Find out exactly what an AirPiano means as Jo Hamilton performs her much lauded album Gowns for the first time in Singapore.
Their last gig in Singapore was a real success so you might want to make sure you're in attendance for the National Eve Partee 2012, featuring the popular LA-based hip hop group Far East Movement.
Can't argue with this—the National Day Parade 2012 provides the best fireworks display you'll see all year so even if you don't have tickets, park yourselves where you can get a good view of the festivities.
The iconic Heineken Green Room (HGR) celebrates its 10th anniversary by taking partygoers back to where it all began—Zouk.
Having recently released their latest album Gossamer, one of the earliest and most favorite electropop acts Passion Pit, performs in Singapore for the first time.
US alt-rock outfit Garbage is set to rock Fort Canning Park with songs off their newest album Not Your Kind of People, as well as some old faves like "Stupid People".
New Order, one of the most influential bands in the '80s (partly owing to them comprising of members from the now-defunct Joy Division), will perform their first comeback concert here.
Touring together for the first time in two decades, legendary '60s band The Beach Boys presents their classics and tunes from their new album, That's Why God Made the Radio.
Having performed to rave reviews all over the world, incredibly fit percussion group Drum Tao is set to enthrall the local audience once again with their explosive Taiko drumming and synchronized gymnastic stunts.
Shane Mardjuki is a transsexual in Purple, a re-enactment of sorts directed by Goh Boon Teck—'nuff said.
Advertisement
If you're in the mood for some French fare, then head down to Balzac Brasserie. From August 9 to 12, you can get your hands on specially created National Day Specials by chef Jean-Charles Dubois such as traditional roasted Angus beef tenderloin rossini with truffle mash ($48) and pink Champagne sabayon with sautéed strawberries ($16). There's also pan-seared Atlantic sea scallops with Singapore-inspired chilli sauce ($28). The specials will be available for both lunch and dinner.
Cherry Garden presents a six-course menu ($88/person, min. two people) on August 9 inspired by local dishes. Highlights include Singapore Sling diced lobster sautéed with vegetables, bak kut teh and Singapore-style stir-fried egg noodles with shrimp and char siew. End your meal on a sweet note with a dessert trilogy that includes Bandung syrup ice cream with crispy rainbow toast.
Just for the occasion, Equinox Restaurant's chef de cuisine Lee Bennett has crafted a seven-course menu featuring dishes including wild mushroom consomme with quail tortellini, and Angus beef fillet and braised shoulder with pan-seared foie gras. It’ll set you back $187, but the view’s breathtaking. If you’re into wine, your first bottle of house white or red goes for just $47.
Want to stuff yourself silly? Then Greenhouse is just the spot to do it. On top of their usual impressive spread of chilled seafood, Asian and Western dishes, cheeses and desserts, the good folks are throwing in luxed up local faves like lobster laksa, crayfish popiah and of course, the quintessential chili (Alaskan) crab. Lunch is $56 and dinner goes for $66 (only available on August 9).
For those who want to indulge without going overboard, be sure to head down to One-Ninety for lunch ($47) on National Day. You’ll find an assortment of starters like poached Maine lobster salad, ox tongue with salsa verde, and a selection of charcuterie and cheeses, as well as a dessert buffet that includes lemon curd trifle, passion fruit pavlova and macarons for the sweet-toothed.
For a view of Marina Bay, OverEasy is a good option. Indulge in a three-course set dinner ($42/person including coffee/tea; minimum spend of $98 per pax will apply for reservations) and choose from dishes including braised lamb shank or chilli crab burger. For dessert, peanut butter mousse should do the trick. Available through the 31st of August.
If you’ve yet to pop by Peach Blossoms since their million-dollar facelift, their six-course set menu ($47 per person; minimum two people) is the perfect excuse. Look forward to dishes such as double-boiled sea horse soup with Chinese herbs, marinated soy chicken accompanied by Singapore chili sauce and National Day fried rice with shredded chicken in sweet and sour sauce. Available through August 31.
Alternatively, head to Rocks Urban Grill + Bar for a beautifully crafted three-course menu ($80) only available on August 9. Expect items such as scallop carpaccio and steak tartare.
Advertisement
Uniqlo
The flagship Uniqlo outlet here spans an impressive 20,000 sq. ft. over two floors, with an in-house escalator. It’s another great place to go wild over thousands of styles available, including special edition UT tees featuring graphic prints of winning designs chosen worldwide two months back ($24.90).
Shana
Not quite H&M, but this high street Spanish giant carries a smorgasbord of tops, dresses, tees, shorts and jeans in hundreds of styles, with every items priced below $59.90 (how’s that for a bargain). Choice buys include a printed floral dress and a sexy bustier (both $29.90).
Bershka
Covering 3,400 sq. ft., this second outlet carries at least twice the collection its previous first outlet at ION Orchard ever did. That explains the variety of styles found here, from basic tees ($11.90) to an edgy black leather jacket ($229). The spacious layout and thumping indie-rock soundtrack make shopping here a lot of fun.
Shadori
This womenswear specialist carries some seriously cool finds such as slouchy, oversized printed tops and slacks in neutral colors ($35.90 upwards) that’s absolutely great for the weather here. Or try the more flirty pieces like laced tank tops ($29.90) and short, short dresses ($49.90) that will have you party-ready in no time.
Lowrys Farm
A proud successor to Uniqlo, this Japanese high street label is a must if you’re looking for a huge selection of trendy affordable finds for both men and women. With brick pillars and whitewashed wooden walls, the décor is also reminiscent of its competitor, although prices are a little less competitive. T-shirts are $29 upwards, bottoms $59 upwards and shoes $79 upwards.
Elisa Litz
Let’s hope the London Swing-themed phone booth and gramophones don’t catch your attention before the shoes do. The main draws here are lined with pig leather on the inside and crafted from a variety of materials on the outside—they even use pony hair for lining. They have a variety of styles spanning sandals, flats, wedges and heels that are meticulously laid out. Look out for the bejeweled heels in gold ($59.90) which had us completely floored.
Dear Laura
Unlike most blogshops which carry ready-to-wear pieces only in one size, this one comes equipped with three standard sizes of S, M and L to ensure a hassle-free shopping experience. Owner Michelle Loon also makes it a point to curate the selections of mostly cheery, bright-colored pieces priced between $20-30. Grab a hat or a tee here before you head out to the beach.
FurrMUSE
Still one of the better local menswear labels specializing in cool casuals and preppy shirts, this is their second standalone boutique after Orchard Cineleisure. Their collection of slacks and long-sleeved shirts ($69 upwards) targeted at working adults boasts a variety of fabrics including linen, chambray and paplin. Also, check out the wide range of accessories including newsboy caps ($39) and funky shades ($59).
Advertisement
The imminent death of print may have been exaggerated but the rise of media consumption on tablet devices over the last year has been truly stunning. And in few places more so than right here.
A global study released by Ericsson last month revealed that Singapore has the second highest rate of tablet ownership in the world after Hong Kong (boo), though we came out tops in smartphones (yay). Some 31 percent of internet users between the age of 16 and 60 in Singapore now own a tablet, with that number expected to grow to a staggering 60% by the end of this year, as more and more people trade in or up from their laptops.
And with good reason. Have you seen how good everything looks behind a Retina screen? Any sentimental media industry arguments about the sanctity of print go out the window when you realize the added value you can deliver in an app, the new readers you can engage and how stunning your content looks.
So it’s time. We’ve spent the last few months huddled beneath our antiquated printing presses, writing incomprehensible notes in shorthand and somehow coming up with a killer app. It’s everything you love about I-S and a whole lot more. Here’s just five reasons to download it right now.
1. Vini, Video, Vici
Exciting rich media content is the bedrock of the new app. Videos, audio clips and other interactive features bring our stories about Singapore to life in a whole new, thrillingly dynamic way. And they’re embedded in the app, meaning you won’t be caught out by pesky data charges when you’re out and about (hi Singtel!).
2. Exclusive! Read all about it!
We’ve never yet had space to put everything we wanted into the magazine (blame it on our over-efficient ad sales team). But now we do. Expect more stories, uncut interviews, extra news items and even bonus issues from time to time. And that’s all before we start talking about exclusive giveaways just for app subscribers.
3. See the Bigger Picture
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. (It also looks way more exciting on a screen.) The app is packed with stunning, full-screen visuals, close-ups, slideshows and pictures that didn’t make it into print. No more straining to see that shot of the latest restaurant arrival squeezed into the top corner of the page.
4. Easy Does It
We’ve designed the app to be intuitive to use and super easy to navigate. Best of all, it puts the content you want in your hands when you want it. No longer will you need to keep back issues of the magazine stacked up in your kitchen (though we’re not judging, we do that too) or struggle to find a story on our website.
Once you’re subscribed you’ll have access to an ever-growing archive of content (there’s a few issues in there already, and we only launched this week) and the latest issue will automatically download to your device.
5. Talk is Cheap, The App is Cheaper
It’s free. C’mon... Argue against that.
Advertisement
53A
Sound: Energetic pop-rock tunes featuring original compositions and cover versions of John Mayer, Beatles and Foo Fighters.
When: Every Tue, 8:30pm onwards at Timbre @ The Arts House; every Fri, 10:30pm onwards at Timbre @ The Substation; every Sat, 9pm onwards at Skyloft.
Aya Sekine
Sound: Improvisational jazz with leanings on bebop, soul, blues and gospel, plus a little hardcore punk and noise thrown in for good measure by this singer-keyboardist.
When: Every Fri-Sat, 8pm onwards at Blu Jaz Café.
Heritage
Sound: Eclectic blues-rock songs which fuse violins with thumping drum, bass and guitar. This veteran band is certainly one of the most original acts here.
When: Mon-Sat, 11pm onwards at JJ Atlante Pub.
Raw Earth
Sound: Blues, rock and roll, funk and soul with unusual 10-minute guitar riffs that will set your pulse racing.
When: Every Wed, 9pm onwards at Timbre @ The Substation; every Sun, 4:30pm onwards at Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub.
Tay Ke Xin
Sound: Acoustic soul-rock—think Brian McKnight meets Jason Mraz and India Arie, but with a Mando twist.
When: Every Thu, 9pm onwards at Switch; every Fri, 9pm onwards at Quaruba’r.
Tim O’Dwyer
Sound: Experimental and improvisational jazz saxophonist influenced by the likes of Brit musicians Evan Parker and John Butcher.
When: Every first Mon of the month, 9pm onwards at Blu Jaz Café.
Advertisement
Lady Gaga, Morrissey, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Jessie J, Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, Feist. Yes, 2012 has been unprecedented for concertgoers, with major international superstars and lauded indie acts staging gigs in the past seven months. And at least a dozen more are taking place through the rest of the year, including highly anticipated concerts by Garbage, New Order, The Stone Roses and The Beach Boys while the always star-studded F1 race concert will feature Katy Perry and Maroon 5.
Local musicians are also stepping up their game, having rocked their way through the recently concluded Baybeats, Sub-Sonic which featured Astreal and MONSTER CAT, and the British Council gig held at Gardens by The Bay featuring local electronic acts MUON and The Analog Girl.
More are on the way with the upcoming second edition of Lepa(r)k, the next installment of Sub-Sonic featuring emerging singer-songwriters like Charlie Lim, as well as various live gigs at venues like TAB, Timbre, Blu Jaz and Switch. Wow! So here’s the rest of 2012’s complete line-up—not to be missed.
July
No Finer Time to be Alive
July 20, 8pm at The Pigeonhole
Intimate indie-folk tunes are the name of the game for Nick Chim, whose lyrics and musical virtuosity is influenced by the likes of Bon Iver, Nick Drake and Ray Lamontagne—so expect some moody soundscapes for this one. Chim will perform songs from his latest full-length album Forgiefan.
Lepa(r)k
July 21, 5pm at Marina Promontory
Following the success of the Lepa(r)k gig held at Tiong Bahru Park last November, some of the region’s coolest indie bands comprising In Each Hand A Cutlass, Amnesia Haze, Another Sunday Afternoon, Pleasantry, Monster Cat and The Great Spy Experiment (see the five we've picked for our list of Emerging Singapore Bands to Watch) come together for another round of acoustic and rock live music treats.
The Stone Roses
July 22, 8pm at the Singapore Indoor Stadium
The acclaimed and recently reunited British band comprising Ian Brown, John Squire, Gary Mounfield and Alan Wren will play their first ever live concert here. These Manchester natives’ lively stage shows have been compared to the likes of The Rolling Stones, thanks to frontman Brown’s charismatic onstage presence. Keep an ear out for ‘90s indie gems like “Fool’s Gold” and “I Wanna Be Adored”.
The Kooks
July 25, 7:30pm at the Esplanade Concert Hall
British indie-rock doesn’t get much catchier. Performing classics such as “She Moves In Her Own Way” and “Naive”, as well as newer tunes including “Is It Me” from their latest album Junk of the Heart, the foursome proves to be as hip as they are talented.
Metric
Jul 31, 7:30pm at the Esplanade Concert Hall
The reigning princes and princesses of indie rock and New Wave from Toronto will perform hits like “Combat Baby”, “Raw Sugar” and “Help, I’m Alive.” Glo-sticks optional.
Snow Patrol
August 6, 8pm at the Fort Canning Park
Drawing on their melodic strength, Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, Jonny Quinn, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson and Tom Simpson hit the big time with their first major studio album, Final Straw, featuring their biggest hit “Chasing Cars”. Lightbody’s languid vocals will melt hearts, coupled with some energetic guitar works from the rest of the band.
Jo Hamilton
August 8, 7:30pm at the Esplanade Recital Studio
Critically acclaimed Scottish musician Jo Hamilton, the first artist to work with the elusive AirPiano (for the uninitiated, it’s a strangely futuristic instrument with a Star Trek steering panel), is set to perform tunes from her much lauded 2009 progressive folk album Gown.
Gym Class Heroes
August 10, 8pm at Wave House, Sentosa
This American foursome who first met at a high school gym class, hence the moniker, comprises vocalist Travie McCoy, drummer Matt McGinley, guitarist Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo and bassist Eric Roberts. Their sunny blend of rap, hip hop, rock and reggae is just apt for the beach, performing tracks from their latest release The Papercut Chronicles, among others.
Heineken Green Room
August 10, 9pm at Zouk
The cult invite-only live music series by the cool folks at Heineken returns with another smashing line-up, this time featuring the frantic sounds of Baltimore rapper Spank Rock and the doom-laden electronic tunes of Drums of Death.
Sub-Sonic Live @ The Lawn
Aug 18, 7pm at Foothill’s Lawn, Fort Canning Park
Chill out at the garden space located near a trio of new art galleries (Galeri Nila/Galeri Utama/Viridian Arts House) right opposite Clarke Quay as local troubadours John Chan, Weish, Pleasantry, Charlie Lim and Nick Chim perform in the most pared down Sub-Sonic gig yet. Bring a mat.
August
Garbage
August 21, 8pm at Fort Canning Park
Landing here as part of their world tour to promote their latest album Not Your Kind of People, these purveyors of the ‘90s indie-rock scene (who can forget lead vocalist Shirley Manson’s pink-dyed hair and forthright attitude?) are not to be messed with. The older numbers “Only Happy When It Rains” and “Stupid Girl” are emo classics while their latest tunes are a return to rugged form.
Passion Pit
August 21, 7:30pm at the Esplanade Concert Hall
One of the earliest electro-pop acts to emerge from the US, Passion Pit will play songs from their latest studio album Gossamer. If their lauded recent gigs at Australia’s Big Day Out, UK’s Glastonbury Festival and North America’s Lollapalooza and Coachella are anything to go by, this cross between Death Cab by Cutie and Vampire Weekend will have you dancing around the concert hall.
New Order
August 22, 8pm at the Fort Canning Park
One of the most influential electro-pop bands from the ‘80s bar none, they recently released The Lost Sirens, an eight-track album featuring outtakes from their last studio album Waiting for the Siren’s Call. Bernard Sumner and team’s much-awaited comeback is a blast from the past if there ever was one. If classics like “True Faith” and “Bizarre Love Triangle” do not set your pulse racing, nothing will.
The Beach Boys
August 22, 8pm at the Singapore Indoor Stadium
These guys practically invented the surf tune genre. Even though they are touring for the first time in two decades, they may not necessarily win new fans with the group now in their 60s and 70s. No matter. Watching a bunch of granddads reliving catchy Californian classics like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, “Surfin’ USA” and “California Girls” might just well turn out to be a timeless experience.
Marketa Irglova
August 23, 7:30pm at the Esplanade Recital Studio
For some soul-searching folk-pop, don’t miss this. This half of folk-rock duo Swell Season (alongside ex-boyfriend Glen Hansard), Czech singer-songwriter Marketa Irglova performs tunes from her new solo album Anar and selections from the indie movie Once, which made her famous.
The Observatory
August 24-25, 8pm at Goodman Arts Centre Black Box
Continuing their series of sound art performances, the second installment of their Catacombs gig sees the quartet performing another set of slow-burning, emo masterpieces.
September
Rocks with KK
September 1, 7pm at University Cultural Centre Hall, National University of Singapore
Having worked with the great A.R Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire), Bollywood crooner Krishnakumar Kunnath, more affectionately known as KK, promises to be a breath of fresh air for his catchy renditions of Indian classics and great for an alternative night out.
Ingrid Michaelson
September 10, 7:30pm at the Esplanade Concert Hall
The latest in the line of American indie pop songstresses will perform powerful tunes about love and relationships including “The Way I Am”, “Maybe” and “Keep Breathing” from her new album Human Again.
Yellowcard
September 15, 8pm at The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel Resorts World Sentosa
More alternative-rock from the Billboard chart-topping band comprising Ryan Key (vocals/guitar), Sean Mackin (violin), Ryan Mendez (guitar) and Josh Portman (bass).
2012 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix
September 21-23, 9pm at The Padang
You may not be a fan of the race but if Maroon 5’s Adam Levine and Katy Perry turn you on, this is the concert to watch. Plus there’s Jay Chou thrown into the mix for Mando-pop fans. Be prepared to shell top dollars for the gigs though as they are held within the racing circuit.
October
James Morrison
October 2, 7:30pm at the Esplanade Concert Hall
This soul and pop-rock performer is best known for his collaboration with Nelly Furtado on “Broken Strings” and the critically acclaimed “You Make it Real”—both from his second album Songs For You, Truth For Me in 2008. See if the man still has what it takes as he cue tracks from his most recent release The Awakening.
November
Sigur Rós
November 23, 8pm at the Fort Canning Park
The best Icelandic band on earth’s first show here is probably the most anticipated of the year. Their last gig in Southeast Asia (held 2006 in Hong Kong) was a mind-blowing feast of sight and sound, buoyed by the stage presence and transcendental vocals of singer-songwriter Jonsi Birgisson. We’re all ears for the gig, just to hear the man’s voice engulf Fort Canning’s wide open fields.
Advertisement
Amnesia Haze
Who: Five-man band headed by vocalist Kenneth Ong and guitarists Liao Ruiyi and David Bob Yeo.
What sound: Progressive rock with shimmering guitar riffs.
Where: Lepa(r)k.
Charlie Lim
Who: One of our most introspective troboadours yet.
What sound: Soulful pop, folk-rock and neo-soul/R&B influenced by the likes of Jeff Buckley, Damien Rice and D’Angelo.
Where: Sub-Sonic.
Dream State Vision
Who: A solo project initiated by sound artist Shaun Sankaran.
What sound: Processed guitar in cyclical chord structures by way of Brian Eno, resulting in trippy, prolonged ambient pieces.
Where: Intimate, one-off performances at private homes for the next two months. Announcements will be made via Facebook or email for details.
In Each Hand a Cutlass
Who: Guitarist Daniel Sassoon and ongoing team of different collaborators including keyboardist Amanda Ling and guitarist Sujin Thomas.
What sound: Loud, majestic soundscapes in the vein of Porcupine Tree and Sigur Ros.
Where: Lepa(r)k.
MONSTER CAT
Who: Five-piece band who performed at the last Sub-Sonic gig.
What sound: Lush, emotive folk-rock that’s actually compelling.
Where: Lepa(r)k.
Advertisement
