2012 Singapore St. Jerome's Laneway Festival

Mark your calendars for February 12, kids!

Yeah that's right, Laneway Festival is returning to Singapore. It's happening at Fort Canning again, and we have 14 acts this time, running the gamut from rock to folk to pop and shoegaze.

Here's the full line-up:

Anna Calvi
Austra
Cults
Feist
Girls
Laura Marling
M83
The Drums
The Horrors
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Toro Y Moi
Twin Shadow
Wu Lyf
Yuck

Public sales start on November 28. Tickets are at $135. For more information, head on over to the official site.

Downloads:
Austra - Lose It
Feist - So Sorry
Girls - Laura
The Drums - Days
Twin Shadow - Slow [Removed]
Wu Lyf - We Bros
Yuck - Get Away

Daily Randomness

A look at what's happening right now:

Word! Lykke Li is coming to Singapore on September 21. Tickets will be priced at $40, $68, $88, $108 & $128 (excluding SISTIC fees). Stay tuned as to when the tickets will go on sale. (Update: Tickets go on sale August 24!)

Download:
Get your Lykke Li songs and remixes here.

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In a performance commissioned by Loomstate, Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Nick Zinner (along with Hisham Akira Bharoocha and Ben Vida) led an orchestral ensemble of 41 strings in an originally composed performance celebrating the 41st anniversary of Earth Day. Read about the 41 Strings project and download the individual tracks through The Creators Project page.

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Folk duo The Milk Carton Kids' (Kenneth Pattengale & Joey Ryan) first official release Prologue is available for free.

Download:
The Milk Carton Kids - Prologue [ZIP]

Daily Randomness

A look at what's happening right now:

Back after an extended hiatus.

My favourite indie music festival Baybeats is back in town again! From August 19 to 21, catch local and foreign bands like Caracal, Moscow Olympics and Reza Salleh in action at the Esplanade.

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Coincidentally, government-sanctioned event SingaPop! - 50 years of pop music in Singapore will be held at the Promontory @ Marina Bay on August 20. Conceptualised by Dick Lee, this concert is held in conjunction with Economic Development Board's (EDB) 50th anniversary. 5,000 free tickets to be given away through balloting (à la NDP and HDB style). Strictly for fans of Dick Lee, Taufik Batisah, Douglas Oliverio and John Molina only.

Daily Randomness

A look at what's happening right now:



NYC's Vampire Weekend grace our sunny shores on October 26, all thanks to the lovely people at Greenhorn Productions. If you want a taste of 'Upper West Side Soweto', don't forget to get your tickets via Sistic. Tickets are at $68, $88, $108, $128 & $148 (excluding Sistic fees). Public booking will be launched on August 28, but as always, you can get priority booking if you are a fan of Greenhorn's on Facebook.

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Yeasayer's video for "Madder Red" is out, and Guardian has got the exclusive scoop. Helmed by Andreas Nilsson (The Knife, Fever Ray, MGMT), the video features American actress Kristen Bell and a blob of some disfigured being that passes off as her pet. Bizarre, but the actors make it extremely believable.

Read about the director's inspiration behind the video [link].

Daily Randomness

A look at who's coming to town:



Word's out: St Jerome's Laneway Festival will not be coming to Singapore next year. However, thanks to Chugg Entertainment, you can still catch headliners Florence and The Machine and Echo & the Bunnymen in action.

Along with The xx, Flo performs February 7 at the Esplanade. The Bunnymen's show is on February 9. Additional details will be released soon.

Download:
Florence and The Machine - You've Got the Love (The xx Remix)

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Imogen Heap will be in town on March 29 for a one night only show at the Esplanade. Tickets are at $68, $88, $108, $128 and $148. Limited student tickets at $48 are also available.

Download:
Imogen Heap - Can't Take It In

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Tickets have already gone on sale for next year's installment of the Mosaic Music Festival. The Kings of Convenience are back, and the likes of 65daysofstatic, The Go! Team and St. Vincent are coming [link].

Download:
Kings of Convenience - Mrs. Cold [buy Declaration of Dependence]

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Get your fix of chinese indie music at the Huayi Festival 2010 [link].

Daily Randomness

A look at what's happening right now:



As mentioned earlier, both Cat Power and Andrew Bird are coming to Singapore in January 2010. Tickets to both events will be available on the 12th of November.

Cat Power
13 Jan 2010, Wed, 9pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
$40, $60, $80

Andrew Bird
26 Jan 2010, Tue, 7.30pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
$40, $60

There are limited concessions for students and NSFs. Mosaic Friend Specials also apply. Refer to the Esplanade website for additional details.

Download:
Cat Power - Troubled Waters

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Tickets for the Yeah Yeah Yeah's upcoming Singapore gig will also go on sale on the 12th of November. Check out Greenhorn Productions' Facebook page for an early bird special.

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Ellie Goulding is heating up the airwaves with "Under The Sheets", a spiffy pop tune that's gotten everybody into a tizzy. Want this track? Get it, get it, get it.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Live! In Singapore

Oh my fucking god! Greenhorn Productions have done it again. They are bringing in the YYYs! That's on 12 January 2010 to be exact, at the Esplanade. Tickets are at $68, $88, $108, $128 and $148.

Cat Power and Andrew Bird have a date with Singapore

© Steve Gullick

© Cameron Wittig

Hallelujah! American singer-songwriters Cat Power (née Chan Marshall) and Andrew Bird will be performing next year in Singapore on January 13 and 26 respectively as part of the Esplanade's Mosaic Series.

Download:
Cat Power - Metal Heart [buy Jukebox]
Andrew Bird - Oh No [buy Noble Beast]

Daily Randomness

A look at what's happening right now:



Singapore's alternative music festival Baybeats is back in town this weekend! From the 28th to 30th of August, come down to the Esplanade to see international names like Chris Collingwood (of Fountains of Wayne fame), Anberlin, Ally Kerr, and regional artists like Malaysia's Love Me Butch and Hong Kong's Velvette Vendetta in action. For the full lineup, check out the Baybeats website.

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Performing here tonight for the first time in Singapore is singer-songwriter Aimee Mann. Tickets are at $118, $98 and $68.

Download:
Aimee Mann - 31 Today [buy @#%&*! Smilers]

Cheer Chen Singapore Concert 2009

Taiwanese singer-songwriter Cheer Chen is truly the queen of Chinese indie pop. She has plied her trade for about 12 years now, and is still going strong despite the fierce competition from other up-and-coming musicians. This talented lady is well known for her clear and clean voice, wholesome image, and passion for her craft. She will be making a stopover in Singapore on April 4 to plug her latest studio outing, Immortal.

Check out the interview that she did with RazorPop when she was here recently to promote her concert.

Her music has veered towards rock and is a lot more market-friendly these days, but it's still fun to revisit some of her old tunes. The 2 tracks below were taken off one of her early demo recordings.

Download:
Cheer Chen - Envy / 陈绮贞 - 其實我很羨慕你
Cheer Chen - Take Train / 陈绮贞 - 坐火車到傳說中的湘南海岸

SXSW 2009: Music Festival, Part 4

Selection for Day 4 (March 21). This is the last part in the SXSW 2009 series.


Explosions in the Sky

Post-rock outfit Explosions in the Sky hails from Austin, Texas -- The Live Music Capital of the World and the birthplace of SXSW. These guys have been around for about 10 years now, and I heard their live shows are fantastic.

Download:
Explosions in the Sky - Welcome, Ghosts



Voxtrot

Voxtrot is another relatively well-known Austin indie-rock band. Their song "Kid Gloves" has a tight melody and pretty interesting lyrics (is frontman Ramesh telling someone to f-off or something)?

Download:
Voxtrot - Kid Gloves




Say Hi

Say Hi, formerly Say Hi to Your Mom, is Eric Elbogen's project. He plays lo-fi pop music, and tours with a roster of friends.

Download:
Say Hi - Northwestern Girls





Other acts to watch:
Terra Naomi - You For Me
The Whispertown 2000 - Done With Love
Beach House - Gila
Les Handclaps - Cacti Are Delicious Fruit
Zaki Ibrahim - Love-Like
Dirty Heads - Stand Tall
Jill Barber - Oh My My
Ra Ra Riot - Dying Is Fine
Sugar & Gold - WorkOut
The Spinto Band - Summer Grof
Wintersleep - Weighty Ghost
Sage Francis - Conspiracy to Riot
White Lies - Death
Drew Andrews - I Could Write A Book
Ezra Furman and the Harpoons - Take Off Your Sunglasses [All MP3s Removed]

Previously: Part 1 | 2 | 3

SXSW 2009: Music Festival, Part 3

Selection for Day 3 (March 20):


Alela Diane

I realised I've been going through a folk phase lately, constantly listening to music by talented acts such as Laura Marling, Laura Gibson and William Elliott Whitmore. Now, there's Alela Diane to add to the list. Her second album has received plenty of accolades in the music circles, and for obvious reasons so. "White As Diamonds" conjures an image of snowy, pristine white lands; you picture yourself wandering, lost in the vast expanse of her mystical world. Gosh, I'm looking forward to more material from this lovely young lady already.

Download:
Alela Diane - White As Diamonds


I Am David Sparkle

I'm pretty excited about our boys, you know! If you ask me, this underrated Singapore post-rock/experimental quartet reminds me of Explosions in the Sky. Let's hope that by playing on a global stage, they'll open up more doors and gain new fans.

Download:
I Am David Sparkle - Dance of Death




Au Revoir Simone

Au Revoir Simone is a reputable electronic indie-pop band from Brooklyn, NY. The trio have toured extensively with bands like Peter Bjorn and John, We Are Scientists, and Voxtrot.

Download:
Au Revoir Simone - A Violent Yet Flammable World



O + S

O + S is an unlikely new collaboration between Orenda Fink (Azure Ray/Art in Manila) and Scalpelist (Cedric LeMoyne of Remy Zero). Their debut album will be released March 24 on Saddle Creek Records. This is one interesting new act to look out for.

Download:
O + S - Permanent Scar









Other acts to watch:
Bedouin Soundclash - Walls Fall Down
Melissa Auf der Maur - Followed the Waves
Ben Jelen - Ex-sensitive
Minipop - yoshimi
MAGIC WANDS - Black Magic
Adam Stephens (of Two Gallants) - Lead in our Lungs
Grand Analog - Touch Your Toes Part.2
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness - Lights
Shiny Toy Guns - Ghost Town
Third Eye Blind - Non Dairy Creamer [All MP3s Removed]

Previously: Part 1 | 2

SXSW 2009: Music Festival, Part 2

Selection for Day 2 (March 19):


The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Straight up noise pop. If you liked early My Bloody Valentine, you should love The Pains of Being Pure at Heart too. Or at least that's what I've heard.

Download:
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Come Saturday





Thao With The Get Down Stay Down

Truth be told, I don't really care about the lyrics on the song "Bag of Hammers". It's such a delightful pop tune, I find myself paying scant attention to the words and focusing on the vocals of singer Thao Nguyen instead.

Download:
Thao With The Get Down Stay Down - Bag Of Hammers








Laura Gibson

I spoke about folk singer Laura Gibson recently, so I won't bore you with the details. You can read about her over here.

Download:
Laura Gibson - Spirited











Other acts to watch:
Futurecop! - NASA
Emily Wells - Symphony 6: Fair Thee Well and the Requiem Mix
Black Lips - O Katrina!
Amanda Palmer - Leeds United
Nico Vega - Beast
Dirty Projectors - Rise Above
Passion Pit - Sleepyhead
Alina Simone - From Great Knowledge
Kyle Andrews - Sushi
Peggy Sue - Spare Parts
Lisa Hannigan - Lille
Cary Brothers - Ride
Horse Feathers - Curs in the Weeds
Nellie McKay - The Cavendish
Gomez - Airstream Driver
Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele - Meet Me In The Garden [All MP3s Removed]

Previously: Part 1

SXSW 2009: Music Festival, Part 1

To those who are attending SXSW '09: Oh, you lucky bastards.

I will never get see such a large-scale music event being held in Singapore, not in my lifetime anyway. Unless our local music scene evolves at a crazy speed, and the government decides to spend tonnes of money bringing in talented musicians from overseas and we reclaim more land and convert our void decks, rooftops and public parks into spanking new music venues...

...otherwise I should just save up to visit Austin, Texas.

But I digress.

So I checked out the SXSW Music Festival Schedule to see who's playing at the event, and I came up with a selection of artists that I've either heard of before or am keen to see them play live (I've only selected those with MP3s for sampling). Here it is, my list for Day 1 (March 18):


Fol Chen

If cool, catchy indie electro-pop is what you're looking for, Fol Chen has the answer. The Californian band doles out infectious electro-pop on "Cable TV", the lead single off their debut album. Dig the handclaps on this number.

Download:
Fol Chen - Cable TV




Jay Jay Pistolet

Jay Jay Pistolet aka Justin James Hayward-Young is a talented young man of 21, plays folk music, and is good chums with Mercury Prize-nominated songwriter Laura Marling and Noah and the Whale. Need I say more?

Download:
Jay Jay Pistolet - Happy Birthday You



Ladyhawke

Phillipa "Pip" Brown, otherwise better known as Ladyhawke, draws influences from 80s synth pop. She makes music that I would roughly categorize as new wave/old school electro pop. "My Delirium", for instance, is a rocking tune which wouldn't seem out of place on the dance floor. It's so hip, it hurts.

Download:
Ladyhawke - My Delirium


Angie Mattson

I remember being blown away by the sensual voice of Angie Mattson when I first read about her on Womenfolk (excellent music blog, by the way), and I went on to devour her EP, Monarch. Good for her now that she has own LP and is playing at SXSW. It helps that she's easy on the eyes too.

Download:
Angie Mattson - In Violet


Other acts to watch:
Rod Thomas - Same Old Lines
School of Seven Bells - Half Asleep
Natalie Portman's Shaved Head - Slow Motion Tag Team
Aqualung - On My Kees
Holly Golightly and the Brokeoffs - Gettin' High for Jesus
The Von Bondies - This Is Our Perfect Crime
Haley Bonar - Big Star [All MP3s Removed]

Daily Randomness

A look at what's happening right now:



The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are pushing forward the release of their latest album It's Blitz! We are now looking at a digital release on March 9 and a physical release on April 6 [link].

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Rachael Yamagata's Singapore gig: "Priority early bird booking for fans of GREENHORN PRODUCTIONS is on 12 March 2009 at SISTIC. Early birds will also be entitled to a 5% discount on ticket prices on 12 March 2009. Regular prices will apply after 12 March 2009."

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Oasis will be performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Sunday, 5th April 2009. Standard tickets range from S$128 to S$48. Free standing tickets are S$98 each.

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Emiliana Torrini has released an exotic video for her song, "Jungle Drum".

Mosaic Music Festival 2009

Singapore's annual music festival will be back in town from 13th - 22nd March, and as usual, there is a little something for everybody. Recent addition N.E.R.D. will be joining the mix, along with headlining acts like George Duke, Brad Mehldau Trio, Indigo Girls, Battles and The Cinematic Orchestra. There are also indie favourites like Psapp and of Montreal.

For a full list of performing artists, check out Mosaic Music Festival's official website. MP3s available below are from music publication XLR8R and the respective artists' and labels' official websites.

Download:
Battles - Atlas
of Montreal - An Eluardian Instance
Soil & "Pimp" Sessions - Fantastic Planet
The Cinematic Orchestra - 'To Build A Home' (Radio Edit) [Removed]

Plus: Brad Mehldau Trio - Get Happy [MOV stream]

Rachael Yamagata - Live! in Singapore 2009

Greenhorn Productions is one local concert promoter that deserves commendation. They have brought in a number of amazing artists, among them Ani DiFranco, Stars and Death Cab for Cutie. I just got news that they are bringing in Rachael Yamagata, and I am awfully excited.

Rachael Yamagata, whose album came in 3rd on my best-of 2008 list, will be performing at the Esplanade on April 15. Details via Greenhorn Productions' Facebook page:

Greenhorn Productions presents RACHAEL YAMAGATA LIVE! at the Esplanade Concert Hall on 15 April 2009.

The follow-up to Yamagata’s 2004 full-length debut, Happenstance, her return to a major label, Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into Heart has been praised by fans and press. The CD contains two parts: the first, Elephants, is the darker and more vulnerable of the two, while the guitar-driven Teeth Sinking Into Heart is grittier and more defiantly cynical. Underscored by Yamagata’s husky alto and expressive piano (and now guitar) playing, the two parts, when taken together, present a snapshot of the emotions that revolve around heartbreak and the inevitable challenges of relationships. Of the album’s 15 tracks, Nebraska-based Mike Mogis, the multi-instrumentalist and producer known for his work with Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley and The Faint, produced 12. Two tracks were produced by John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band), who also produced Happenstance. The album also features guest appearances by singer-songwriters Ray Lamontagne and Azure Ray’s Maria Taylor.

Over the last three years, Rachael has also appeared on albums by Ryan Adams, Ray Lamontagne, Jason Mraz, Bright Eyes, and Mandy Moore. Her tours have included runs with Adams, Lamontagne, Moore, Liz Phair, Gomez, and most recently Sara Bareilles. She has also played shows with Pete Townsend, Aimee Mann, David Gray, Damien Rice, and Air.

DO NOT MISS this chance to catch Rachael Yamagata in the beautiful Esplanade Concert Hall on 15 April 2009. Tickets will range from $68 - $118 (excluding SISTIC booking fees). Fans of Greenhorn Productions facebook page will receive a password by way of a facebook update which will entitle them to discounts and priority booking. Full details will be available at www.sistic.com soon. Stay tuned.

I guess she'll be flying straight over after wrapping up her U.S. tour.

Details below:

March 2009
11 - New York, NY - Music of REM @ Carnegie Hall
12 - Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of the Living Arts
13 - Asbury Park, NJ - Stone Pony
14 - Annapolis, MD - Rams Head
16 - Nashville, TN - Exit In
18 - Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
19 - Louisville, KY - Hard Rock Café
20 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart's
21 - Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue
23 - Chicago, IL - Park West
24 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall Ballroom
25 - Minneapolis, MN - The Varsity Theatre
27 - Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
28 - Salt Lake City, UT - Avalon Theatre
30 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
31 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile Café

April 2009
2 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
4 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
6 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
9 - New York, NY - City Winery
10 - New York, NY - City Winery

Watch this space for more updates.

P.S. I was lucky enough to get tickets for the Death Cab show back then, because it sold out within a day or two! I bet her show will sell like hotcakes too. Get your tickets early.

P.P.S. I saw Rachael Yamagata when she was here in 2007.

Download:
Rachael Yamagata - Exclusive LiveDaily Sessions Performance [link] [Removed]

Recession? What Recession?

The economic downturn surely isn't slowing down our local concert promoters. They are bringing in a few notable acts and praying they'll rake in the moolah!


1. Duffy

Welsh songstress Duffy is performing her very first Asian Tour! She shot to fame with her debut album Rockferry and is best known for the monster hit "Mercy".

Duffy Live in Singapore
Date: 22 Mar 2009 Sun, 8pm
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Tickets (excluding booking fee): S$168, S$148, S$108, S$78
Promoter: Lushington Entertainments
Website: www.iamduffy.com





2. Coldplay

Riding on the wave of their recent Grammy success, Coldplay will be holding a one-night only concert on March 23 as part of their Viva La Vida tour [buy Viva La Vida].

Coldplay - The "Viva La Vida" Tour
Date: 23 Mar 2009 Mon, 8:00PM
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Tickets (excluding booking fee): S$248, S$188, S$158, S$88
Promoter: Live Nation
Website: www.coldplay.com





3. Kaiser Chiefs

Indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs will perform at Fort Canning Park on April 7. They are touring in support of their latest album Off With Their Heads.

Kaiser Chiefs Live in Concert
Date: 7 Apr 2009 Tue, 8pm
Venue: Fort Canning Park
Tickets (excluding booking fee):
Early Bird - $75 & $85
Standard - S$95
Event Day - S$105
Promoter: LAMC Productions
Website: www.kaiserchiefs.co.uk



4. Craig David

R&B singer-songwriter Craig David will be performing with his band as part of his Greatest Hits Tour in Singapore on April 8 [buy Greatest Hits].

Craig David - Greatest Hits Tour
Date: 8 Apr 2009 Wed, 08:00PM
Venue: The MAX Pavilion@Singapore Expo
Tickets (excluding booking fee): S$128, S$108, S$88
Promoter: Live Nation
Website: www.craigdavid.com




As always, you can get your tickets through Sistic: Singapore's premier ticketing service provider.

Edit: There has been a change of venue for Craig David's concert. It will be held at ZIRCA at The Cannery, Clarke Quay. Tickets are S$88 each. For additional details please contact Sistic or Live Nation.

Huayi Festival 2009: Chinese indie pop, anyone?

The Huayi Festival 2009 kicks off today! This is an annual arts festival staged by The Esplanade in celebration of the Chinese New Year and to promote the work of Chinese performing artists. Currently in its seventh edition, the festival will run from January 30 to Feburary 8, with a wide range of both ticketed and free programmes to cater to both the young and old.

I am particularly interested in the in::music series, which showcases indie singer-songwriters and bands. This year, the geeky-looking Crowd Lu Guang Zhong will be performing, as well as Taiwanese band Mrs. This (MySpace). The former is a relative newcomer with a penchant for cheerful folk-pop tunes whereas the latter has a female lead vocalist which reminds me of Faye Wong. Female singer-songwriter Cao Fang, retro band Wonfu and rock group 1976 make up the rest of the pack.

Get your tickets through Sistic.

Download:
Mrs. This - But My / 这位太太 - 而我 (耳已閉鎖) [buy Shi Shui / 是谁] [Removed]
Crowd Lu - Good Morning / 卢广仲 - 早安，晨之美! [buy 100 Ways For Living / 100 种生活]

Mogwai Live in Singapore 2009

The good folks at KittyWu Records are bringing in Scottish post-rock outfit Mogwai for a one-night only gig at the Esplanade. Its only a week away from January 23, so grab your tickets while you can.

Download:
Mogwai - The Sun Smells Too Loud [buy The Hawk Is Howling]