In our Big Gigs in July: The xx, Sampha, Sungha Jung, and album launches from local musicians, LEW and The Steve McQueens
Start scrubbing your best pogo-ing shoes and warm up those pipes; it’s another season of concerts in Singapore this July. From local singer-songwriters and jazz collectives, to international indie icons and a Malay festival of the arts – these Big Gigs of the month will be music to your ears.
Terrarium by The Steve McQueens: 15 July at Esplanade Recital Studio
Jazz is by no means an easy genre to master, but these local mavericks make it look like a cakewalk. Essentially a supergroup of jazz greats, The Steve McQueens has performed on big stages across the region like Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival and Indonesia’s Java Jazz Festival. Now, they bring their dexterous, gifted brand of jazz to The Esplanade with a preview of their upcoming album, Terrarium.
Terrarium by The Steve McQueens, 15 July, Esplanade Recital Studio, The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981. Tickets available here.
LEW – Lullacry Album Launch: 5 July at The Annexe Studio
Despite growing up in Hong Kong, this Singaporean singer-songwriter has returned home to make his mark on the scene. A folk-natured newcomer who’s already been forming ripples in the acoustic circuit, LEW now releases his debut album, Lullacry, in July with a handful of special guests. Perfect for fans of Ed Sheeran and Damien Rice.
LEW – Lullacry Album Launch, 5 July, The Annexe Studio, Esplanade Recital Studio, The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981. Tickets available here.
Rootikal Jam: 7 July at Artistry
July is the month of the International Day of Reggae, so you’re bound to find a couple of bashments lined up. One highlight is the reggae gig series led by Singapore’s own Rastafarian movement, Dub Skank’in Hifi Soundsystem. Turning up the heat will be the whopping, 10-piece Instigator Afrobeat Orchestra, playing popular dub and rocksteady classics that Bob Marley himself would approve.
Rootikal Jam, 7 July, Artistry, 17 Jalan Pinang, Singapore 199149. Entry at $5.
Baybeats Festival: 14-16 July at The Esplanade
Raising the torch for Singapore’s alternative music scene for the last 15 years is Baybeats, one of Singapore’s most respected music festivals. Every year, a fresh crop of musicians gets a chance to step up and showcase their music alongside peers from around the region, and also from home. In other words, Baybeats is where you’ll see dreams come true. Check out our full Baybeats feature.
Baybeats 2017 is happening from 14-16 July at various arenas around Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981. Admission is free.
Splashh: 15 July at Decline
For purists of guitar music, this one deserves a spot on your list. From London, Splashh makes waves with fuzzy guitar riffs a la The Strokes, enhanced with the slurring, drawling vocals of Sasha Frantz Carlson reminiscent of a young Liam Gallagher. Hosted by Middle Class Cigars and Other Sounds, they will be opened by homegrown shoegaze-poppers, Cosmic Child.
Splashh live in Singapore, 15 July, SLED Productions x Decline, 37 Geylang Lorong 23, Singapore 388371. Tickets available here.
Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts: 20-23 July at The Esplanade
Being a yearly affair, the Malay Festival of Arts has been showcasing Malay music, dance and theatre from the Nusantara (Malay Archipelago) – including both traditional and contemporary art forms. Must-watch gigs include one of Malaysia’s music divas, Ella; and Indonesian new-age folk band, Payung Teduh. The latter blends folk, keroncong (think Indonesian ukulele), pop and jazz into their one-of-a-kind sound.
Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts, 20-23 July, The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981. For more information on dates and prices, visit this website.
Turnover: 22 July at Hood Bar
While some bands stagnate in their careers, this rock band from Virginia decided to turn over a new leaf. Within a short span of two years, Turnover swerved from adolescent-friendly emo-rock to more matured dream-pop with reverb-drenched riffs and crystalline hooks. Ready to put you in a daze, Turnover will be supported by Singapore’s own Two Seas.
Turnover live in Singapore, 22 July, Hood Bar, #05-07 Bugis+, 201 Victoria Street, Singapore 188067. Tickets available here.
Sungha Jung: 22 July at Kallang Theatre
A YouTube superstar with over four million subscribers, Sungha Jung is nothing short of a prodigy. Case in point? Just check out any of his videos and be flummoxed by his fingerstyle techniques on the acoustic guitar. If you think you’ve seen or heard everything that can be done on a guitar, wait ’til you see this young virtuoso – he released his debut album at 13(!).
Sungha Jung, 22 July, Kallang Theatre, 1 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397688. Tickets available here.
The xx and Sampha: 25 July at Singapore Indoor Stadium
Ask any local hipster to name-drop one of their indie idols, and The xx will undoubtedly be one of them. Despite having a signature minimalist sound, this festival-headlining trio from London is one of the biggest bands in the world. And come 25 July, The xx will be making their third appearance in Singapore – yes, you can start hyperventilating now. The xx will be supported by an opening act who, in our opinion, is outstanding enough to land a show of his own. Cutting-edge electronica and r&b musician, Sampha, will be on warm-up duties with his gooey grooves and buttery vocals.
Secret Sounds Asia presents The xx and Sampha live in Singapore, 25 July, 8pm, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397691. Tickets available from this website.
Need more gigs? Check out these best places for live music in Singapore.