In this series, we showcase the best local musicians and bands in Singapore who are shaping the Singapore Sound. This week, we present the alternative r&b of Of Methodist
I can tell you this as a fact: most guys hate National Service. Salutes to you if you’re a passionate full-timer, but it’s a drag for anyone else who doesn’t wish to endure the mandatory two-year duty. But how do you cope if you’re 19-year-old fledgling producer and singer, Of Methodist? You make a song about it, of course.
In this edition of the Singapore Sound, we look at the nascent career of Of Methodist, the boy wonder who’s riding on the alt-r&b hype train, with velvety, falsetto-friendly vocals that’ll latch onto fans of The Weeknd and Miguel, with tight electronic production that mirrors the gloom of FKA Twigs and wobbliness of Flume. To be honest, with a sound this relevant, Of Methodist could very well be a future star of local music who takes on the world – once he finishes his army duties, that is.
“Sar 21” is Of Methodist’s newest single, which was written with his army stint in mind. Men who’ve been through N.S. will know this, but the SAR 21 is a rifle that’s entrusted to each infantry, to be cherished and protected like a ‘wife’. Of Methodist has taken this romanticised ideal – one that’s often ridiculed by most – and turned it into a radio-friendly ballad with fluid vocals, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and a restrained, synth-warbling ‘drop’ that’s polished to perfection. Yup, if there’s anyone who can make you feel goosebumps about a topic like National Service, it’s this fella.
For more information on Of Methodist, check out his Facebook page. Also for essential listening: “Authority” and “Saint XCVII”. He will be having shows at Refuge on 17 June and opening for FFION (another Singapore Sound pick of ours) on 23 June.
And if you want more homegrown tunage, discover these new local musicians in Singapore that we’ve rounded up. Otherwise, check out these best concerts in June if you just want your live music fix.
