Music Is: Universal Music’s ‘Music Is Universal’ showcase returns

Off the back of the widely successful pre-pandemic inaugural edition in 2019, Universal Music Singapore is back with a bang this September with its second iteration of Music is Universal, featuring an equally galvanizing line-up. Taking centre stage at the historic Capitol Theatre, an iconic architectural gem in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District, this exclusive event will aptly go down in history too. Paralleling … Continue reading Music Is: Universal Music’s ‘Music Is Universal’ showcase returns

Music Is: Mosaic Music Series 2022 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

With live music and concerts back in full swing, along with international flights and travel, it’s a warm welcome to normalcy, as the Esplanade’s Mosaic Music Series returns to our shores. Kicking off in July, local band Forests takes to the stage with Forests FUN RAISER. Receiving critical acclaim for their sophomore album Spending Eternity In A Japanese Convenience Store and their latest release Get In Losers, … Continue reading Music Is: Mosaic Music Series 2022 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

A Legacy Through Song: An Interview with Julian Wong, writer of Wild Rice’s ‘Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita’

Before National Day comes around and we once again celebrate the nation, have a think about one of the nation’s most enduring symbols – our national anthem. How many of us really know about its composer – Zubir Said, and only refer to him as ‘Mr. Mari Kita’? This July, Wild Rice is here to change that forever, with Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita, … Continue reading A Legacy Through Song: An Interview with Julian Wong, writer of Wild Rice’s ‘Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita’

Music Is: MYRNE Releases ‘DESIRE’ With JOY ALEXIS

Singaporean producer and DJ, MYRNE, hot off his recent EP ‘Circles’, reveals a brand new single titled ‘Desire’, produced in collaboration with singer-songwriter Joy Alexis. The collaboration sees MYRNE expand his vision, with not just a singular voice such as Joy’s, but with garage house-inspired production. Classic, skittering 2-step rhythms by MYRNE form the backbone of the track, but its core is more ephemeral than … Continue reading Music Is: MYRNE Releases ‘DESIRE’ With JOY ALEXIS

Music Is: YAØ Releases New Single ‘Broke Pop Kids From Upcoming Album

Singaporean pop musician YAØ releases his latest single ‘Broke Pop Kids’, an anthem for this generation’s youthful hearts with big dreams and empty pockets. The track is the latest peek into his highly-anticipated debut album of the same name, due for release 8 July via Universal Music Singapore. Following February’s ‘Lose Face’, which will also be on the upcoming album, ‘Broke Pop Kids’ sums up … Continue reading Music Is: YAØ Releases New Single ‘Broke Pop Kids From Upcoming Album

★★★★☆ Review: project SALOME by Ong Keng Sen / T:>works (SIFA 2022)

Unpacking and reimagining the complexities of Salome through a modern lens. Princess of Judea, villainous exotic dancer, or vengeful femme fatale? The historical figure of Salome’s claim to fame lies in her request to see the head of John the Baptist as reward for performing a dance for her step-father. But one thing that is never made clear is her intentions for doing so, with … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: project SALOME by Ong Keng Sen / T:>works (SIFA 2022)

★★★☆☆ Review: Devil’s Cherry by Kaylene Tan and Paul Rae (SIFA 2022)

The outback becomes both nightmare and dreamscape for a couple running from their own problems. The name ‘devil’s cherry’ brings to mind a great many things – ideas of temptation, of evil, and perhaps, the loss of innocence. The moniker itself is an alternative to its more common name ‘deadly nightshade’, a poisonous plant and invasive species to Australia, bearing black, cherry-like fruit. Just a … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Review: Devil’s Cherry by Kaylene Tan and Paul Rae (SIFA 2022)

Review: Delicate Spells of Mind by Lucy McRae (SIFA 2022)

Unveiling the mysteries of the inner mind. If you could look into your mind, what would you see? In her short film Delicate Spells of Mind, British-born, Australian science fiction artist Lucy McRae imagines the inner workings of the human mind as anthropomorphised creatures working as part of an operating system, and invites you to take a closer look. Commissioned for the 2022 Singapore International … Continue reading Review: Delicate Spells of Mind by Lucy McRae (SIFA 2022)

★★★★☆ Review: Ceremonial Enactments by MAX.TAN, Nadi Singapura and Bhaskar’s Arts Academy (SIFA 2022)

Drawing power from tradition and ceremony to herald the start of SIFA 2022. Because of their historical and cultural significance, a ritual is often a powerful, sacred act of performance. At times celebratory, and at others a form of salvation, rituals form the heart of the 2022 Singapore International Festival of Arts, and are explicitly given the spotlight in Ceremonial Enactments, drawing strength from movement, … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Ceremonial Enactments by MAX.TAN, Nadi Singapura and Bhaskar’s Arts Academy (SIFA 2022)

★★★★☆ Review: MEPAAN by Singapore Chinese Orchestra and Tuyang Initiative (SIFA 2022)

A concert of culture inspired by the Borneo rainforest. In the native language of Kayan, spoken by the indigenous Kayan people of Borneo, ‘mepaan’ translates to ‘always’, and makes for an appropriate title for the opening show of this year’s Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA). Performed by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra and Tuyang Initiative (from Sarawak), MEPAAN‘ is a musical journey into Southeast Asian … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: MEPAAN by Singapore Chinese Orchestra and Tuyang Initiative (SIFA 2022)