Singapore's music scene is urban and contemporary, and the country has strived to bring local and international music styles and acts together. From dance parties to festivals that feature rap, indie-folk and rock musical acts, Singapore offers an exciting variety of events for every musical taste throughout the year.
Baybeats
Baybeats is free alternative music festival that takes place over a period of three days. Located at Esplanade, the event features local, national, and international on three main stages. In past years, over 70,000 concert-goers came to experience 35 different bands playing every style of music from Indie-Folk to Rock. New artists have the opportunity to submit audition tapes to the festival in hopes of being to perform alongside well-known international artists. In addition to the music, the Festival Village is also includes, where local vendors can reach out and share their trades with the audience. This year, Baybeats takes place from June 28 to June 30.
The Mosaic Music Festival
The 2013 Mosaic Music Festival takes place from March 8 to March 17 and features a range of music styles, from indie-folk and jazz to soul acts. The event includes a number of ticketed performances by local and international artists at the Esplanade Concert Hall, Mosaic Studio, and Mosaic Club, as well as a myriad of free concerts for festival-goers. This year, the festival features world-famous artists such as Joss Stone and My Brightest Diamond.
ZoukOut
ZoukOut is Asia's largest dance music festival and beach party. Lasting an action-packed weekend of nonstop parties and fun, a crowd of 30,000 partiers are expected to attend the festivities at Siloso Beach. A number of world-famous DJs, including James Lavelle and Armin Van Buuren have made appearances, and local DJs Aldrin, djB and Andrew Chow are well-known faces at this dance festival extravaganza. The 2013 dates and line-up have not yet been announced, but it is recommended to get tickets early in order to take part in early bird discount specials.
The Timbre Rock and Roots Festival
The Timbre Rock and Roots Festival takes place over two days at one of Singapore's most historic landmarks, Fort Canning Green in Fort Canning Park. Set to take place on March 21 and 22 this year, the line-up includes music legends Paul Simon and Rufus Wainwright and recent Grammy winners Jimmy Cliff and Bonnie Raitt.
The Big Wig Festival
Making its debut in 2013, the Big Wig festival offers more eclectic international acts. Taking place on April 6, this year's festival features headliner Pharoahe Monch alongside supporting acts that include The Bizarre Ride with Pharcyde, Four Dub, and Chrom3 and many others. The Big Wig Festival will take place in Fort Canning Park this year.
With so many festivals and events to choose from that feature a myriad of music styles and musical acts, there is also something going on in the Singapore music scene.
Martin Wynn
