The Banter: Rendy Padugo discusses his new EP ‘SEE YOU SOMEDAY’

Rendy Padugo is ready to make his name known. After previously releasing two singles with his record label, Wonderland Records and Universal Music Indonesia, the Indonesian singer-songwriter has now launched his new 6-track EP “SEE YOU SOMEDAY”. “There’s this authenticity to it as I sing and tell these stories about myself, my friends and family, and I hope listeners can feel their story through my … Continue reading The Banter: Rendy Padugo discusses his new EP ‘SEE YOU SOMEDAY’

Music Is: Indie artist Amanda Ong releases MV for ‘Leave Me Alone’

Singaporean indie-folk singer-songwriter, Amanda Ong, has released a music video for her single ‘Leave Me Alone’. ‘Leave Me Alone’, was written a day before her birthday. The lyrics perpetuate the hope for a (literal) better tomorrow amidst overwhelming sentiments of dejection. With equal parts of jazz and funk, and introspection, the single, ‘Leave Me Alone’ steps into a lonely inner-world, lending a voice to the ebb and … Continue reading Music Is: Indie artist Amanda Ong releases MV for ‘Leave Me Alone’

Music Is: yams releases single ‘do you drive a nice car’

Singaporean producer and singer-songwriter yams has announced the release of his latest 14-track album ‘day/dreams’. With unapologetic lyrics and dense rhymes centered around imperfect oppositions, yams pre-empts the album release with a brand new single titled, ‘do you drive a nice car’. There will also be an accompanying music visualizer video released on the same date at 7PM (Singapore Time) via yams’ Youtube page.  Dreaming … Continue reading Music Is: yams releases single ‘do you drive a nice car’

Music Is: Japanese Pop Outfit UQiYO Releases Collaboration with Malaysian artist Froya

Having collaborated with many outstanding creators locally and internationally in the music industry, Japanese Pop Music Project UQiYO has announced the release of a cross-border collaboration single with Malaysian singer-songwriter, Froya, titled, ‘invisible’. The single is now available on all digital streaming platforms, ahead of the band’s full album which is slated for release on 26th March 2021. Having met in Niigata, Japan for a co-writing session, the … Continue reading Music Is: Japanese Pop Outfit UQiYO Releases Collaboration with Malaysian artist Froya

The Banter: Going Green with Loco Group General Manager Will Leonard

Whether we’re still talking about the validity of Greta Thunberg’s points years on from her UN speech or getting a new set of reusable straws as a gift, environmentalism undeniably remains the hot topic in everyone’s minds. But how much of environmentalism is from the heart, or just a thinly-veiled attempt at corporate capitalism? For Mexican restaurant and bar group The Loco Group, it’s the … Continue reading The Banter: Going Green with Loco Group General Manager Will Leonard

The Banter: Iman Fandi finds her voice with her music career

Iman Fandi has almost always taken after her parents. Born the only daughter of local football star Fandi Ahmad, it was perhaps no surprise that she excelled in sports, having attended the Singapore Sports School as a track and field athlete. But couple that with her experience in the world of fashion and modelling since her early teens (following in the footsteps of her mother Wendy … Continue reading The Banter: Iman Fandi finds her voice with her music career

By The Book: An Interview with The Good Guys author Darren Chen

The Good Guys cover image, and author Darren Chen (Photo Credit: Facebook) With the rise of superhero flicks, the growing recognition of hobbies like toy collection, and fandoms sprouting up from every corner, it seems that one day, the geeks will inherit the earth. And here in sunny Singapore, the literary scene is about to welcome one such author to its ranks, as third year … Continue reading By The Book: An Interview with The Good Guys author Darren Chen

The Banter: Rishi Budhrani delivers the scoop on The Rishi Report

Like the other performing arts, stand-up comedy has faced a strange year. If it’s one person that knows the struggle well, it’s Rishi Budhrani. While he’s known primarily for stand-up gigs, often seeing sold out crowds each time he releases shows, 2020 has seen Rishi pivoting almost entirely online, with live performances over Zoom for both corporate clients and the public, along with producing his … Continue reading The Banter: Rishi Budhrani delivers the scoop on The Rishi Report

Singapore Writers Festival returns in November 2021

The 2020 Singapore Writers Festival drew to a close just last November in its first ever digital edition, but it’s already gearing up for its 2021 edition this year. The 2020 edition saw an extraordinary 20-day line-up of over 160 programmes by more than 200 authors and presenters from Singapore and beyond. Organised by the National Arts Council (NAC), the festival brought together homegrown and … Continue reading Singapore Writers Festival returns in November 2021

Arts of Hong Kong 2020: The here and now of City Contemporary Dance Company

An interview with CCDC’s artistic director designate, acting artistic director, and resident choreographer reveals their vision for the company’s future, and how they’ve been coping during the pandemic. HONG KONG – Founded in 1979 by Willy Tsao and with over 200 original works to their name, City Contemporary Dance Company (CCDC) is without a doubt one of Hong Kong’s most important dance companies. Over the … Continue reading Arts of Hong Kong 2020: The here and now of City Contemporary Dance Company