Singapore Community Radio Gets A Revamp With Fresh Shows That Cover Local Culture

The new SGCR team comprises (from left to right) Darren Tan, Daniel Peters and Hwee En Tan [Credit: Singapore Community Radio]

When Singapore Community Radio emerged in 2017, it stirred up interest from the scene with its consistent stream of video content. Its flagship series of recorded sets – with local DJs, musicians and international guests performing against curated visuals – ran for over a hundred episodes, with its primary base of operations being the now-defunct White Label Records. Without barriers between genres, the series extensively showcased the diversity of the local electronic scene and beyond, swiftly becoming a much-welcomed mainstay that won appreciation and admiration.

The visual direction of the new SGCR is steered by Natasha Hassan (@poogazi) [Credit: Singapore Community Radio]

Fast forward to today: SGCR is now getting a revamp in its content, evolving past its dominantly musical platform to cover a wider spectrum of culture in Singapore. Featuring streamable content that’s both live and pre-recorded, this development is a fitting adaptation for today’s stay-home status quo, tapping into the collective knowledge and forte of its new team helmed by Darren Tan, Daniel Peters and Hwee En Tan. For those tuning in, they can expect a fresh bonanza of content featuring collaborations with all sorts of culture vultures and music mavens.

The debut week of SGCR’s new programmes (Credit: Singapore Community Radio)

The collaborations so far include monthly shows from The Moon on literary experiences, Squelch Zines on the local zine community, and Cosmic Children (by Tell Your Children) featuring unconventional profile pieces. Complementing these are music shows from other established and rising entities such as Uploading (electronic music), Evening Chants (ambient), The Analog Vault (vinyl treasures), Lim Brothers Travel (DJ-VJ hybrid set) and more.

Joining the new content lineup is UPLOADING by Intriguant (Credit: Matin Latif)

Local label, Evening Chants, is also fixed on the lineup (Credit: Chris Sim)

All of this will be topped off with SCGR’s own original content. In addition to its ongoing residencies Nightcap by DJ Itch (city pop and Asian boogie), INNER SPACE by Eden (underground and future beats) and Teenage Riot by Kim (indie and punk rock), SGCR is introducing The Potluck Club that touches on creative Singaporean minds, High Tide 開台 to cover the Mandarin indie music and culture scene, and 10 Tracks which delves into the influences of guest personalities. And going back to its roots, SGCR will be bringing back its guest mixes with a first batch that unveils Kin Leonn, Joshua P, Daryl Knows and The Analog Girl.

SGCR will continue having its ongoing residencies, such as Nightcap by DJ Itch (Credit: Rizman Putra)

“For too long, we have looked beyond our shores to be entertained or to be inspired, but this pandemic has taught us the importance of the strengths of local talent and the communities that surround them,” Darren Tan remarks in their official press release. “I hope SGCR can be a bridge to link existing creative communities which already embody the country’s true diversity. Like Halimah Yacob once said: do good, do together.”

If this new bundle of content is anything to go by, we can definitely expect plenty of good from the new and reenergised SGCR.

Visit the Facebook and Instagram pages of Singapore Community Radio for full details on its upcoming programmes. The programmes will be hosted on Twitch and Mixcloud Live, as well as Facebook Live for selected shows.