Linying

Tell us your story, how did you get here?

Making YouTube cover videos was probably the one thing that kept me sane while under exam stress all through my teens, so I spent a lot of my time doing that, which I now see was sort of where I did most of my “practising”. It gave me my first platform and from there, I started toplining for producers, writing my own songs and releasing my own music. I guess I owe everything to the Internet.

What impact have you made in Singapore?

I’ve forced every living child in primary school to listen to my voice every morning in August 2021.

What does 2022 look like for you?

I’m writing and recording a new album and doing a live concert later in the year, which I’m really excited about!

What do you love most about Singapore?

How everybody is really discerning when it comes to food, and that people eat widely, and generally aren’t picky eaters. Food is one gateway into understanding other cultures, and to have that be a given in this country is quite helpful.

Tell us about the coolest performance you’ve ever seen.

Honestly, The 1975 are my favourite band to watch live. Anyone who doesn’t think they’re phenomenal live are lying. We shared a lineup at Summer Sonic in Tokyo (!!!) and my whole band was turning up their noses at me for skipping Radiohead to see them instead. But I’ve done it two more times since then and would gladly do it again.

Who is your Local Legend, and why?

@khenghua: she’s an inspiration and her captions always make me cry.