Their blend of music transcending time and genre reached almost 1.5 million people across digital music streaming platforms Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and kkbox within the first week of release. Meet the 10 emerging music acts of The Great Singapore Replay Season Two.
The coloured lights blinked rhythmically around the stage – from green to blue and to red. Seated on the grass patch below the stage was a crowd of almost 5,000 swaying along to the music and lights.
For five hours on 18 January, visitors were enchanted and enthralled by an eclectic music mashup from 10 local music acts. They were performing original hits at the Showcase Concert of The Great Singapore Replay (TGSR) Season Two at the Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay.
Presented by Temasek, this year's TGSR theme of times and tunes have inspired rap verses about Singapore's Orang Laut, an electronic modern retelling of the Sang Nila Utama legend, upbeat pop tunes filled with 90's nostalgia and more.
From Marian Carmel’s ethereal ‘Still Here’ to ABANGSAPAU’s rousing rap ‘NOMAD’, the audience was treated to a varied and exciting mix of music all evening.
Ten emerging music acts from TGSR Season Two wrote a new chapter in an unforgettable fire to their first public concert that showcased immense talent. Close to 5,000 people including fans were treated to an evening of music under gigantic trees and tasty snacks. Photo: Temasek
The aspiring music talents underwent 10 weeks of professional production experience comprising song-writing workshops, song arrangement and recording. The results: original hits inspired by mashups of distinct tunes from five iconic eras of Singapore’s history and five modern music genres.
Emerging with fresh jams, the young rookies found themselves challenged and inspired throughout their music-making journey, guided by established local artists: Charlie Lim, Joanna Dong, Kelly Pan, Sezairi and Shabir. At an exclusive Release Party held on 7 January, media and industry changemakers were given a preview of the 10 new songs before their releases on popular digital music streaming platforms Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and kkbox.
Within the first week, their music reached almost 1.5 million people with Spotify garnering more than 54,000 streams for all 10 songs combined. With a promising start to their nascent music journey, these talents are now looking forward to the next step in their careers.
You can tune in to Their ‘Made-in-Singapore’ hits at here. A series of webisodes and behind-the-scenes videos at TGSR website will get you acquainted with the artists and their experiences during the music-creation phase of TGSR Season Two.
Here are their takeaways and hopes for the future:
1. RENE
RENE is a pop-rock singer-songwriter whose music is greatly influenced by artists such as McFly, HAIM, and Paramore. Her songwriting reflects themes such as the vicissitudes of coming of age and personal relationships.
My biggest takeaway is … Aside from the irreplaceable friends I’ve made from the campaign, I learned to be more confident in my songwriting and presenting my work.
Now that TGSR is over, I plan to write and record an EP that will be released this year!
2. Fingerfunk
Fingerfunk is an electronic/R&B/hip-hop quartet which channels the feelings and sensations from their personal experiences into a blend of genres, where each song provides a “feel good” moment for listeners.
Our Biggest Takeaway is ... Learning how history was pivotal in creating a foundation for artists in Singapore today. Although the environment and language were different, the artistic influence and soundscapes from the early eras continue to impact modern Singapore music.
Now that TGSR is over, we plan to continue making more music and gaining more performing experience. We believe that there is so much more for us to learn and we are excited to collaborate with more people to make really good music.
3. Zalelo
From timidly posting covers and originals on SoundCloud, Zalelo is now a bubbly R&B (and sometimes pop!) crooner. Having always loved the arts, her passion is fuelled by using her talent to inspire and provide comfort to listeners.
My biggest takeaway is ... We should never be afraid to take that first step, especially if it’s something we love. I was afraid to audition after many unpleasant experiences, but each try is a new journey – this one taught me to be humble, yet fearless.
Now that TGSR is over, I plan to work and finally release the songs I’ve been working on! I also want to take up some vocal training to improve myself. Then I can finally work on my EP and focus in school!
Memories from an evening of music under the stars: The ten emerging music acts from TGSR Season Two strike a pose with their mentees--Joanna Dong, Kelly Pan, Sezairi, and Shabir--and partners from Temasek, Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music. Photo: Temasek
4. The Cold Cut Duo 雙節奏
The Cold Cut Duo 雙節奏 is a Singaporean electronic-mandopop duo. They infuse their fun and extroverted personalities into their songs, which makes them exciting to listen!
Our biggest takeaway is ... Getting to meet so many aspiring talents! The experience gained from working with Sony Music, Temasek, Zendyll Records and the mentors has really helped us in our career as singer-songwriters.
Now that TGSR is over, we plan to work hard to release our EP by the end of the year! We also look forward to more collaborations and perhaps writing our first English song! We hope to perform at the National Day Parade, sharing our music with more Singaporean and international audiences!
5. Marian Carmel
Marian Carmel is a singer-songwriter who is influenced by soulful R&B tunes reminiscent of Emily King and Lianne La Havas. Her lush vocals breathe life into the melancholic nature of her songs, which are often borne out of catharsis.
My biggest takeaway is … Finding out more about my identity as an artist! Going through the production and songwriting camp helped me form a clearer idea of how I want to bring across my music and image.
Now that TGSR is over, I plan to spend time writing new songs! Before TGSR, I always thought I was the kind of person who wrote songs only when I had something to say, but now I know that I’m capable of doing it as long as I push myself in the right direction.
For five hours against the backdrop of illuminated gigantic trees and Marina Bay Sands, audience and fans were enchanted and enthralled by an eclectic music mashups by the 10 emerging music acts from TGSR Season Two. Photo: Temasek
6. aeriqah
aeriqah takes her most sacred and painful experiences and turns them into music and lyrics. Valuing honesty, the singer-songwriter provides a sense of comfort, suspending moments in time for her listeners and connecting with their emotions.
My biggest takeaway is ... Humanise others – nobody knows exactly what they’re doing. Even established artists have similar fears as we do.
Now that TGSR is over, I plan to collaborate with others and release more music this year!
7. NAMIE
With her meditative soundscapes and imagery-ridden songs, NAMIE takes you into a world of playfulness, exploration and introspection, incorporating all her artistic interests into her works.
My biggest takeaway is ...To just go for it and learn. I know it sounds vague and maybe cheesy, but I probably wouldn't have released any singles if I didn't send in my audition video for TGSR.
Now that TGSR is over, I plan to continue the momentum of my creative process and follow up with a couple of releases!
8. whirring
Melding groovy electronic beats, lush shimmering synths, and layered vocals, whirring is a duo who explores the anxieties and vulnerabilities lying just beneath the surface of the 20-something psyche.
Our biggest takeaway is ... That music really isn’t a competition – it’s a community. There aren’t many other artists like us – a band playing indie-flavoured electronica – but we’ve made a bunch of great friends and it’s great to know that passion transcends boundaries like genre, age, and language.
Now that TGSR is over, we plan to head back to the studio and get our songs produced and released! We want to ride on the momentum TGSR has given us – we’re already drawing up plans and concepts for our releases.
9. Marcus 李俊纬
Marcus 李俊纬 is a bilingual singer-songwriter who was the second runner-up of Campus Superstar 2 in 2007, the current frontman of indie pop-rock band Exdee, and winner of the Singapore Selections of Sing! China in 2017.
My biggest takeaway is ... The friends and relationships that were forged through the whole experience. This won't be the last time that we will be collaborating!
Now that TGSR is over, I plan to sleep more! But for real, I'll be busy with more shows and releasing more content. Stay tuned for some covers coming your way!
10. ABANGSAPAU
ABANGSAPAU is a Malay-Sikh hip-hop artist who isn’t afraid to challenge the boundaries of the local music scene. He infuses his culture and ethnicity into his music, taking a vulnerable approach in his songwriting by revealing honest truths of his past and the challenges he faces, bolstered with swagger.
My biggest takeaway is ... There’s so much more to music. Witnessing all the back-end processes for the campaign has made me more calculated in the moves I intend to make.
Now that TGSR is over, I plan to continue to break boundaries and uplift the community through my music. I am working hard on my debut album which is set for release this year as well!
ABANGSAPAU belted a rousing rap to his TGSR song 'NOMAD', a mashup of sounds and tunes from the 1400-1700 era with the modern genre of electronic. Photo: Temasek
