Now there’s another way for local talents to get noticed. Noise Singapore and Timbre are launching a platform to provide young, talented singer-songwriters in Singapore with the first step to becoming the next big thing. The Noise-Timbre Singer-Songwriter Programme aims to uncover unknown gems on YouTube and have them trained by top musicians in Singapore before giving them the chance to perform live at Timbre @ The Substation.

How to Participate
From 14 December 2010 to 16 January 2011, local youths aged 18-35 can take part as an individual or duo by recording videos of themselves performing one original song and one song of their choice, and submit their YouTube video links to Noise Singapore Website to take part in this competition.

The first winner will be picked by Noise Singapore and Timbre in February 2011, while 10 other finalists will be unveiled at the same time for public voting on Noise Singapore Website and the Timbre Music Academy Facebook page. Based on the number of “likes” for the videos and ratings by judges from Noise and Timbre, one winner will be chosen each month from March to July 2011.

The 6 winners will undergo a fully sponsored four weeks workshop by Mang Irama Dusique from Goodfellas/Zero Sequence and music veteran Kevin Mathews to hone their songwriting skills, performance technique and musicianship before taking to the stage for a 20-minute set at Timbre @ The Substation. This is like one of the best prize an aspiring Singer/Songwriter can get. Who knows, he/she might be talent hunted that evening at Timbre.

So hurry! Closing date for submission is 16 Jan 2011. Head down to Noise Singapore website for more info.

I think this is a pretty interesting move. Giving your music out for free so that you can get more publicity. Sort of reminds me of Marie Digby who got popular after posting her music for free on YouTube. Let’s hope this free model is successful for our local artist as well.

Do support our local artist by downloading their album and help spread the word.

Kevin Lester
The Lard Brothers
Leslie Low
Sheikh Haikel
Inch Chua
Lunarin

53A is doing their Settle The Kettle World Tour Starbucks Tour now. Check out their facebook page for the schedules. And remember to buy their CD. Support local talents!

Here’s a beautiful song from the Album. It’s my 2nd favorite song in the album. Enjoy!

53A – We Should Be Together

I don’t ever want to let you go
I don’t ever want you hurt
I don’t ever want another guy
Baby don’t even try

Maybe if I stay
Why would you wanna leave
Will we ever agree?
Will we ever agree.
But if everyone says

Hold on we should be together
If that’s wrong I don’t wanna be right
If you love me then stay on
Just tell me to be strong
Cause no one else
Will understand

Why I have a smile when you’re around
Y’know it’s hard to see that
Lately I have been in a daze
Baby everything stays

Maybe if I stay
Why would you wanna leave
Will we ever agree?
Will we ever agree.
But if everyone says

Hold on we should be together
If that’s wrong I don’t wanna be right
If you love me then stay on
Just tell me to be strong
Cause no one else
Will understand

That we’re in love
That we’re in love.

Within You’ll Remain was originally performed by a Hong Kong band called Chyna. But Tokyo Square rearranged the song and popularised it. Enjoy!

Tokyo Square – Within You’ll Remain

Facing the world with the empty heart
I could disappear into the dark
And you were the one
and you were the who
could make my dreams come true
My dear, it’s you

When you’re not around
My heart stood still
Within you’ll remain and always will
Illusion says there is another man
who would interfere into my plan

Wao Ai Ni, I love you
Wao Ai Ni, I need you
More than I ever did anyone
I’ve never felt like this before

Wao Ai Ni, I want you
Wao Ai Ni, I need you
We could be two lovers from the past
And the future is our chance

When you’re not around
My heart stood still
Within you’ll remain and always will

ANYWAY….. as I was running all over the place in and out of the busy event hall last Thursday evening, I was being entertained by great music from a local band call 53A. OK, I know I’m always many steps slower than most people when it comes to music. They are all over the Singapore music scene and I only heard of them last Thursday. Tsk tsk….

Didn’t have time to really pause and enjoy the music. But I must say they are pretty good. They even use the iPhone piano app to play a few songs. Didn’t manage to take my camera and record them in action. But here’s some video that I found online. Enjoy!

Check out their blog.

Someone told me that I know Sara Wee’s sister. Singapore is small.

Honestly, I feel that it is better than the official YOG Theme song, Everyone. And definitely a million times better than that YOG cheer.

Go Singapore!!!

7 States – Light

Another day another night as questions fill your head
It doesn’t matter what they say you feel the need to break
You say that no one understands the pain you hesitate
And hide your feelings inside

Even though it feels uncertain
The storm will break away
And we know that time is penance
So leave the fear don’t let it blind you

When you feel you wanna fall
There’s a part of you that’s sinking
You are not alone, there’s someone there
Soldier on don’t stop the fight
With the light that surrounds you
So don’t let go
Cos’ hope will lead the way

If life’s a journey so where does it start where does it end
A fleeting moment with a precious thought, a precious friend
The circumstance will change but strength of heart remains the same
You know it comes from within

Even though it feels uncertain
The storm will break away
And we know that time is penance
So leave the fear don’t let it blind you

Don’t, don’t ever look back
No matter how hard it seems
Try, whenever you try
You’ll see that the light will find its way around you

——————
You can download this song for free at http://soundcloud.com/7-states/light.

But I do know good music when I hear one. Which is why I’ve been sharing videos of all the great local bands and singers whenever I sees one.

It is kinda sad when I found out that the Fire Fight is saying goodbye. It’s a pity that I can’t make it to the final performance. Would really love to go. I’ve seen them perform live 3 times and I must say I really enjoyed their performance. I personally think they have great potential. They really know how to entertain their audience with great music. It’s sad to see them go.

Thank you Fire Fight for the great music.

Fire Fight – Fire at Night

Set a fire into the night
For tomorrow we’ll start a fight
To be, to be…

Found out about Juliet Pang when I saw my friend post photos of her performance at Esplanade on facebook. I must say that her voice is pretty good. If only she don’t add those “special effects” on her youtube video.

Check out her website here.

I didn’t know he is a contestant for Singapore Idol 3. I don’t watch Singapore Idol anyway. And he was eliminated pretty early. Which is quite a pity. I think he is a pretty good singer and entertainer. Check out his version of Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Specially requested him to do it infront of my camera.

Pretty good huh? Don’t ask me why he was being eliminated so early.

The Fire Fight – Candela

The Fire Fight – Dreamer

And I also discovered that I know their Manager. Haha. Singapore is such a small place.

Check out their myspace page for more good music.

So who says Singapore has no musical talents?