Keeping Baybeats Fresh with New Music Experiences - Esplanade
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Keeping Baybeats Fresh with New Music Experiences
A collaboration with EMONIGHTSG for a late-night party, and rarely-featured hip hop and
rap performances
SINGAPORE, 18 July 2018 – The 17th edition of Singapore’s largest free alternative music
festival, Baybeats, presented by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, returns from 17 to 19
August 2018 with bands from Singapore, Asia and elsewhere. To keep the festival’s offerings
fresh and to cater to the evolving tastes of its audiences, this year’s Baybeats will feature two
new music experiences.
Firstly, Baybeats and the crew behind the EMONIGHTSG events will collaborate for the first
time to present a late-night party at the Esplanade Annexe Studio. EMONIGHTSG events
usually take place in clubs, with alternative music being spun through the night. Secondly, hip
hop and rap lovers can look forward to several performances featuring these genres, which
are rarely presented at Baybeats. These include performances by Singapore’s Akeem Jahat
and Yung Raja x Fariz Jabba, as well as Zamaera from Malaysia.
Page 1 of 18
Said Sai Akileshwar, Lead Programmer, The Esplanade Co Ltd, “Each year, we try to offer as
diverse a range of alternative music as possible at Baybeats, for everyone to discover and
enjoy different types of sounds. For those who enjoy listening to alternative music in a club-
setting, we’re excited to be collaborating with EMONIGHTSG on a late-night party, while our
hip hop and rap artists will definitely bring another dimension to this year’s festival.”
The Last Hurrah for the Powerhouse Stage along the Esplanade Waterfront
This year marks the last time the festival’s Powerhouse Stage—a temporary stage erected
specially for Baybeats each year—will be hosting performances at its familiar location along
the Esplanade Waterfront. The Powerhouse Stage is one of the four main stages at Baybeats,
alongside the Chillout Stage (at the Esplanade Concourse), the Arena (at the Esplanade
Outdoor Theatre) and the Annexe Studio. The location, which has been the home of the
Baybeats Powerhouse Stage since 2007, has been earmarked for Esplanade’s new waterfront
theatre, targeted to begin construction in 2019.
The Baybeats Powerhouse Stage.
To mark the occasion, several Singapore bands who have previously performed on the
Powerhouse Stage will return to rock this year’s festival. These are Caracal, Wormrot and
The Full Pledge Munkees. In addition, Indonesia’s Superman is Dead and Hundredth from
the US will also make their Singapore debut on the Powerhouse Stage at this year’s festival.
Said Akilesh, “Our Powerhouse Stage along the Esplanade Waterfront has gained a loyal
following among those who love to rock out to a heavier sound at Baybeats. From moshing to
crowd surfing, we’ve had many fond memories at this outdoor performance venue with our
audiences and artists. While we’re sad that this is the last year we’ll be able to have the
Powerhouse Stage at its current location, we assure everyone that we are working hard to
identify a suitable alternative venue for our future editions! Most importantly, Baybeats will
continue to feature the wide range of music it always has.”
Page 2 of 18
Baybeats Budding Initiatives: Growing Singapore’s Music Community
Through its various Baybeats Budding initiatives, the festival continues to nurture young
Singapore talent not only in music-making but also in other creative fields such as music
journalism, gig photography and video arts.
This year, six bands were selected for the Baybeats Budding Bands mentorship programme.
After undergoing a three-month long mentorship by industry veterans Geoffrey Low, Kevin
Foo, Lennat Mak, Leonard Soosay, and Vanessa Fernandez, Trust The Chaos,
Glassmouth, Osr313, Dreebsby, Coming Up Roses and Sangriento will make their debut
at Baybeats 2018. To help the Budding Bands better navigate the evolving music landscape,
Baybeats also collaborated with music streaming service Spotify this year to present a
workshop on how to better reach audiences and market themselves digitally.
The Baybeats Budding Editorial Programme brings five Budding Photographers and six
Budding Writers together to provide coverage about what is happening in and around
Baybeats, on Esplanade’s web and social channels. The mentors for the Baybeats Budding
Editorial Programme are photographer Aloysius Lim, as well as music journalists Eddino Abdul
Hadi and Daniel Peters.
Finally, as part of the Baybeats Budding Video Artists Programme, two groups of final-year
students from LASALLE College of the Arts’ Diploma in Broadcast Media have produced three
videos which give a peek at what some of Baybeats Budding Bands alumni are up to. The
videos feature Disco Hue, sub:shaman and Cadence.
Please refer to the Annex or www.esplanade.com/baybeats for the full festival line-up. Follow
www.facebook.com/Baybeats and www.instagram.com/baybeats for more festival updates.
Baybeats 2018 is made possible with the generous support of our Festival Supporter Burger
King.
Page 3 of 18
About Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade is Singapore’s national performing arts centre. It has a year-round line-up of about
3,000 performances presented by Esplanade, its partners and hirers. As an arts centre for
everyone, Esplanade also creates opportunities for seniors, youth, children and underserved
communities to experience the arts. More than 70% of the shows that take place each year at
the centre are non-ticketed. The centre works in close partnership with local, regional and
international artists to develop artistic capabilities and content, push artistic boundaries and
engage audiences. It also develops technical capabilities for the industry nationally.
This architectural icon, with its distinctive twin shells, houses world-class performance spaces
complemented by a comprehensive range of professional support services. Its two main
venues are the 1,600-seat Concert Hall and a Theatre with a capacity of 2,000.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is operated by The Esplanade Co Ltd (TECL), which is a
not-for-profit organisation, a registered Charity and an Institution of a Public Character. The
Charity Council awarded TECL the Special Commendation Award – Clarity of Strategy in
2016, and the Charity Transparency Award in 2016 and 2017.
In October 2017, Esplanade launched #mydurian—a year-long celebration for its 15th
anniversary—comprising programmes and activities that bring together people and stories
that have helped shape the iconic arts centre fondly dubbed the Durian.
Visit www.esplanade.com for more information.
~ End ~
Issued by The Esplanade Co Ltd.
For more information, please contact:
Koh Sian Eng
Communications Specialist
The Esplanade Co Ltd
Tel: 6828 8330
Email: ksianeng@esplanade.com
Eddie Toh
Arts Marketing Strategist
The Esplanade Co Ltd
Tel: 6828 8287
Email: teddie@esplanade.com
Page 4 of 18
Annex
The biggest music festival of its kind in Singapore and the region, Baybeats presents a fist-
pumping line-up showcasing prominent Singapore and international acts, covering genres
including folk, pop, metal, post-rock, emo, punk, electro and everything in between.
Through the Baybeats Budding initiatives, we gather the best of our home-grown talent not
only in music-making but also other creative fields of music journalism, gig photography, video
arts and more.
So reach out, touch faith and rock on at Singapore’s very own alternative music festival,
proudly presented by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
Page 5 of 18
FESTIVAL CALENDAR
Page 6 of 18BIOS
EMONIGHTSG: 2ND ANNIVERSARY
17 Aug 2018, Fri
11pm – 3am
Esplanade Annexe Studio
As the first alternative rock party of its kind in Southeast Asia, EMONIGHTSG is the
celebration of an era that moulded teens, offered crying shoulders in the form of sappy, angry,
emotional tunes and most importantly taught acceptance over rejection. More than just a
throwback to the glory days of Myspace, eyeliner and skinny jeans, EMONIGHTSG is a
celebration of all things alternative. A breather to escape the clutches of convention for the
Michael Ceras of the real world, the skaters with tattoos and mohawks and anyone who
doesn’t quite feel like they can sit with Regina George at the “cool kids” table. This night is
dedicated to them. Expect to hear alternative music, from indie to grunge to pop punk and
emo, and immerse yourself in a world beside the regular.
Akeem Jahat
18 Aug 2018, Sat
5.50 – 6.30pm
Esplanade Annexe Studio
Considered one of the most revolutionary hip hop/rap artists in the region, Akeem Jahat has
amassed a religious following within and across the borders of Singapore, with a social media
following of more than 25,000.
He is a cunning wordsmith known for his fluid dexterity and versatile flow. Infusing his music
with his vivid imagination, his live performances are as, if not more, eclectic and electrifying
as his records suggest.
Yung Raja x Fariz Jabba
18 Aug 2018, Sat
11.30pm – 12.10am
Esplanade Annexe Studio
About Yung Raja
Singapore-born rapper/songwriter/actor Yung Raja is known for his power-packed bilingual
twist in his music, and is a breakthrough artist with viral content spread across social media.
Having trended in Malaysia and Singapore with his remix of Gucci Gang, Raja has gained
traction for his never-before-seen lyrical style and agility. A flavour of his own, Raja’s making
waves in the music industry by representing his culture and community through hip hop. Born
and raised in Singapore, the m03 records signee aims to bring people together and fly the
nation’s flag globally.
About Fariz Jabba
Fariz jabba, is a Singapore rapper and singer from the neighbourhood of Geylang Serai. He
started his career by posting home videos of short raps and remixes that went viral on Twitter,
Instagram and Facebook, accelerating the progress of his local artistic growth. Fusing the old
and new lanes of hip hop and R&B, Jabba seeks to create a fresh yet nostalgic atmosphere
for all to enjoy. Wacky and undeniably delirious behind the phone camera, Jabba shows his
playful personality online to connect with his followers. Always working on his next releases,
Jabba ensures that he is here to stay.
Page 7 of 18The Cosmic Owls
19 Aug 2018, Sun
5.50pm – 6.30pm
Esplanade Annexe Studio
The Cosmic Owls are a musical collective formed in the Lion City of Singapura. Groovy and
dance-worthy, the group brings an array of soulful sounds fused with funk breaks, energetic
hits and some banter. Reformed in 2016, the group is now ready to showcase their original
brand of music and vibrant vibes which will keep you off your feet!
Pleasantry
19 Aug 2018, Sun
11.30pm – 12.10am
Esplanade Annexe Studio
Formed in 2010 with members active in post-rock and indie pop projects, the quintet crafts
songs out of their wide and diverse listening backgrounds.
The band finds beauty in the everyday and its members fall into creative inspiration present in
personal experiences and interactions with their surrounding social, emotional and physical
environments. Pleasantry is currently working on their sophomore album, to connect their
brand of indie pop and rock to an even larger audience.
Kin Leonn
17 Aug 2018, Fri
6.30 – 7pm & 8 – 8.30pm
Chillout Stage (Esplanade Concourse)
Kin Leonn is a Singapore ambient composer and producer. He began as a founding member
of Singapore electronic act, midst, who released their 2016 debut EP to critical acclaim both
locally and internationally. Kin Leonn has since been turning heads with his brand of subtle,
cinematic soundscapes and intricate compositions. His talent has been recognised by
established ambient/neoclassical outpost KITCHEN. LABEL, under whom he is releasing a
full-length solo record imminently. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist, Kin Leonn utilises both
electronic and organic effects to paint a continuous landscape of soaring melody and texture.
Songs & Stories
By Annette
17 Aug 2018, Fri
7.15 – 7.45pm & 8.45 – 9.15pm
Chillout Stage (Esplanade Concourse)
Annette Lee, who is also known as “Sue Ann” from SGAG, is a singer-songwriter who writes
about the human condition, and finds honesty and hope in her reveries.
Inspired by both acoustic and electronic sounds, she has released her debut 5-song EP, All
Our Achilles Heels in Sep 2017, produced by Scott Cash and Ed Cash.
Apart from making music, Lee is also a filmmaker, and is the lead writer/director (and
sometimes actor) at Singapore media page SGAG.
Page 8 of 18Midnight Fusic (Malaysia)
18 Aug 2018, Sat
6 – 6.30pm & 7.30 – 8pm
Chillout Stage (Esplanade Concourse)
19 Aug 2018, Sun
7.30 – 8.10pm
Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
Midnight Fusic is a four-piece alternative/indie band based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Fresh
out of high school, the band first emerged with their debut single Heart of May in Sep 2017
which charted at no.1 on the Hitz.FM Met 10 Charts (Malaysia’s No.1 English station) proving
that what they lack in age and experience, they more than make up for in talent, passion,
dedication and hard work.
Drawing inspiration from bands like The 1975, Muse, Bad Suns and even Malaysia indie
heavyweights Hujan, the band seamlessly skirts the middle ground between fuzzy, jangly
guitar lines with spit-polished indie rock anthems and rhythms roiling a host of influences into
a single distinct sound. Aiming to fuse heartfelt lyrics with upbeat melodies into songs that the
audience can relate to personally, the band hopes to cultivate a deeper appreciation for their
music beyond catchy choruses or funky basslines.
Signed to Sony Music Malaysia, this lively quartet released their debut single, Heart Of May,
in late Sep, while their second single, Lovesick, was released on 19 Jan 2018.
Midnight Fusic is expected to finish and release their debut EP in the third quarter of 2018.
With exciting times to look forward to, they also have their sights set on performing at music
festivals in and around the region.
Everything Happens Only Once
by Totemo (Israel)
17 Aug 2018, Fri
10.20 – 11pm
Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
18 Aug 2018, Sat
6.45 – 7.15pm & 8.15 – 8.45pm
Chillout Stage (Esplanade Concourse)
Having life turned upside down, overcoming breast cancer and undergoing a deconstruction
of the home she knew, Totemo emerges the other side to create this 10-track piece.
Following the critically acclaimed Heavy as My Dreams and Desire Path EPs, Everything
Happens Only Once is her third collaboration with music producer Roey Avital (of Garden City
Movement). Together, Totemo and Avital create intimate yet expanding songs that are
seductively beautiful.
Everything Happens Only Once is a journey of balanced stark contrasts. Elegant inventive
pop is mixed with raw and exposed lyrics. Delicate organic sounds and vocals are weaved in
sleek electronic precision. East Asian influences are intertwined with dreamy synths, forming
futuristic yet familiar qualities at the same time. Playing the electric guitar and keys, and
accompanied by her bass player and drummer, Totemo presents her new album, bringing
Everything Happens Only Once to life.
Supported by Embassy of Israel In Singapore
Page 9 of 18Love X Stereo (Korea)
19 Aug 2018, Sun
6 – 6.30pm & 7.30 – 8pm
Chillout Stage (Esplanade Concourse)
Formed in 2011 by former skate punk rocker Toby Hwang and fugitive astrophysicist Annie
Ko, Love X Stereo is a dazzling Seoul electro rock duo whose dreamy kaleidoscope of stellar
synth-pop anthems have enraptured music festival audiences across Asia and North America.
With the epic release of their double EP series We Love We Leave in 2016, Love X Stereo
headlined at SXSW’s perennially packed K-Pop Night Out showcase, and has been
nominated by music critics as one of the best dance/electronic albums of the year at the 2017
Korean Music Awards. This year, they will be skipping the release of a traditional album in
favour of releasing 37 brand new tracks and music videos all throughout 2017-2018 via
Patreon.
Knightingale
17 Aug 2018, Fri
9.40 – 10.20pm
Powerhouse (The Edge)
19 Aug 2018, Sun
6.45 – 7.15pm & 8.15 – 8.45pm
Chillout Stage (Esplanade Concourse)
Knightingale is a three-piece garage rock band formed in 2014. They present a performance
filled with intense energy, drama and power. Their songs are influenced by the garage rock
bands of the ’60s and they showcase this style with a modern twist. As JUICE magazine puts
it: “Knightingale make fistup, fuzzdrenched, quicksilver garage rock that, despite its bassless
nature, packs a dashingly IDGAF bounce”.
Coming Up Roses
17 Aug 2018, Fri
7 – 7.30pm
Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
Coming Up Roses is an indie/dream pop quartet from Singapore consisting of Emily Sia
(bass/vocals), Darius Oon (guitar), Bruce Tan (drums) and Lorenzo Romero (guitar).
Characterised by a wide array of sonic textures, aggressive drumming and evocative vocal
melodies, the band carves a sound that is introspective, yet unrestrained and raw, drawing
from genres as diverse as shoegaze, grunge, pop and metal.
The band presents a number of original compositions that take listeners on a sonic journey
through ambient landscapes to extended sections of guitar noise and feedback.
Coming Up Roses is a Baybeats Budding Band.
Cadence
17 Aug 2018, Fri
8 – 8.30pm
Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
Cadence is a Singapore alternative rock band formed in 2014. With varied musical influences,
its five members found common ground marrying energetic riffs and hard-hitting beats with
Page 10 of 18yearning vocals. The band’s songs chronicle life’s trials and triumphs introspectively, with
onstage performances often resembling a kind of collective catharsis. Energetic, sometimes
intense, but always hopeful, the band has its eyes on the region and will be releasing their
second EP in August 2018.
Disco Hue
17 Aug 2018, Fri
9 – 9.40pm
Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
Disco Hue—Sherlyn on vocals, Zie on synth, Rush on guitars and Billy on drums—is a four-
piece electronic pop act formed in early 2012 in Singapore. Influenced by acts like Daft Punk,
Chvrches and Ella Riot, Disco Hue composes tunes with electronic hooks, infectious melodies
and groovy bass lines, resulting in a fresh mix of electronic dance music characterised by a
live band setting.
In late 2016. Disco Hue released their debut EP, Arcade, to wide acclaim. Their single, Gotta
Find You received a rambunctious audience response and views within the week of release.
Accompanying its success is Disco Hue's second single, I'll Be Waiting, that has gotten over
91K YouTube views. Their follow-up 2017 single release Plastic Hearts further cemented
Disco Hue's popularity in the local music scene, and the band was namechecked by
Alternative Press as "one of the best emerging bands from Singapore". Till date, Disco Hue
has also garnered over 1.5 million collective streams for their releases on Spotify. As a great
live act, the band have played various festivals in the region and are currently writing their
debut full-length album.
Dreebsby
18 Aug 2018, Sat
6.30 – 7pm
Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
Fun, fierce and fresh—Dreebsby is a new and upcoming international pop-funk-rock
(popfrock?) act formed in Singapore and launched in London in November 2017, with a line-
up of Singaporean and British multi-instrumentalists— Dreebsby/ Sam P (songwriter, lawyer,
hot sauce connoisseur; Beatsby/ Tommy Dean (wedding singer on drums, spiritual guru);
Bassby/ Daniel Sid (mythical being); and Hornsby/ Chris Yong (brass, keys and woodwind
specialist).
Dreebsby's unique blend of music has been described as “dangerously catchy” by On The
Beat UK, drawing from funk, rock, blues, jazz, hip hop and electronica, under the heavy
influences of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Mayer, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Daft Punk
and Dreebsby. Having recently returned from a four-month promo stint in London with a
headline showcase at The Dublin Castle, Dreebsby's opportunity to play at Baybeats seals its
status as one of the region's newest and fastest upcoming acts. Their debut single, Out The
Door, garnered over 10,000 streams on Spotify within its first month of release.
Dreebsby is a Baybeats Budding Band.
Page 11 of 18Falling Feathers
18 Aug 2018, Sat
7.30 – 8.10pm
Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
Falling Feathers (JJ) has a unique vocal quality that can be immediately recognised as his
own. Not only does his music consist of compulsive hooks and relatable narratives, his songs
also envelope the conventional emotions of day-to-day experiences in an accessible way. His
jovial personality can definitely be felt through his music and no doubt puts a smile on the face
of any one who listens.
Falling Feathers opened for American pop rock band, Mayday Parade in 2016, as well as
American pop band Before You Exit in 2017. His sophomore track, Why So Serious, was
featured on multiple playlists such as The A-List: Singapore Music playlist, Future Hits playlist
on Apple Music and Singapore Top Acts, New Music Friday Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines,
Indonesia on Spotify, and was also featured on two wildly popular Korean variety shows—
TVN’s 윤식당 (Youn's Kitchen) and KBS’ 슈퍼맨이돌아왔다 (Return of Superman). His latest
single Hush was also featured on various media outlets like MTV Asia, 987FM and many more.
Falling Feathers will be joined by special guest Annie Ko of Love X Stereo for a special
performance of Dancing Alone.
Force Vomit
18 Aug 2018, Sat
8.50 – 9.30pm
Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
In 1998, surf punk bandits Force Vomit released their first full album, The Furniture Goes Up.
Like in their previous demo cassette releases, the songs utilised a unique and rare
combination of six-string guitars, four-string bass and two-stick drums and the album sees
them playing random notes and making accidental noises in an effort to mimic rock and roll
misfits from the ’50s to the ’00s.
In 2018, the band marks their 20th anniversary of the release of The Furniture Goes Up, which
contained songs ranging from perky new-wave banger Standard Punishment, two-chord
yearning anthem L.O.V.I.N.G, punkish sing-along The Return Of Mona Koh and slow-rock
lighters-in-the-air ballad Last Nite I Said Goodbye.
In the last 25 years, they have been singled out by late legendary BBC DJ John Peel, put out
a second CD album also containing actual songs, released various singles, wrote soundtracks
to several films and TV shows and played countless (the band is bad at math) live shows in
Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. The band has had affiliations with profit and
non-profit bodies and events like Food Not Bombs, ZoukOut, Discovery Channel and The End
Of Recordings.
The band went on hiatus in 2009 but made a much-anticipated comeback at Baybeats in 2013.
That year also marked the 20th year since the band’s formation. The band—Dino Vomit
(guitars and vocals), Alvin Vomit (guitars and vocals), Faz Vomit (drums) and Wan Vomit
(bass)—still plays the occasional, sporadic show.
Page 12 of 18Zamaera (Malaysia)
18 Aug 2018, Sat
10.10 – 10.50pm
Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
Fusing the art of rhythm and poetry, Zamaera creates beauty in the duality of weaving delicate
vocals with eloquent lyricism into the fabric of her identity as an artist. She breaks down the
barrier between audience and artist with relatable and engaging music that resonates
universally.
Growing up in Malaysia, music flowed through Zamaera’s home from a young age as her
obsession led her to pick up guitar and piano lessons. Never shy behind a microphone, she
found solace on stage and performing to an audience, and became a signed artist at 17. In
2017, Zamaera independently released her first single Helly Kelly an explosive track that
introduced her to the industry. She also released her second single Wanita in her native
language, which explores the importance of female empowerment. With two successful
singles, Zamaera was endorsed by Nike, and released her first mixtape DontZzOnMe in 2018,
and went on to be featured on MTV Asia’s Yo! MTV Raps Cypher.
Set for international release later this year, Zamaera’s debut EP, with the lead single ZvsZ,
features her soulful songwriting and hard-pressing rhythm and poetry.
Blood Pact
by Sangriento
19 Aug 2018, Sun
6.30 – 7pm
Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
Sangriento performs songs from their upcoming album, Blood Pact, a story-driven concept
album that narrates a tale of betrayal and self-discovery in a fantasy wasteland. Weaving lush
symphonic textures into experimental metal grooves, this five-piece band will create an
operatic theatre experience.
Sangriento is a Baybeats Budding Band.
Sherene’s Closet
19 Aug 2018, Sun
8.50 – 9.30pm
Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
After an extremely long hiatus, homegrown ‘90s band, Sherene’s Closet, is back on the local
scene. With a more mature outlook and approach to their new brand of indie rock, Sherene’s
Closet aspires to break away from the dominant electronic music scene of the modern era
and stay true to an uncompromising form of grit rock—organic and raw.
In 1999, the band released Kept Secrets to positive reviews. The band was hugely popular in
the Singapore underground music scene, having been interviewed by respected music critic,
Paul Zach for Zach’s Trax and nominated for the Perfect 10 Music Awards for Best Local Act
in 2001. Earlier in 2018, the band flew to Liverpool, United Kingdom, to record their EP at The
Motor Museum, which has Oasis and Arctic Monkeys in their repertoire of clients. Aptly titled
Rebirth, the EP features four songs, two of which were unreleased demo songs that were
excluded from their debut album, Kept Secrets. The EP was produced by Al Grooves and
locally renowned music producer, Leonard Soosay, who was also behind the sounds of the
Page 13 of 18band’s demo and debut album. Besides co-producing Rebirth, Soosay was also responsible
for mixing the EP at Snakeweed Studio in Singapore.
Currently, the band consists of vocalist and songwriter, Gerald Stahlmann, bassist Wann
Hussain (Force Vomit), drummer Martin Kong (Caracal) and lead guitarist, Tan Shung Sin
(Great Spy Experiment). While Sherene’s Closet was originally a three-piece outfit, the band’s
conscious decision to add another member in the new line-up was intended to give their old
and new songs another dimension. This is evident in their new EP, which the band envisioned
to be more guitar-driven and analogue in the presentation of the songs. In a bid to let the
songs speak for themselves, the band made sure to keep the tracks simple and pure by not
letting them be over-produced.
Committing to their sense of individuality, the band did not reform with the intention of
reinventing the music and following trends. Rather, they are unwavering in their belief of
staying true to their roots and maintaining their sounds like an indie rock band from the ‘90s.
With their rebirth, the band is not pursuing fame nor glory. This four-piece band is back purely
for the love and passion for music.
Mooner (Indonesia)
19 Aug 2018, Sun
10.10 – 10.50pm
Arena (Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
Mooner has its origins in a weekly jamming session between three members of different
Indonesian rock bands—Absar from The Slave, Tama from Sigmun and Rekti from The Sigit.
Within a year, they wrote 12 songs of heavy-fuzzy rock and roll inspired by ’70s underground
heavy rock with a hint of proto punk, and recruited Marshella Safira to provide female vocals,
resulting in a blend of heaviness and melodies.
In 2017, they released these songs as their debut album Tabiat,on Bhang Records in
Indonesia and Outer Battery Records in the US and Europe, garnering acclaim from Prog
Magazine for their approach that amalgamates traditional music with modern psychedelic rock.
Currently, the band is working on their latest album, exploring their traditional and cultural
aspiration through modern and contemporary musical instruments.
Trust The Chaos
17 Aug 2018, Fri
7.30 – 8pm
Powerhouse (The Edge)
Drawing influence from a varied influence such as One Ok Rock to Avenged Sevenfold to
Dorje, Trust The Chaos is a five-piece band that has juxtaposed all these influences in their
music, which can be described as an eclectic mix of punk, metal and rock. The music is driven
by emo pop and slick rock and roll, with a cohesive blend of soaring vocals, catchy guitar riffs
and thumping bass, complemented with foot-stomping beats. The result is a collection of tunes
that are driving, fist-pumping anthems that are as cathartic to play as they are to hear.
Trust The Chaos is a Baybeats Budding Bands.
Page 14 of 18Terminal Cry
17 Aug 2018, Fri
8.30 – 9pm
Powerhouse (The Edge)
Terminal Cry is possibly the best band that you have never heard of. Reformed in 2014, the
band is now made up of Shahrul on lead vocals, Rusly and Iswadi on guitars, Idzwan on bass,
Teresa on keyboards, and Shafit on drums. Playing a mixture of progressive hard rock, heavy
metal and everything in between, the eclectic mix of their music can be heard due to the
different influences that each band member has. Think Dream Theater, Alter Bridge, Deep
Purple and Bon Jovi rolled into a "musical spring roll".
The band came into prominence in the Singapore music scene when they had much success
in the 2015 and 2016 edition of the Yamaha Asian Beat SG Finals Band Competition, where
they came in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Their first single, I, was aired on Ria 89.7FM and
following up to that success, the band are actively gigging and seeks to win new fans each
time they hit the stage.
Wormrot
17 Aug 2018, Fri
11 – 11.40pm
Powerhouse (The Edge)
Wormrot plays grindcore and was signed to Earache Records (UK) in 2010. Ever since
Wormrot was formed in 2007, they have been doing months-long tours in the US, EU and the
neighbouring Asian countries. Aside from the usual underground shows in a converted garage
in Denver, a farm in France, a few squats in Europe or a cave in Penang, they have also
played in festivals like Glastonbury Festival (UK), Obscene Extreme Festival (CZ), Scion Rock
Fest (US), SXSW (US), Netherlands Death Festival (NL), Incubate Fest (NL), Bloodshed Fest
(NL), Baybeats and many more.
Circus Freak Exhibit
by ..On Surge’s Rhapsody! 313 (Osr313)
18 Aug 2018, Sat
7 – 7.30pm
Powerhouse (The Edge)
Seven individuals, captured and tortured for experimentation purposes by an alien scientist
got their faces mutilated. They were programmed to kill all human existence but due to system
malfunction, they were programmed to play music instead. The captives managed to escape
from Area 51, but they seek revenge for their torment. In order to lure the scientist, they play
music as a result of their intuitive programming. Will the alien scientist appear at Baybeats?
..On Surge’s Rhapsody! 313 (Osr313) is a Baybeats Budding Band.
Paris In The Making
18 Aug 2018, Sat
8.10 – 8.50pm
Powerhouse (The Edge)
Paris In The Making is a progressive screamo/hardcore band from Singapore. The five-piece
outfit is often cited as atmospheric, cinematic and emotionally intense.
Page 15 of 18The Full Pledge Munkees
18 Aug 2018, Sat
9.30 – 10.10pm
Powerhouse (The Edge)
Formed in 1999, The Full Pledge Munkees (also known as TFPM) is one of the pioneering
Singapore ska bands. Started as a trio, the TFPM line-up expanded over the years and has
evolved into a seven-piece outfit. With a diversity of musical influences within the band, TFPM
went on to create their own brand and style of ska-punk, relaying positive messages in their
music.
In 2007, TFPM released their debut LP entitled Pick It Up!, with more than 1000 copies had
been sold in both Malaysia and Singapore during their 14 states tour in Malaysia. In 2009,
TFPM performed a live band showcase on MediaCorp Channel 5’s Live & Loaded and had
their music featured on the soundtrack of MediaCorp Suria Channel’s Munah & Hirzi Action!
in 2012.
2014 was a breakthrough year for TFPM, with the band playing a seven-city tour in Indonesia.
Upon returning to Singapore, they performed at the 100 Bands festival and then played the
Powerhouse Stage at Baybeats. In 2015, TFPM embarked on their maiden Japan tour,
performing at the Hoppin’ & Steppin’ Music Showcase.
With a positive mental attitude and a never-ending passion for ska, TFPM continues to strive
to and spread their music.
Hundredth (USA)
18 Aug 2018, Sat
10.50 – 11.30pm
Powerhouse (The Edge)
Change is perhaps the biggest challenge a band can face. Everyone loves the out-of-nowhere
debut or is impressed when a band avoids the sophomore slump, but when real longevity is
achieved musicians often find themselves feeling less and less like the people they were on
their early records. For some bands, this impending need for change is insurmountable.
Hundredth is not one of those bands.
With the release of their third full length, 2015’s vitriolic tour de force, Free, Hundredth had
finally accomplished all that they could within the relatively restrictive boundaries of hardcore
music. They’d given all they possibly could to the genre and were beginning to feel creatively
stifled. Completely disinterested and disenchanted by the constrictive walls of their own sound
and scene, Hundredth was faced with a self-imposed ultimatum: evolve or cease to be a band.
Never ones to shy away from risk, the band dove headfirst into re-inventing themselves. The
result is Hundredth’s fourth full-length RARE—an album that contains very little remnants of
what came before but preserves the band’s forward-thinking spirit. These 12 tracks reveal the
sound of a fearless band exploring new territory, revitalising their creativity, and propelling
themselves into a thrilling future.
Hundredth’s desire to truly follow their own path led to a sound that is all theirs, with RARE
standing independently as a distinct melding of influence, instinct, and the desire to push
boundaries that's fuelled the band from day one. This isn’t a new band; this is passionate, this
is heavy, this is dark, vulnerable, volatile, and beautiful. This is Hundredth.
Page 16 of 18Knife Fight In A Phone Booth
by Glassmouth
19 Aug 2018, Sun
7 – 7.30pm
Powerhouse (The Edge)
Glassmouth is a chaotic hardcore/mathcore band from the depths of metropolitan Singapore.
The noise is presented through complex confessional arrangements. The outfit plays for their
lives. Contemporaneous trends are shed, aesthetics are eschewed. What you see isn’t what
you get. A magic show put on by patients in a sanatorium.
Glassmouth is a Baybeats Budding Band.
Kyoto Protocol (Malaysia)
19 Aug 2018, Sun
8.10 – 8.50pm
Powerhouse (The Edge)
Kyoto Protocol is a five-piece rock band from Kuala Lumpur that started out playing in pubs in
2009 and grew to become a tour de force for rock and independent music in Malaysia; in the
process helping to pave the way for a wider acceptance of alternative music.
Since their humble beginnings, the band got heads turning and ears listening when they
opened for MGMT in their maiden concert on Malaysian soil, subsequently clinching spots at
various music festivals, sharing the stage alongside many more international acts. In 2011,
Kyoto Protocol received a nomination in the Best New Artist category from the Anugerah
Industri Muzik following the success of their EP cheekily titled An Album in the same year. Its
lead single Pussycat peaked at No.1 on Hitz.FM’s Malaysian English Top 10, the FlyFM
Campur Charts and TraxxFM’s Upstage Charts.
The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Fuad, back-up vocalist/keyboard player Gael,
guitarist Hairi, bassist Shakeil, and drummer Shan.
Superman Is Dead (Indonesia)
19 Aug 2018, Sun
9.30 – 10.10pm
Powerhouse (The Edge)
Superman Is Dead are Bali punk rock pioneers born and bred in Kuta Rock City. Formed in
1995, the band consists of Bobby Kool (lead vocals and guitar), Eka Rock (bass and backing
vocals) and Jrx (drums).
After producing and releasing their first three albums independently, Superman Is Dead got
their break in 2003 and signed with Sony-BMG Indonesia, becoming the first band from Bali
to sign with a major recording label in Indonesia. With the release of their fourth album Kuta
Rock City receiving major airplay nationally, the band found themselves touring continuously
around Indonesia.
Page 17 of 18Caracal
19 Aug 2018, Sun
10.50 – 11.30pm
Powerhouse (The Edge)
One of Singapore’s most beloved post-hardcore bands, Caracal re-emerges with a brand new
line-up. Adding Rachel Lu on lead vocals and Trent Davis on bass/backing vocals, Caracal
take their signature mix of crushing riffs and gorgeous harmonic melodies into surprising
territory.
___________________________________________________________________
Baybeats Visual Artist
Lee Ruixiang
Trained in printmaking, Ruixiang constantly challenges the notion of traditional printmaking
with his innovative techniques and in pushing the limits of the materials that he works with.
Ruixiang’s works go beyond the two-dimensional expression of ink on paper as is typical of
traditional printmaking. His works portray a sense of three-dimensionality in his assemblage
of cutouts and layering of the printed images. This method of composing and juxtaposition of
the contents, motifs, and texts imbue Ruixiang’s works with a sense of hierarchy, movement,
spatiality and altering them to present new meaning. Shadows forming along the boundaries
of the cutout images blur the outlines and their relationships with the adjacent objects,
enhancing the sense of three-dimensionality, building his own unique iconography, often
controversial and always engaging to examine how surrounding is perceived and
remembered.
Lee Ruixiang graduated from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Art Singapore with a Diploma in
Fine Art (Printmaking) in 2012. He has exhibited extensively worldwide in group exhibitions
and art fairs since 2011 and in 2016 he held his debut solo exhibition at Art Projects Gallery
in Hong Kong. His works are found in the collections of local and international collectors as
well as the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore.
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