By The Book: Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2020 draws to a close; speakers stress the importance of reading

The first-ever digital version of the Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) concluded last weekend with a strong message to parents and educators: Books and reading are vital for children during times of crisis. The annual festival drew more than 3,000 attendees to its various events held between 2nd to 4th October online. At its closing ceremony, the biennial Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award (HABA) … Continue reading By The Book: Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2020 draws to a close; speakers stress the importance of reading

Music Is: Indie artist Amanda Ong releases self-titled debut EP

Singaporean indie-folk singer-songwriter, Amanda Ong, announces the release of her self-titled debut EP, Amanda. The six-track EP is now available on all major digital service providers. With songs written since she was 17, often writing songs with the intention to help listeners struggling with mental health issues to heal through music, each track on her EP encapsulates a different stage in her coming-of-age, cathartic journey … Continue reading Music Is: Indie artist Amanda Ong releases self-titled debut EP

Music Is: Singer-songwriter Annette Lee releases sophomore EP ‘Song For The Underdog’

Singaporean singer-songwriter Annette Lee has announced the release of her highly anticipated second EP ‘Song For The Underdog’. The EP is available on all digital streaming platforms on 2nd October 2020, Friday.  A storyteller at heart, Annette Lee sees her work in film, comedy and music as ways of creating joy and impacting lives. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Filmmaking in Nanyang Technological … Continue reading Music Is: Singer-songwriter Annette Lee releases sophomore EP ‘Song For The Underdog’

By The Book: Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award 2020 to go virtual; shortlist announced

Six children’s books have been shortlisted for the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award (HABA), a biennial literary award recognising the best children’s literature in English written by a Singaporean or permanent resident. The winner from this shortlist will be revealed at the award ceremony, which will be held online for the first time and will be live-streamed on the Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC)’s … Continue reading By The Book: Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award 2020 to go virtual; shortlist announced

Music Is: Falling Feathers collaborates with Brannlum and Jason Yu on new single ‘Never Leave This Place’

  Singapore based singer-songwriter Falling Feathers (JJ Ong) returns with a new collaboration track with Brannlum titled ‘Never Leave This Place’. This new track also features the vocals of up and coming singer-songwriter Jason Yu. Produced by Falling Feathers and Brannlum, ‘Never Leave This Place’ delves into the feeling of trying to escape the harsh realities of life to an imaginary comfort space and realizing that … Continue reading Music Is: Falling Feathers collaborates with Brannlum and Jason Yu on new single ‘Never Leave This Place’

By The Book: Asian Festival of Children’s Content to tackle challenges faced by publishing industry in its first digital edition

The annual Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) will tackle the challenges as well as opportunities the publishing industry currently faces in a fully digital format. Over two days from 3rd to 4th October, more than 40 featured writers, publishers and speakers from Singapore and around the world will gather to discuss how the children’s books industry is responding and adapting to the global pandemic. … Continue reading By The Book: Asian Festival of Children’s Content to tackle challenges faced by publishing industry in its first digital edition

By The Book: Singapore Writers Festival 2020 – Intimacy (Preview)

If it’s one thing we’ve learnt during Singapore’s circuit breaker lockdown, it’s that there’s nothing more comforting to distract you from the terrors of the COVID-19 pandemic than curling up with a good book. And one book we did love reading during this time was acclaimed essayist and novelist Zadie Smith’s new writing Intimations, in which the beloved author details her thoughts and reflections on time … Continue reading By The Book: Singapore Writers Festival 2020 – Intimacy (Preview)

Music Is: An Interview with local band Chasing Daylight on new single ‘You Are The Song’

Formerly working ‘iron rice bowl’ jobs with the government, most people would balk at how Yap Wei Chiang and Hosea Choo left the comfort and security all behind when they decided to pursue music professionally as a band. Photo Credit: Russell Tan, Chasing Daylight “Most people start out trying to pursue a career in music before going back to more professional careers. But we did … Continue reading Music Is: An Interview with local band Chasing Daylight on new single ‘You Are The Song’

Music Is: Local songbird Miss Lou releases new single ‘Spot of Sunshine’ to bring positive vibes amidst a dark 2020

  Most of the world has had their plans derailed thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, and local singer Miss Lou is no exception. What was set to be the biggest year yet screeched to a halt in March, but she has chosen to look on the bright side and is thankful for the fresh perspectives, new opportunities, and renewed purpose it has brought about for … Continue reading Music Is: Local songbird Miss Lou releases new single ‘Spot of Sunshine’ to bring positive vibes amidst a dark 2020

Music Is: Rapper ShiGGa Shay Launches New EP with Southeast Asia’s First Mixed Reality Live Performance

Local rapper ShiGGa Shay’s brand new 2-track EP 365 drops 23rd September 2020, along with a ground-breaking real-time interactive performance created by digital entertainment company, MRGE. In the ‘365’ Mixed Reality live-streaming experience, ShiGGa Shay dons a motion-capture suit, adopting a bespoke digital avatar while transporting his audience to fantastical 360° environments concocted by the team at MRGE. This virtual concert marks the first time … Continue reading Music Is: Rapper ShiGGa Shay Launches New EP with Southeast Asia’s First Mixed Reality Live Performance