We’re here to report that we had a total blast at Sofar Sounds Singapore’s latest gig. Part of the global music movement Sofar Sounds, the Singapore team showcases some of our best local talent through ‘secret’ pop-up gigs in people’s homes around the island. Cool or what? Here’s how you can get in on the fun.
Short for ‘Songs from a Room’, Sofar Sounds is a global music movement active in 86 cities and 36 countries, and it’s all about unearthing music gems and offering them an intimate space (yes, in people’s living rooms) to perform and shine. Sofar Sounds Singapore – the first Sofar Sounds community in Asia – organizes a minimum of four secret gigs in a year, and we went along to their latest one.
Being hush hush is the name of the game. The only information provided to us was a date – just so that we could clear it out on our calendar. Then it’s all about waiting for an email, which popped into our mailbox a few days before the gig, indicating the venue (which you have to keep under your hat) and time. The line-up wasn’t even revealed because it’s all a surprise!
We were informed that there are three simple rules:
#1 – Show up on time
#2 – Stay till the end
#3 – Listen attentively to the musicians with open ears and an open heart, because you’ll definitely come to love the new music you’re hearing.
So, show up on time we did, along with 50 other eager music aficionados, and we were treated to an auditory spectacular with two immensely talented bands – The Steve Mcqueens and The Good Life Project – taking center stage.
First up were The Steve Mcqueens – a five-piece neo-soulfunk band that has graced the stages of popular Jazz bars like Sultan Jazz Club, BluJaz Cafe, and Coastes. Lead songstress Eugenia Yip blew our minds with her soulful, sultry vocals, and it was clear that she was having a ball of a time too as she shimmied, shaked, and grooved across the stage. Her band members – Fabian (saxophone), Joshua (keyboard), Jase (bass), and Aaron (drums) were equally impressive as they displayed their musical prowess through flawless, jaw-dropping improvisations and infectious beats that had us bobbing our heads and tapping our toes in sync.
The Good Life Project were tasked to close the night and they sure did a fantastic job with their full, robust sound produced with an eclectic mix of instruments including a violin, turntable, electric guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and the diva-esque vocals of Pamela Song. It was clear that they were a tight bunch of friends, as they shot cheeky glances at each other, flashed wide smiles when members broke into solos, and even showed off synchronized dance moves and sing-a-long verses. It’s always incredibly fun watching a band perform live when they’re having fun on stage themselves!
We thoroughly enjoyed our first-ever Sofar Sounds Singapore gig and if you want to get in on the next one (tentatively planned for July), just head over to Sofar Sound’s website and subscribe to their monthly newsletter. That’s where you’ll get all the juice on gigs happening in Singapore and all around the world, perfect if you’re planning a trip overseas soon.
Had a great time at a Sofar Sounds gig and wish to pay it forward? Yes you can! Simply email [email protected] to express you interest in volunteering your living room, expertise, or time.
Huge thanks to Michael from Cat on a Ledge for helping us with the images. They’re definitely the guys to turn to if you need help crafting videos, building websites and copywriting! Not forgetting the good folk from Flutter Sound Studio, who did a great job with the event’s sound production, and Sam from Sofar Sounds for giving us the chance to attend the awesome gig.
All Images: Cat on a Ledge