From Dominic Chin to Lullaboy: We surfed through the genres of local music to find out fave
2023 might’ve been full of highs and low, but one thing that’ll always keep us going through the year is our local music scene. From the industry veterans to newbies venturing into the music world for the first time, here’s all the Singapore music we found in 2023.
New music releases in Singapore: 2023 edition
1. New single: Springtime by Linying
We know this single isn’t exactly new. But when we caught wind of Linying’s latest live performance at the Esplanade, we knew we had to write about it. The track combines both modern and traditional melodies with the use of a Chinese erhu and synth beat. She sings about a new love that she didn’t even know about, and the lyrics capture her hesitation and tentativeness to this new experience. She even denies the euphoria, suggesting that her subject simply misses springtime.
2. New EP: Hidden Intimacies by Dominic Chin
Who says Singapore music in 2023 isn’t sexy? A new EP has just hit streaming platforms, and it’s by the one and only Dominic Chin. “Hidden Intimacies” is a 3-song EP that focuses on relationships. It’s filled with words you’d say to a lover or a best friend. But we need to talk about his single “Haste” in particular.
The nu-disco track is upbeat, funky, and flirty in all the best ways. Just think about the first date you went on after Covid and you’ll understand what Dominic’s trying to convey in his song. It’s almost like he’s flirting with you through your screen! Definitely a track that got us bumping and grinding in the office.
3. New single: Top Bop by Iman Fandi
Iman Fandi’s just popped out her first release of 2023 with an R&B-influenced tune. Catch her channelling her not-so-inner pop diva as she moves between singing and rapping with ease. While you might know Iman for her pop music, she’s out on a mission to prove there’s more to her repertoire. Inspired by artists within the house and bass genre, she’s reshaping her tunes. But don’t worry, she’s still staying loyal to her personal style and conveying messages of empowerment and self-love.
4. New single: Cahaya by Abangsapau
Deviating from his typical flickering trap drums and low-end exhilaration, Abangsapau releases this solemn tune centring around the theme of Hari Raya. While the song is about a celebration of the holy period, the singer uses this single to reflect on the fleetingness of life. He sings about his family while confronting the sobering truth that his parents won’t always be around. As youth fades away, Hari Raya now serves as a celebration and a solemn reminder. Whether you understand the language or not, the artfully crafted tune is enough to convey his compassion and gratitude.
5. New single: Why Can’t I Help Me by Dru Chen
For anyone who struggles with failure and crushed dreams, let this be your next anthem. This is singer-songwriter Dru Chen’s latest release since his last song, “I’ll Be Honest” (we covered it back in our 2022 local music guide!). “Why Can’t I Help Me” marries neo-soul grooves and gospel-inflicted Rhodes keyboard and guitar licks.
It’s an homage to Dru’s favourite genres of the 90s and 2000s. The lyrics address coming to terms with shortcomings despite our best efforts, and how to move forward. This same message is encapsulated by Dru’s collaboration with Joel Tan, who wrote the uplifting chorus that ties the whole song together.
6. New single: Kid by Jaye
Adulting is hard, that’s something we can all agree with. But for a few minutes, you can pretend you don’t have adult responsibilities with Jaye’s latest single. “Kid” throws you back into childhood with its indie-influenced tune. It’ll evoke the feeling you used to have when you were carefree. The lyrics paint a picture of a rich childhood with adventure, whimsy, and friendships that are now lost in a haze. Even Jaye’s vocals are reminiscent of 90s punk band lead singers, which ups the nostalgia factor.
7. New single: Tell It To My Face by Nathan Hartono
Nathan Hartono is an icon in the Singapore music scene, and 2023 was no exception. Emotionally charged with raw frustration, he brings us deeply personal experiences in his newest track “Tell It To My Face”. He shares the challenges he faces as he pursues music in a digital age. It paints a picture of his tumultuous years as he “figured himself out” while being the subject of great public scrutiny.
He sings about this life he chased after, balancing the desire to be grateful but struggling to deal with the stress that came with his career. However, despite the ever-growing agitation, he ultimately finds contentment in all that he’s achieved. Now, he perceives the adversities as ways to grow and develop.
8. New single: Fall by DcRye
DcRye (aka Raihan Rosli) plays both producer and songwriter of this particular single. “Fall” was intended to be a song about the feeling of love you have for your best friend. However, after Raihan’s reconnection with his muse for this track, the lyrics and message transformed into a story of falling in and out of love. He tells us the conversation with her was the final step he took to letting go and moving forward. Going off his own experiences with losing someone, Raihan’s lyrics are sorrowful but accepting. A message that it’s sometimes better to open yourself up to new opportunities.
9. New single: Van Gogh by Lullaboy
If you’re not shy about digging deep into your feelings, Lullaboy’s got a new single out that is #relatable. Unrequited love takes centre stage in the ballad “Van Gogh” as it paints a picture of wooing a disinterested love interest to no avail. With more than 10 revisions over two years, we’d say that this is a song Lullaboy can be proud of. The music video is quite a sight to behold as well. The first half starts off black and white before bursting with splashes of colour that complete the scene. And if we can get technical for a second, the cinematography and colour in the video truly make everything look like a painting.
10. New single: Hatin’ on Ok by Jean Tan
Still reeling from the worldwide effects of Covid? Jean is, too. In fact, she was inspired by it. Her new song “Hatin’ on Ok” addresses the disappointments after a tumultuous time: dealing with fading hopes and aspirations, and figuring out how to gather new strength to face problems. We’re taken from painfully trying times to the mundanity of life. Despite the subject matter, you’ll find yourself grooving to the catchy and lighthearted melody. We hear she’s looking to release an EP really soon, and we’re already excited about it!
11. New EP: Tulpa by GoneMune
Fans of dark alternate pop, rejoice. We’ve found a local artist you gotta keep an eye out for. Having recently debuted, Mune (pronounced Moon – how adorable is that!) is ready to share more of their work with the world. “Tulpa” is their first foray into an EP, going the experimental route with shoegaze and dark alternate pop. Themes include matters of self-discovery, gender identity, and family dynamics. If you’re lucky enough, be sure to catch Mune performing live. The combination of music and dance creates a form of storytelling that Mune deeply cherishes.
12. New single: Utopia Reimagined: These Corners by Coming Up Roses
An alternative-rock band using orchestral music for inspiration? Now, that’s cool. Taking inspiration from the 47-minute choral symphony, Utopia, Coming Up Roses releases this commissioned single as an exploration of what utopia means. What starts off as a gentle, lullaby-like song crescendos into rock melodies that juxtapose the beginning. It shifts the mood and creates a whole new atmosphere. Although we’ll bid this band a sad farewell as they dive headfirst into their exciting journey in the UK, we wish them only good things for this new chapter.
13. New single: Masuk by Fariz Jabba
Steering away from the typical “machismo” that overwhelms hip-hop music, Fabriz Jabba makes a statement with his latest single, “Masuk”. Fariz explains this is his way of “pushing the boundaries of what the music industry expects from Malay artists”. When you first listen to the track, you might not hear what’s different. As you go through the lyrics, you’ll find Fariz boasting about a woman he’s deeply in love with. So much so that he’s willing to show the most vulnerable parts of himself to the world. Instead of bravado, he showcases seduction in the form of subservience. This song marks the beginning of his upcoming album, which we’re eagerly waiting for.
And that’s all the Singapore music we found in 2023.
