In Case You Didn’t Know, Live Gigs Have Begun To Wake Up In Singapore (Only In Some Places)

Live gigs have resumed at spots like The Esplanade (Credit: Baybeats Facebook page)

If you’ve sorely missed the thump of a tom drum or wail of a guitar solo reverberating through your body, then you’re in for a thrill. Back in October 2020, authorities announced the resumption of indoor live performances to the elation of many in the music community, and have since lightened the measures further to allow audiences up to 250 people. The positive upshot of this is a simmering awakening of the scene, with a wave of upcoming events that will excite any restless, deprived gig-goer.

Local alternative bands like Coming Up Roses will be taking the stage (Credit: Baybeats Facebook page)

Bastion of the arts, The Esplanade has already kicked things off where this is concerned, hosting a bunch of music events in its various performance areas. In this month alone, it’s relaunched its Rocking The Region showcase (22-24, 29-31 January), promoting local alternative bands and artistes – including Coming Up Roses, Islandeer, Saints Amongst Sinners, Woes, Quite Quiet and more – at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre. And at the Esplanade Concourse, it’s going ahead with its All Things New series (25-31 January) with up-and-comers like RENE, Nigel Cheah, and Bryan Chua.

Scenes from the Light to Night Festival that often have live performance elements (Light to Night Facebook page)

Also returning this year is the Light to Night Festival, an event that annually beautifies the Civic District with a multitude of art installations and immersive experiences. Over at National Gallery Singapore, the festival is throwing a live edition of its Gallery Gigs programme (23 and 30 January), featuring acoustic and electronic performances from Tim De Cotta, Shye, Jean Seizure and Cravism. Like The Esplanade, these performances are free of charge, with safe distancing measures firmly in place.

Vol 6 of IMC Live Global’s AL!VE series is a hip-hop showcase (Credit: IMC Live Global)

From a business standpoint, the resumption of live gigs is good news for promoters. Last December saw the emergence of Back To Live by AEG Presents and Collective Minds, a paid pilot event that allowed a capacity of 500 audience members. In the coming weeks, IMC Live Global will be organising its AL!VE series at Capitol Theatre, which includes a stacked hip-hop affair with Fariz Jabba, Mediocre Haircut Crew and THELIONCITYBOY (30 January). This is in addition to other shows under the AL!VE banner, including a jazz gig with Jeremy Monteiro & Friends (22 January) and a Mandopop concert with Joi Chua (23 January).

All this exhibits a renewed sense of vigour for the live music scene, but it’s definitely not out of the woods yet. These aforementioned events are recognised under indoor live performances. Outdoor live performances, however, with the exception of approved pilots, remain unpermitted, so don’t expect another Laneway-type event anytime soon.

Unfortunately, live music at bars like Blu Jaz Cafe are still a no-go (Credit: Blu Jaz Cafe Facebook page)

Another let-down is the persistent ban on live music in bars. As per the Phase Two rules cast on the nightlife industry, live music is still not allowed in these performance venues, even with their Public Entertainment Licence intact. As the only thing permissible is recorded music that isn’t louder than 60 decibels, the option of live music is out of the question. I have confirmed this with Timbre and Blu Jaz Cafe, and both have stated that they haven’t been given the green light with regards to live music in their premises, but they do still remain open for dining. Requesting for your “Mr. Brightside” will have to wait.

Live gigs in indoor performance venues (not including bars) are beginning to crawl out of the abyss, but it’s important to note that these relaxed measures haven’t been granted to local clubs which are still obstructed. A pilot scheme that was supposed to roll out this month – one where some clubs expressed a reluctance to join – has been delayed due to a rise in COVID-19 cases. Hopefully, this concern won’t affect the rising momentum of live gigs.

Now that you know where to look, it’s time for you to finally catch a gig.