Re: Article: What do Singaporeans think of local music?
Thank you all for bringing this up - I mostly agree with all that's been said. I came from Europe two years ago, founded a band and explored the scene a bit. Here are some of my impressions. Please tell me that I'm wrong.
- Being a musician here is hard. It is not appreciated at all as a chosen way of life. And more especially: Even though there are a lot of live bands, there is next to no passion in the audiences. The musicians in smaller venues are mostly treated as part of the ambience, the posh version of a stereo. There is little reaction in the people. I bow to all you cover bands making the best of this. (It often feels that Singaporeans generally seem not to go out to see or meet something or somebody new, with the exception of new food - do you think this is true?)
- When we played at a festival, I found it striking that there was so little fun in it with the other four bands. I was expecting to hang out together backstage, get to know each other, talks some happy nonsense, or even fooling around on instruments.. but none of that. Most musicians only arrived for their set and vanished once it was over. No smiles, nobody says Hi, offers you a beer (or takes you up on your offer).
- Maybe not even musicians appreciate music as a way of life here. At local music schools I found there is a lot of talent in many teachers. Many people play very well and work diligently. But there is so little passion for music. It feels like there is not much difference between having a job at McDonalds and a music job. We once asked an additional professional vocalist to come and sing a song with us. And while we are meeting for the first time, rehearsing the song for the first time, for the whole time, partly during singing, she was texting. I really cannot say she sang bad. But, boy, what a lack of passion. For the fact that we are all here, doing something together that we love.
- Even on this forum I sometimes find there is a lack of interaction. A thread about posting pictures of your instruments gets lots of posts. But no one comments on each others' pictures. Everyone stays for themselves. Same thing for the thread to showcase your music. Very little interaction and comments. I would love to ask you all to engage, encourage each other more. Don't always look at yourselves.
- There is in general little of an arts scene in SG, and I can see that it would be difficult to have one. Because it needs space and time. And Singaporeans have none of both. No dilapidated old places to meet, to hang out and experiment. Everyone works so many hours, and let's face it: full employment is not good for art.
