaine, Joann and William are two singers and a keyboardist from Imagine Music Sg. They have more than five years of performing experience and have regular gigs at various venues in Singapore. Joann Wu was also one of the top 16 finalists in Project Superstar 2014. Through their renditions of local drama theme songs, they hope to create more awareness and support for good local music and compositions, as well as encourage more people to enjoy music and singing as a relief from their hectic work lives. A small step of simply penning down one's thoughts and feelings is a great start to the journey of songwriting!

Zuo En

16 - 18 Aug, Tue - Thu 6.45–7.15pm 7.30–8pm Esplanade Concourse

Zuo En is a songwriting enthusiast. Influenced by different genres, she composes melodies and pens her own lyrics, demonstrating great versatility and talent in music. Fascinated with the emotions that minor chords create, she weaves them into her quirky songs, which bear her love for sharing her emotions and thoughts. Using contrasting elements while evoking different moods with her music, she continues to experiment and bring out the best of herself.

Zuo En has performed at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre and Concourse, The Arts House, Switch by Timbre, Singapore e-Awards, VOID Fest 2015, as well as other stages and venues. She has also released her very own original single, ?? (Fantasy).

Anthem of Hearts

19 Aug, Fri 6.45–7.15pm 7.30–8pm Esplanade Concourse

Formed in 2008 by Ganesh Murusamy, Anthem of Hearts (previously known as Sharnaz) has grown from a small acoustic trio to a 13-member group. Influenced by hindustani and carnatic music, jazz, Middle Eastern music and rock, the band gives their own take on popular songs. Currently led by the keyboardist Jordan Joshua, the band continues to create their own compositions. They have performed at Esplanade, for Vasantham programmes and events, and have collaborated with renowned bands from India, such as MaatiBaani, and have also performed for Oscar award-winner, AR Rahman. Anthem of Hearts will be presenting local compositions that were made popular through television programmes on Vasantham, MediaCorp.

Reyza Hamizan

19 Aug, Fri 7.15–8pm 8.30–9.15pm 9.45–10.30pm Esplanade Outdoor Theatre

Reyza Hamizan is a 26-year-old award-winning music producer, composer and singer with a diploma in music & audio technology from Singapore Polytechnic. Ever since graduation, he has written, composed and produced music for television. His songs have been nominated for various Anugerah Planet Muzik awards over five consecutive years since 2012 including Best New Artist in 2014 and Best Artist Collaboration in 2015. He won his first accolade as a composer for Mediacorp Suria's television series Bingit in 2015 at the station's inaugural Pesta Perdana Awards show. His heartfelt lyrics are relatable and uplifting, spanning topics closely related to the heart such as love, family and friendship.

LUSH 99.5FM Live Broadcast

20 Aug, Sat 6–8pm Esplanade Concourse

LUSH 99.5 takes centrestage at Red Dot Radio with its live broadcast at Esplanade! Join DJ Elias and independent local artists Bennett Bay, Leon Markcus and Ethel Yap as they perform on the show. What's more, you could be one of 10 lucky winners to walk away with an Esplanade tote bag specially designed by Supermama and an exclusive Red Dot Radio pin!

Red-dot Fusion

20 Aug, Sat, 7.15–8pm, 8.30–9.15pm & 9.45–10.30pm 21 Aug, Sun, 7.15–8pm, & 8.30–9.15pm Esplanade Outdoor Theatre

Enjoy radio-friendly tunes and fresh interpretations of familiar songs by local composers through the years. Featuring singers Vanessa Phang, Juni Goh, Amanda Lee and Benjamin Hum, accompanied by a band comprising Clarence Chung, August Lum and Josiah Suthan.

Hillary Francis

21 Aug, Sun 5.15 -5.45pm 6–6.30pm 6.45–7.15pm Esplanade Concourse

Hillary Francis is a composer who writes songs from his heart. His songs are a reflection of his soul and speak the inner feelings and messages of goodwill that he wants to share with his listeners. Most of all, they bring out his creativity. His lyrics also carry depth, emotion and good sense. In short, he is a composer who feels for people, his surroundings and greatest of all, his Creator. Hillary makes an immediate impact on his audiences with his powerful voice and unique style. Besides English oldies, he also sings in many languages. He has been a composer, singer, guitarist, drummer and entertainer since 1965, and has been a private music tutor since the mid-'80s, tutoring children from as young as seven to adults in their 70's. In 1969, he released a single with The Sandboys titled Candlelight. He has also produced three charity albums: A Tribute To Mother Teresa (1997); A Dedication To Mother Mary for the New Millennium (2000), in conjunction with the Jubilee Year; and Peace (2013). In 2011, he wrote a A Song For Japan (Nihon Kara Tsunami No Uta) to raise funds for earthquake and tsunami victims.

Leon Markcus

22 & 23 Aug, Mon & Tue 6.45–7.15pm 7.30–8pm Esplanade Concourse

hua Jun Rong, Leon, or better known as Leon Markcus, is a singer-songwriter who started out at the age of 15 performing in bars around Singapore. In addition to that, Leon has also penned lyrics for mini competitions and charity events, such as Kovan Superstar 2012 and Happy Feet Slipper Race 2013, under the mentorship of Peng Chi Sheng of Intune Music, whose clients include DJs from 933FM, 972FM and 958FM. One of Leon's works came out in the top 40 of a songwriting competition hosted by MTV Asia and Lenovo. In May 2014, Leon participated in the annual 987fm Star, for which he made a series of short films and music videos available on 987FM's official YouTube page. He came in as the first runner-up in that competition. Months later, he released his debut single Circles via YouTube and iTunes, which was well received and gained the attention of Lianhe ZaoBao. Leon is currently working on his debut EP Mannequin.

Ethel Yap

24 & 25 Aug, Wed & Thu 6.45–7.15pm 7.30–8pm Esplanade Concourse

Ethel is a singer-songwriter influenced by folk outfits like The Swell Season, Glen Hansard, Lisa Hannigan, Ray LaMontagne and Fleet Foxes. She seeks to find authentic ways to tell stories and ponder issues of identity and purpose through song. Ethel was a mentee in the NOISE Music Mentorship (2015) under Randolf Arriola's guidance and has performed gigs in haunts for local singer-songwriters like Artistry cafe, Barbershop by Timbre, Lepark and Starker Music. She is also a theatre actress, having worked with many notable theatre companies such as Pangdemonium, W!LD RICE, The Necessary Stage and The Theatre Practice, and seeks to build her artistic practice across various disciplines. Ethel is currently working on her first EP.

Matt- Q

29 Aug, Mon 6.45–7.15pm 7.30–8pm Esplanade Concourse

Having struggled with severe learning difficulties since young, and being diagnosed only much later in life, Matt-Q empathises with those who have similar difficulties and has made it his personal mission in life to help them overcome their limitations and develop a healthy sense of ability and self esteem. The singer-songwriter has released eight solo albums consisting of original songs about growing up in competitive Singapore and how he was able to overcome his disabilities with the help of loved ones. Let Matt-Q regale you with his candid and heart-warming compositions, ranging from jazz to English and Mandarin contemporary songs, and musical theatre genres.

Stanley Ho

30 & –31 Aug, Tue & Wed 6.45–7.15pm 7.30–8pm Esplanade Concourse

Stanley Ho is a local singer-songwriter who writes and sings about living in Singapore. His sound is mellow and filled with melancholy, inspired by his observations of everyday Singapore, his experiences and his loved ones. Music is to him an expression of his losses and frustrations, while sleepless nights fuel his writings.

Stefanie Sun

Stefanie Sun

Stefanie Sun is one of the most famous people in Singapore and one of its most popular musicians. At the age of 36 she has sold a whopping 30 million albums and is still going strong. Though she is born and bred Singaporean, her HQ is in Taiwan and, as you would expect, she is just as popular in China and Hong Kong as she is at home. In those countries she is known as Sun Yan-zi. She by no means just an Asian sensation, however, with a huge following in the US.

One of the reasons why Stefanie Sun's music crosses so many borders and cultural barriers is her ability to sing in various different languages. Much of her output is in Mandarin Chinese, though she also sings in English on numerous tracks. Plus she has a gift for mastering many different Chinese dialects in her music. For example, her hit tune Cloudy Day contained lyrics in both Mandarin and Hokkien.

Yet it is for her musical innovation and beautiful voice that Stefanie is best known. Her 12th albums contain an extraordinary catalogue of powerful, soaring pop music, mixing together styles and rhythms from all over the world in a dynamic sound cocktail.

Her debut LP, Yan Zi, was released in 2000 and was an instant success. Selling nearly 4 million copies across her home continent, it marked Sun out as one of the most talented newcomers on the Asian pop scene. Her second album, My Desired Happiness, third album Kite and fourth album Start were all similarly popular, selling upwards of 4 million each.

So popular was Sun after Start that she was chosen to sing the Singaporean national anthem at the National Day Parade of 2002 and 2003.

Her extraordinary rise continued unabated, with big selling albums and massive tours. In 2006 the first cloud on her horizon came when she put in what was considered a below par performance at the Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan. During her spot, she sang a number of cover versions, though her renditions sounded off key and lethargic. For the first time, Sun's critics turned on her and she was blasted in the Chinese press. However, just one month later, she played a triumphant concert in Taipei, where she sang all the same songs perfectly to a rapturous reception.

Sun's personal life has been as happy and successful as her career. In 2011 she married Nadim Van Der Ros, the founder of the Good Bean Consultancy, who she had been dating for about 5 years, and the following year she had their first child, a boy.

Meanwhile, her hit albums continue to come thick and fast, selling massively around the world. Her 12th record Kepler hit the shops in 2014 and was followed by a massive world tour. The tour ended with a very special gig in Singapore National Stadium in July of that year, making her the first performer to grace its newly rebuilt stage.

There is no question that Stefanie Sun has had an incredible career and, given the resilience, talent and charisma of this young lady, it is quite a good bet that it will continue to be incredible long into the future.

Baybeats Music Festival

Baybeats Music Festival

Southeast Asia's leading alternative music festival, Baybeats 24 – 26 Jun 2016, is your best bet to get your heart thumping while watching prominent Singapore and international acts. Renowned for its variety, the annual three-day festival showcases a large array of genres, from folk, pop, metal, post-rock, emo, punk, electro and everything in between. Located at Esplanade -Theatres on the Bay, the event is 100 percent free and non-ticketed.

The way the festival is able to be free-ticketed is that it serves as a platform for local bands to make a name for themselves. However, the event's focus on fostering home grown talent goes beyond music-making, as it also gathers the best of local talent in other creative fields such as music journalism, gig photography, video arts, among others.

For any local band who wants a shot in the music business, the Baybeats team is always on the lookout for good music bands and fresh sounds for “the next round of music mayhem”. Therefore, local bands can send them their material and they promise to go through every CD. Accordingly, this is a guarantee that the team will not rest until they have the best possible line-up for each festival.

With a festival village that brings together local indie crafters and entrepreneurs, the festival also celebrates the music-loving lifestyle.

The three main performing stages include the Baybeats Arena (Outdoor Theatre), Powerhouse Stage (The Edge) and the Chillout Stage (Concourse). There is also a series of magazine-style interview sessions at the Observation Deck (Library@Esplanade).

The performances are known for being an explosion of adrenaline for festival-goers. From home grown indie to the alternative music scene, the sounds are electric. In 2014, singer-songwriter Jaime Wong drove the audience into a state of ecstasy with his tender yet bluesy showcase of original tunes in a laidback unplugged set.

As well, psychedelic-rock quintet Spacedays at the Arena, or Outdoor Stage, rocked the festival with a multi-faceted, out-of-orbit set that was at times trippy, groovy and soulful. And a hardcore band Straight Forward played a heartrending setset at the Powerhouse stage .

The newcomers from the festival's Budding Bands programme also gave legendary performances. While post-rockers Sphaeras enchanted the audience with complex song structures, the pop-punkers Attention! The New Portsdown made the audience jump to the beat of their sassy tunes. More info at esplanade.com

Singapore most patriotic music

Singapore most patriotic music

Singaporeans have plenty of reasons to be proud: a beautiful island home to live in, a thriving multicultural community, a brilliant education system, good healthcare, booming economy – right now Singapore is a country that has it all. Many Singaporean's have felt the need to set their feelings of national pride to music over the years. In fact, given how small the nation is, it's pretty amazing how many patriotic songs have been written about it.

Here we look at some of the most famous odes to Singapore, including their most stirring, country-praising lyrics.

Song for Singapore – Corrine May

Singer, guitarist and songwriter Corrine May is one of Singapore's best loved musicians. In 2010, she showed that this loved was reciprocal, with the beautiful Song for Singapore.

I want to sing Sing a song for Singapore With every generation there's more to be grateful for So come and sing Sing a song for Singapore You're my brother, you're my sister I'm thankful for my Singapore My Singapore Singapore

There's No Place I'd Rather Be – Jimmy Ye

A Singaporean Chinese singer whose 1993 album Give Me Your Love was a huge success. One of the highlights is There's No Place I'd Rather Be, a tribute to his home country.

There's no place I'd rather be You'll always be a part of me And even though I've roamed the world It's still my home I long to see

What Do You See? – Electrico

Since first hitting the indie scene back in the mid-1990s, Electrico have been one of Singapore's leading rock bands. What Do You See? is their most patriotic song.

See the moon and the stars

Look how far we have come

Look around at our faces

They shine brightly in the sun

With our hopes and dreams

Imagine what tomorrow it may bring

What do you see? What do you see?

Semoga Bahagia – Zubir Said

Written in Malay by famed Indonesian composer Said, the title of this tune translates as ‘May You Find Happiness.'

Sama-sama maju ke hadapan (Together we progress) Pandai cari pelajaran (Clever at seeking knowledge) Jaga diri dalam kesihatan (Take care of your health) Serta sopan-santun dengan kawan-kawan (And be courteous to your friends)

Onward Singapore – Zubir Said

Where else to end the list then with the national anthem itself? Officially in Malay, the English lyrics are below:

Come fellow Singaporeans

Let us progress towards happiness together

May our noble aspiration bring

Singapore success

Come, let us unite In a new spirit

Let our voices soar as one

Onward Singapore

Onward Singapore

Come let us unite

In a new spirit

Let our voices soar as one

Onward Singapore

Onward Singapore