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.