Esplanade Launches Open Call for its First Artistic Research Residency

Singapore’s national performing arts centre, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, invites artists, curators, programmers, writers, researchers and practitioners across all disciplines in the performing arts to apply for its inaugural Contemporary Performing Arts Research Residency. Supported by the National Arts Council, Singapore, this new artistic research development programme takes place in Singapore between April and June 2022. The fully-funded residency aims to support creative … Continue reading Esplanade Launches Open Call for its First Artistic Research Residency

Review: Broken Turns by Qotn. Van Su Yun

Choose your own Spanish dance class. Despite its status as a corporate meeting platform, Zoom has offered up a surprising number of possibilities and potential as a medium for theatre. For performer Qotn. Van Su Yun, director Adeeb Fazah, and writer Nah Dominic, it’s become a prime means of experimentation when it comes to storytelling in the pandemic season, as seen in their new work … Continue reading Review: Broken Turns by Qotn. Van Su Yun

Music Is: Yung Raja becomes first Singaporean to appear on NME Hot 100 list with single ‘Mami’

Yung Raja‘s foray into the U.S. begins with the release of “Mami”, alongside Alamo Records, home to some of the hottest hip-hop acts such as Lil Durk and Smokepurpp. The artist, who has been dubbed as Southeast Asia’s next avant-garde hip-hop artist known for his tasteful unification of English and Tamil lyricism, breaks into the global market today with the psychedelic, trap-heavy new single produced by long-time … Continue reading Music Is: Yung Raja becomes first Singaporean to appear on NME Hot 100 list with single ‘Mami’

Music Is: Wovensound, Ihasamic!, and Jeena release single “Lonely Shores”

Acclaimed producer Wovensound, rapper Ihasamic!, and alt-pop songstress Jeena have recently teamed up for a song about two lost souls crying for help as they struggle to find their place in a world that invalidates their feelings and actions.  Released under Umami Records, “Lonely Shores” comes from a place of emotional pain and confusion—a track written by Ihasamic! in his attempt to “reflect on times … Continue reading Music Is: Wovensound, Ihasamic!, and Jeena release single “Lonely Shores”

Music Is: Zack Tabudlo releases reimagined kundiman with single ‘Binibini’

Zack Tabudlo is rewriting kundiman with a contemporary pop flair on his latest single, ‘Binibini,’ out now on various streaming platforms via Island Records Philippines/MCA Music Inc. Symbolizing love as dance, the young producer/singer-songwriter penned ‘Binibini’ at the peak of a romantic relationship with a former flame. “She was the binibini that I would dance with in the middle of the rain, in the middle … Continue reading Music Is: Zack Tabudlo releases reimagined kundiman with single ‘Binibini’

Music Is: Introducing Mr Nice Guy

With a second EP to be slated in April this year, Hong Kong singer-songwriter Mr Nice Guy has released a brand new single titled, ‘Bubble’. The single and accompanying music video is today on all major digital streaming platforms.  The self-produced single, ‘Bubble’ sees Mr Nice Guy out of his comfort zone exploring a slightly more electronic pop sound compared to his previous singles which … Continue reading Music Is: Introducing Mr Nice Guy

Music Is: Electrico releases B-sides from last three albums

Local rock outfit Electrico are back with a collection of renewed songs from their last three albums: We Satellites (2008), Hip City (2006) and So Much More Inside (2004). The decision to breathe new life into their earlier songs for their new EP, B-sides Live at the Power Station, was made spontaneously. It led to the trio’s original members – David Tan (vocals and lead guitar), Desmond Goh (bass guitar) and … Continue reading Music Is: Electrico releases B-sides from last three albums

★★★☆☆ Book Review: First Person Singular by Haruki Murakami

Quintessential Haruki Murakami reflecting on the little absurdities that make up our world.  I first discovered Haruki Murakami as a teenager, diving into his works from The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle to 1Q84. Often, it was the ones that had a distinct, surreal touch that struck me, creating the idea that beyond what our usual senses could detect, there lay an entire layer of alternate reality, dangerous and dream-like. … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Book Review: First Person Singular by Haruki Murakami

Preview: Textures 2021 – The Bottled City

From 26th Mar to 25th Apr 2021, The Arts House will present the fourth edition of Textures, an annual literary festival that celebrates Singapore literature (Sing Lit) and its diverse community. Textures will take on the form of a mobile installation and travelling library this year. The Bottled City installation will start off at The Arts House and move on to the heartland communities of Jurong, Yishun and Toa Payoh. Visitors are invited to discover and learn more about the scenes and landscapes that … Continue reading Preview: Textures 2021 – The Bottled City

★★★☆☆ Review: In Our Manner of Speaking – ReClaimed Lands by The Opera People

Migration and movement explored through song. Following their previous live performance, one of the last to take place in a venue before circuit breaker measures in 2020, The Opera People returned to Wild Rice’s theatre studio for their annual iteration of In Our Manner of Speaking. Combining poetry read by Joel Tan), art songs, classical tunes and contemporary numbers, the performance present commentary on the … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Review: In Our Manner of Speaking – ReClaimed Lands by The Opera People