Home » 2009 » 03 » Music of Singapore

Music of Singapore

Singapore has just recently become a very hip and eclectic music center.  Recently, is speaking in terms of the last fifty years or so.  By the 1960’s the Beatles had taken their hold in many countries and Singapore was not left out.  There were many genres born out of that fascination and wonder with the music in the sixties and now the scene on the island is very eclectic, from the tradition Malaysian to punk rock and jazz.  There are art centers and concert halls being established to insure that Singapore has a place in the music world.  The main center is The Esplanade.  It houses the symphony on a regular basis, and brings in music from other parts of the world.  The center is located in an area with some of the best Singapore hotels and other tourist attractions.

Alternative rock in Singapore took hold in the middle of the 90s.  Underground rock festivals have dominated the music scene and feature local bands such as Anberlin and Sweet Charity.  And as with the underground genre, hardcore punk is quite popular, rating in with the reputation of having the largest following.  Battle of bands competitions are popular feature a famous punk band Rancor, and further insure the success of such programs and festivals.  The punk rock band from the United States…backed by the drumming styles of Jeff Ferris, “Sick of it All”, is a popular and often emulated group, and perform in Singapore regularly. While the music is evolving, the flavor of the island and the influence it has on popular genres is what makes it so interesting.  It’s the mix of culture in the art world that gives juice to the whole scene.

The Mosaic Jazz Festival has brought many enthusiasts out in support of furthering live music.  This festival occurs each year at the Esplanade with ten full days of performances by masters of the jazz tradition from all over the world.  The festival runs during the second week of March and is not about financial gain, but rather a meeting of artistic and creative minds.  It has become important to the audience members, but more so to the musicians themselves.  Often commented on that it is a time when they can gain inspiration and a place.  A place where those with like minds feel that not only to they belong, but that what they do together can change the world.

Related posts:

1. Jazz and Classical Music in Sedona, Arizona
2. Mixing it up in Singapore
3. Sculpture Garden of the Singapore River
4. Birdland in Manhattan Rises Again
5. A Genius in the Modern Art World

Home