Picks from Sara Lau & Jensen Ooi for Life in Arpeggio, dreamt up by Singaporean music journalist, Kevin Ho
From abandoned warehouses to ambient dreamscapes, Singapore’s indie music scene is in a quiet state of evolution, expanding outwards while digging deeper into identity, form and feeling. Whether it’s the return of genre-defining post-rockers, the sonic explorations of ambient visionaries, or the cross-border movements of underground collectives, the current landscape is a rich tapestry of bold ideas and emotional honesty. Here’s what we’re hearing from the ground up:
Asian Vision, Local Roots
Veteran movers like Donovan Wong of Bassis Asia exemplify how Singaporean artists and curators are expanding across Asia while staying anchored to home turf. Bassis’ 10-year anniversary tour sees Singapore as a key stop, alongside cities like Shanghai, Tokyo and Bangkok — reflecting how the local underground is increasingly woven into a regional fabric.
Post-Rock as Emotional Catharsis
With their long-awaited comeback album A Pale Decrepit Dot, Amateur Takes Control leans into the existential weight of the modern age. The album channels aggression, grief, and resilience, reflecting a scene unafraid to confront discomfort through sonic depth and instrumental storytelling.
Live as Canvas: The Rise of Ambient Performance Art
Kin Leonn’s new EP echo in the gleam offers a structured, performative take on his ambient sound, turning past live iterations into polished recordings. The EP is part of a growing trend where live shows aren’t just performances but extensions of artistic identity — intimate, transportive, and deliberately cinematic.
Collaboration and Cross-Pollination
Events like Bassis x Sivilian Affairs and Kin Leonn’s collaborations with visual artists signal a scene thriving on synergy. From warehouse parties to ambient installations, artists are mixing genres, mediums, and formats to build new cultural expressions.
With ambitions for international reach, a common thread in all four authentic stories is the sense of homecoming, artists growing outward while honouring their origins. Whether through venue choice, community-building, or sonic references, Singapore remains a crucial part of the narrative.
Image credit: Kin Leonn by Christopher Sim
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