The Times They Are A-Changin’
Every day, a new talent is born. This year’s SHINE Festival 2015 at Orchard Road features multiple talents from around the world such as Ryan Higa, David Choi and Arden Cho – all established young talents in their own right.
For this article, however, we’re going local. We’re shining the spotlight on 10 homegrown talents – young men and women who grew up on our sunny island and are making themselves heard on the world stage. They are as diverse a group of talents as you will ever find, and we look forward to seeing what they have in store for us at SHINE Festival.
1. Charlie Lim (Singer/Songwriter)
There’s a thing about music today that can’t easily be described. Somehow, autotune, frenetic beats and commercialism has made it less soulful – less human – than music of the past. I’ve listened to music that makes me feel a way I’ve never felt before. Such music is less common now, although there are certainly people who try. One of those people is Charlie Lim.
One of Singapore’s fastest rising stars, Charlie released his first EP in 2011 and hasn’t looked back since. Today, he’s an established name in Singapore music, collaborating with stars like Corrinne May while promoting his newest double EP – Time/Space. His Facebook page says that he’s been swamped with orders for hard-copy CDs and merchandise – a testament to his popularity.
I heard that Charlie’s greatest strength is his live shows. We tried doing a cover of “There Is No Love” in my music club once. It didn’t work out as well as we would’ve liked – not everyone can bring the audience on an emotional journey like him.
2. Weish (Indie Musician)
Chew Wei Shan, or Weish, is a performer going places. In the world of DIY and electronic music, it’s important to know your stuff, and she knows it better than most. She’s also part of a duo called .gif and a 5-piece group called .sub.shaman.
I gave her a listen on SoundCloud, and it was pleasantly entrancing. The song ‘Diatribe’ made me feel like I was in subtropical Africa, with birds all around me. The effect made Weish’s voice sparrow-like, soaring in circles around the jungle explorer. It’s a unique experience and one that you should give a listen if you only have time for one song.
We hear she’ll be holding a live looping and gadget showcase at the festival, so make sure to show up if you’re into these things.
3. Radikal Forze Crew (Breakdancing Group)
I’m not familiar with the breakdancing scene, but I do know it takes a lot of sweat and training to pull off group dance routines successfully. The Radikal Forze Crew, one such group, goes a long way back to 1998. In fact, they’re Singapore’s pioneering and premier B-boy crew, featuring five generations of B-boys. They’ve performed at numerous places, including Zouk, and are credited with being the founders of breakdancing culture in Singapore.
4. Urban Street Team (Football Freestylers)
They call themselves the Urban Street Team, and they are an international freestyle football team with freestylers from Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. They’ve performed all over the world, in South Korea, Kuwait, Greece, and provide event performances and sports education programs to schools and organisations.
The team prides themselves in taking Freestyle Football shows to a new level with innovative new routines. Football fans who can’t juggle more than two kicks (like moi) should head on down to see what you can really do with a football.
5. Night Owl Cinematics (YouTubers)
‘WATA you doing?’ My first experience with Night Owl Cinematics (NOC) was a short film played before a movie at Golden Village. I ended up laughing more than I did during the movie itself. If you haven’t seen the video (how’s that possible?), check this out:
They were founded in 2013 by Ryan & Sylvia and are today regarded as one of Singapore’s premier comedy YouTube channels. We love how they always make the effort to inject Singaporean wit and culture into their videos – there’s Singlish and Hokkien everywhere! They certainly are trailblazers in the local YouTube scene and we can’t wait to see what wacky antics they have for us at the SHINE Festival 2015.
6. ShiGGa Shay
He’s the youngest hip-hop artist to have made it on the Singapore radio charts. He’s performed live at the National Day Parade 2014. He’s also a founder of Singapore hip hop group Grizzle Grind Crew and has released one mixtape, one extended play album, and this:
In March, he released a video, collaborating with Inch Chua:
Let’s be honest – I bet no one predicted Singapore music would sound like this in 2015. But hey, Singapore has Charlie Lim, Weish, and now Shigga Shay – all huge rising stars in their own right. How’s that for variety? Actually, after all that new music, I need to go back and listen to good ol’ Electrico’s Runaway again.
7. The Zadon (Beatboxer)
Speaking of the Grizzle Grind Crew, we’d like to introduce you to another member: The Zadon. He’s an entertainer and singer. Oh, and he beatboxes.
He did this all by himself! This is one of Singapore’s up and coming a cappella YouTubers, right here.
8. New Stream Brass Band (New Orleans-style Brass Band)
They’re Singapore’s first-ever New Orleans-style brass band, combining Latin, Funk, Jazz and Hip-Hop with traditional New Orleans brass sounds. I like how they’re loud and unafraid of being the rowdiest bunch at an event. Check out some of their outdoor performances below:
9. Samba Masala (Percussion Band)
The most common sound I hear in the SMU basement concourse is that of several percussion instruments being struck in unison. Those are the practice sessions of Samba Masala, one of SMU’s premier CCAs. They’ve represented SMU at several overseas events and are one of the frontrunners of the Singapore samba scene. With distinctive face paint, dance choreography and a variety of Brazilian percussion instruments, Samba’s one of the most recognisable groups you’ll find on the street.
10. Fakkah Fuzz (Stand-Up Comedian)
On the bus strikes: “Chinese drivers showed up to work on Monday on time, in uniform, and did nothing. And they call that a strike? The Malay drivers just call that Monday”.
Fuzz, real name Fadzri Abd Rashid, has performed actively on open mic and shows for the last 5 years. He’s appeared on Channel 5’s 50 Ways To Be A Singaporean and has taken down Singapore’s stand-up comedy competition, Stand Up For Singapore, in 2012 and 2013.
This year, he’ll be bringing his unique brand of Singaporean humour and quick-fire wit to the SHINE Festival as one of the roving event hosts, alongside Dee Kosh of Power 98 FM. For a quick laugh at a very Singaporean issue, check this video out:
Be There or Be Square!
This year’s SHINE Festival promises heaps of talent and loads of entertainment. I’m already prepared to head down and be a part of all the action. A section of Orchard Road will even be closed from 6pm to 11pm for the event, so you have no reason not to get to the most happening place in town on the 10th to 12th of July. What’s more, all the talents mentioned above will be appearing at the event.
Oh, did we mention admission is FREE?
When: 10 – 12 July 2015
Where: Orchard Road, all day event. The road will be closed from 6-11 pm on 11 July.
For more information, visit www.shine.nyc.sg.
This post was brought to you by SHINE Festival 2015.