The thing with bringing bands like this to Singapore is....
Is it worth their time?
Come to Singapore and play one show of 1k plus crowd (and thats a generous estimate) where as they go to Japan or Australia and play multiple destinations with about the same crowd numbers at each location + its a bigger market for their CD sales.
I'm not saying that its not possible but economy dictates their decisions most of the time. They also want to know what sort of crowds they can pull if they come. But then again, if the crowds are put off by ticket costs then its a chickn and egg situation
plus
Promoters have to consider:
Performance fees (in the region of 5K - 10K USD for the more popular indie acts... to th other end of th extreme... Led Zep reuniting in London for a one time tribute concert for 1,000,000,000....damn thats a lot of zeros)
Airfare for all the band members and at least some of their crew. at least 1.5K per person (If promoters can catch them when they are in the region then it will be cheaper of course. That's why clubs find it more affordable to bring in DJs cos its just one or two guys and less equipment)
Backline costs (Tech Riders and equipment rental not very cheap... esp when bands request specific equipment)
Venue Costs (Fort Canning rental alone is 1K plus for just the venue alone) X 4 days (one show day plus 3/4 days of setup and rigging) Glass house rents out for at least 2K without the sound and lighting system.
To rig Fort Canning alone would cost around 10K-20K at least last i checked (if i remember correctly)
plus you have to consider security and staffing
Finally, accom in Singapore for the band itself
So you can see why promoters are very wary of bringing in bands unless they know they can make up for the initial investment.
It can be done but who's willing to pump in the money for something thats essentially very risky and is subject to market forces (ie who's the hot band of the moment or just a flash in the pan). Most rely on funding from corporate
sponsors lik Motorola(red), Nokia, Heineken, Sony but these are usually just the case for top name acts.
I say....
show your demand for these bands. I think promoters just want to know that there is a sustainable crowd for these shows and also that they can make back SOME money to pay their bills.
Use Demand It!. Comment on LAMC/Lushington/Midas's blog/website/query box. Email your bands to tell them that Singapore is not part of China and yes we do listen to their music. Start a thread on what bands you'd like to see in Singapore :lol:
Good Luck!
My list of To-See-In-Singapore if possible
Radiohead (saw them in London but that doesnt count)
Death Cab For Cutie (because they're fantastic live)
JAMC with Scarlett J coming out to sing Just Like Honey
MONO/Explosions in the Sky double bill
Feist with Broken Social Scene
Arcade Fire
Sigur Ros (saw them in HK and they still give me goosebumps)
