“It’s been a dream of mine for a long time to have my music playing in public spaces, so it’s extra special,” she said.
Such initiatives are creating a positive space for the local music industry, she added.
“When I was growing up … (I) didn’t see a lot of intention behind the growth of the local music scene. I see more of that now, and it’s very heartening to be a part of the scene at this time,” said the 23-year-old.
She added that while some stigma remains attached to local music and some people may still have misconceptions on its quality, she feels that the situation is gradually improving.
She suggested that local musicians’ songs could be made more accessible – for instance, by the use of a QR code that allows passengers to scan and get more information.
BECOMING A MUSIC NATION
Exposure is not the only benefit for local talent, said artiste manager Dean Augustine, adding that the opportunity opens up better financial prospects for the musicians as well.
On top of royalties for airplays, the initiative can also shape demand and drive market interest in homegrown music talent, he said.
“When there’s more knowledge and exposure and recognition, stakeholders out there will actually start thinking ‘oh, I think people do listen to this. Maybe it’s time (to) book them’,” said Mr Augustine, director of Cross Ratio Entertainment.
The goal is to move Singapore towards a music nation, said I Play SG’s Mr Chan.
“Music, to us, is about identity. It’s about who we are, and it’s a way of presenting that in song, in lyrics, in melody, in rhythm. So when we approach the music, it’s really looking at what represents us,” he said.
Noting that there will be more touch points for local songs to be heard, he said: “We really want to be that spark whereby, in the future, we don’t even need to prompt a particular shopping mall or a particular gym to be playing Singaporean music. It would be just part and parcel of life in Singapore.”
