The true stars of Boiler Room Singapore this year in our opinion (Credit: Various sources)

The world’s eyes are on Singapore again as our city welcomes the Boiler Room behemoth for a second year in a row. One might be led to believe that such a stage would provide a ripe opportunity to showcase glimmering talents from its host city. It’s never merely about geography or location, but also about local culture that’s helped to enhance the electronic music community from its part of the globe no matter how small. And if last year’s Boiler Room Singapore gig proved anything – with a stuffed lineup of Singapore-based DJs comprising the likes of Sivanesh, Helios XL, PETYET and Dean Chew – it’s that we clearly don’t have any shortage of talent.

But after much anticipation since Boiler Room’s announced return, with many hoping to see yet another healthy ensemble of local selectors, there was much bewilderment when the lineup finally dropped. Instead of a generous 10 from last year, there are now just three Singapore ambassadors who make up half of the lineup, shared with international and regional heavyweights including Jyoty (UK), Paurro (Mexico) and XIAOLIN (Hong Kong). Granted, this year’s edition is now just one day instead of two, but the unfolded optics of the situation have clashed with expectations of the community.

All that considered, this has made the spotlight on this year’s selected local DJs even brighter, and it’s plain to see that these are three gifted, influential DJs who have built and bolstered the scene in their own way. You have multihyphenate TASHASAN who fronts North East Social Club as a purveyor of UK-inclined beats while integrating ethnic elements. You’ve got techno trailblazer Aya who’s one part of Midnight Shift, and also an alumna of HÖR flying the Singapore flag high last year. And then you have the most accomplished of the lot, A/K/A Sounds, who’s been plugging alternative club sounds for over a decade, and also advocating gender inclusivity in the scene as a champion behind ATTAGIRL!. We can’t emphasise enough how proud we are of their addition to the Boiler Room lineup, and all three aptly make up the soul of the Singapore scene which we believe needs to be captured in this event.

Leading up to their big gig, we have a short chat with each of them to talk about their headspace, how they’ve prepared and the disparate paths that led them to this point.

For veteran Amanda Keisha Ang, the Boiler Room recognition has been a long time coming (Credit: Racy Lim)

A/K/A Sounds

As the most established local DJ to be booked for this gig, it’s clearly a long time coming and well deserved. Being the seasoned pro you are who’s hustled so long in the industry, how do you even digest a milestone like this? What does this Boiler Room gig mean to you personally?

It’s super nice of you to say I’m the most established local DJ of the lot – that is high praise! It has been quite some time hasn’t it? I still have so much more to learn and a lot more to go. Being able to play for Boiler Room is definitely a big milestone in my music career; I still get a bit dizzy thinking about it! Everyone has been congratulating me, and it’s been quite touching, really. It feels like I’ve been doing something right, and it helps me understand how people feel about the music and energy I share. Especially now when this year has been one with so many other big changes as well, such as a relocation to Tokyo, along with getting married and all these plans to start a family. Boiler Room feels like a grand wrap up to my last few weeks in Singapore before I embark on a new phase in life.

You’ve been raising the bar for female DJs in Singapore all this while with ATTAGIRL!, so it’s apt that we’re getting an all-female lineup for this Boiler Room gig. Care to share your thoughts on this?

I think a decade ago, it felt quite relevant on the ground to advocate more diversity and inclusion when it came to curation regarding DJ lineups. It was mega male-centric, and it still is to some degree. But I think collectively a lot of us have done the work, and there’s so much more awareness now on that topic all over the world. It’s really great that Boiler Room celebrates that, and you can see that evidence on their published work. Our lineup for this SG edition is a really solid one, it’s so full of great talent. The focus shouldn’t be on the fact that it’s “all-female”; if we took that label away we could just focus on the music. With that said, given that BR is such a large and international platform, if I had the chance to participate in its curation I would have definitely loved to highlight some of the OGs here who’ve been shaping our humble scene back in the day, and up and coming DJs here that best represent our queer communities because they’ve come such a long way going against the grain. I’d also consider pulling in some other new underground collectives that’ve been making waves introducing new ideas, movements and art forms into our Singaporean electronic music landscape.

What sort of sound can we expect from you for this gig? Will it be a crash course of the A/K/A sound throughout your career?

My musical influences always keep growing and changing, so I think it will be hard to do a crash course for an hour set! However as I’m Singaporean, I think it is apt for me to showcase music that represents my country, the energy of the underground in Southeast Asia / East Asia / South Asia, and the kind of sounds I grew up listening to all around me that shaped my world. Expect bits of everything from classic ’90s rave bits to heavy-hitting bass bops.

Aya’s reputation has propelled in recent years as a techno firestarter (Credit: Matin Latif)

Aya

From HÖR to Boiler Room, you’re clearly flying the Singapore flag high around the world! How does it feel to land yet another big booking like this? How did you react when you first got the news?

I was so happy and literally jumped around and screamed! I’m proud to fly the Singapore flag high as it all started here for me and the people I’ve connected in Singapore have played a big role in my growth, from motivating me to inspiring me to be better.

Can you tell us more about your preparation for this Boiler Room set? Is it going to be different or similar to what you’ve been playing in the clubs?

Initially, I was thinking of planning a set as if I record a mix and craft for it, but then it was becoming stressful rather than fun, so now I’m going with the preparation that I always do – to enjoy being spontaneous. In times when I get stressed out, I always tell myself to “enjoy the process” and I believe that the outcome will naturally be better too. I’m so excited to feel the energy of the room at Boiler Room and to experience how it’ll affect me and influence my set!

You’re undoubtedly one of the fastest risers in this new generation of homegrown DJs. Does it ever feel too fast sometimes? And how do you ensure that your creativity and identity keep up with the momentum?

I’m very lucky to get chances to achieve this much in a short period of time and it’s really all thanks to the people who’ve given me the opportunities and being very supportive of me. I’m grateful to be surrounded by inspiring people. They have given me a great influence on my creativity as well as my personal growth which reflects my identity.

I’m happy to be a part of Midnight Shift and they have inspired me musically as well to explore new sounds. And I sincerely appreciate the warm support from everyone who hugely encourage me and motivate me to be better. It means a lot to me and I’m very thankful for it.

Thrilled to be at Boiler Room Singapore and experience it with everyone! Let’s do this!!

TASHASAN

Surely this must be a pinch-me-I’m-dreaming moment for you. Considering what Boiler Room meant to you personally growing up, how does it feel to now play the revered stage? Are you keeping it cool or going bananas?

It feels surreal because I’ve known about this for some time and had to keep it under wraps, even from some of my closest friends. Eventually the news got out, and I had to remain composed. It hasn’t fully sunk in that it’s happening so soon, but I’m determined to make my homies proud.

You’ve been known for pushing more niche club sounds that still take a backseat in Singapore to more stalwart genres like house and techno. Do you intend to express yourself freely on the Boiler Room stage and rep this underappreciated sound?

Hell yeah! I grew up immersed in UK electronic music – jungle, UK funky, dubstep, and grime – all the garage offshoots. These influences are central to the sounds I play, which emphasise drums, percussion, bass, and breaks. There are several producers I greatly admire: Toumba, moktar, Ehua, Ayesha, Sonia Calico, Nick León, Regal86, and Suchi (sorry I have to name them all). They hail from diverse ethnic backgrounds and brilliantly infuse their cultures into the club sound. This cultural celebration through music is something I strive to achieve in my sets.

Landing a mega gig like this must surely signify a symbol of self-growth and maturity in the scene. Did this booking help to scrub out any doubts or anxieties that you might’ve had, especially being an independent DJ and promoter in Singapore?

Trust and believe, I still wrestle with doubts daily, particularly struggling with imposter syndrome – not just with DJ-ing, but also in my day job as a designer. It’s a topic I frequently discuss in therapy. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and receive recognition for it. Despite working hard, it’s always daunting because I’m surrounded by exceptionally creative and inspiring homies. I know I bring this up quite a bit, but as a Brown woman, I often feel the pressure to work harder to prove I deserve a seat at the table. Society’s expectations are challenging, but I strive to transcend them and demonstrate my worth. I can’t afford to be mediocre because there will always be critics.

Boiler Room Singapore 2024, 20 July 2024, 8pm-3am. Follow Boiler Room on Instagram for more details.

Aya, TASHASAN & A/K/A Sounds Share How They’re Representing Our Scene At Boiler Room