Singapore's music scene is chock full of incredible talent, from hip hop to indie rock, and there's no shortage of amazing homegrown festivals and venues to see artists play live. From the awkward indie pop of M1LDL1FE to the smooth layers of YAØ's enthralling R & B, make sure you take the time to search through Spotify or explore YouTube to discover the best up and coming singer-songwriters, producers and rappers from the Lion City.
brb.
If you're a fan of funk and R & B music, look no further then local trio brb. Sure to be the next big thing on the Singaporean music scene, their guitar-laced soulful funk is the perfect accompaniment to a lazy afternoon or chilled out evening. With all three members local music scene stalwarts, collectively part of celebrated bands Disco Hue, CLO and TRICK, the musical leanings of the trio combine perfectly into a hazy, melodic and melancholic vibe you'll find addictive. Check out their singles on Spotify - new single ‘Whoops' is the perfect accompaniment to a night in with friends.
YAØ
There's a beguiling focus on melody in the pop-meets-R & B, chilled out tunes YAØ produces. One to keep an eye on, the palpable talent of this 22 year old singer/songwriter shines through in his breezy vocals and sinfully catchy choruses. In 2018, his single Scenery was selected as the cover track of Spotify's ‘New Music Friday Singapore' playlist. New single ‘RHCF' is available on Spotify and perfectly combines his love of simple, feel-good vocals and hazy, alternative R & B into an expertly produced tune. Don't miss his collaboration with fellow local artist, rapper Axel Brizzy, ‘Wanna Know,' which you won't be able to listen to just once.
iNCH
There's an arty vibe to all of iNCH's music, a former La Salle College of the Arts student, who is a multi-talented performer, with music, acting, art and a business supporting local creatives under her accomplished belt. Prior to her solo work, she fronted two local indie bands, Auburn's Epiphany and Allura, and since then has met international acclaim, performing at indie heavyweight and press favourite festival South By Southwest in Austin, Texas. Her most recent LP, Letters from Ubin, was recorded during time spent on rural Singaporean island Pulau Ubin, and is a triumphant meld of analog typewriter and forest sound recordings and electronic beats.
Sobs
Fans of female dream pop musicians like the Japanese House and Hatchie will love Sobs, fronted by charismatic singer Celine Autumn, whose breathy vocals fit serenely into the lush guitar loops of their melancholic yet somehow sunny pop music. Make sure you listen to their debut LP, 2018's Telltale Signs, for an accomplished take on their contemporary shoegaze meets pop sound, while 2017's EP Catflap, which won them a huge local fanbase, is an example of perfectly crafted bedroom pop.
M1LDL1FE (photo)
Indie fans will love the bespectacled yet soulful vibes of M1LDL1FE (pronounced ‘Mild Life'.) Formerly known as Take Two (rebranded when their guitarist left) you can expect synth and guitar-heavy tunes inspired by 90s post-punk from this four-piece. Originally forming as a covers band, the group found their niche in romantic, energetic pop songs musing over uniquely Singaporean stories about life in the city, like romances which blossom on MRT train rides. The band have opened for indie rock stalwarts Death Cab For Cutie and Travis during performances in Singapore, and have toured extensively around Southeast Asia, Spain and China. You'll love listening to their debut EP, 2017's self-titled M1LDL1FE, which is available on Spotify.