If You Know Nothing About The Local Live Scene, This Festival’s For You
For many, their love for the local live scene began here (Credit: Baybeats Facebook page)
If you grew up with the local music scene – in particular, proudly witnessing the burgeoning growth of Singaporean bands as they struggled in their norm-defying ways – you would’ve been privy to this annual phenomenon at some point in your life. Here, you would’ve likely partaken in a raucous, punk-swarmed circle pit, been charmed by some whimsical outfit from Tokyo or Jakarta, or chanced upon a new discovery that, to the surprise of naysayers, turned out to be from our sunny shores (“what a surprise; local music is great!”).
Thanks to Baybeats, an alternative music festival in Singapore that’s been taking place at The Esplanade since 2002, the support for made-in-Singapore sounds has grown tremendously. By providing a stage for nascent musicians – starry-eyed and starving – Baybeats not only educated the uninitiated masses that we had subcultures beyond the pop sphere, but it boosted the confidence of said musicians to step out of their shell. It is because of Baybeats that we have modern-day trailblazers like Stopgap, Subsonic Eye, and Disco Hue; and that list is continuing to grow.
This year, six more burgeoning bands join the Baybeats roster after a series of gruelling auditions, marking the next chapter of this annual triumphant tradition.
The New Modern Lights packs trigger-ready indie-rock anthems in their arsenal, while Cinnamon Persimmon is an alt-rock newcomer with off-kilter chord swerves. Folky and experimental nuances come in the form of the now-expanded Plate, and irregular time signatures are an adroit habit of math-rockers Cues. For those who love it hardcore, get mosh-ready with the post-metal carnage of Summations and deathcore antics of No Rest For The Weary.
These Baybeats budding bands join dozens of other artistes on the three-day lineup. They include seasoned local mavericks like Sobs, Mean, and Rudra; and staying true to Baybeats’ border-crossing programming, other appearances from up-and-comers around the region.
Who will you discover this year at Baybeats? (Credit: Baybeats Facebook page)
Discovery, in my opinion, remains the key tenet that sculpts the appeal of Baybeats. Just like how I stumbled upon prospective scene heroes during my long-bygone teenhood, you should also take the opportunity to discover what the Singaporean live music scene entails for you. You’ll be surprised with what you might find.
Although, you shouldn’t be. Because our live scene is great.
Baybeats 2019, 23-25 August 2019, The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981. No cover charge. For full information on Baybeats 2019, visit their official website.
