Regular visitors to Power of Pop will be aware that my definition of “pop” is pretty wide. But of course, in the context of modern pop (read: vacuous) , that definition becomes somewhat irrelevant for my purposes. Also, if I say “rock ‘n’ roll”, most people will think of the 50s (read: dated) and so, sometimes I need to be uber-specific and say “country-folk-pop-rock” to describe the type of pop music that I love. Hope that clarifies. From that perspective, I wanted to share very specifically, the bands and artists in Singapore whom I feel fit that particular bill and hope that you’d discover some new music to love as well.
CHEATING SONS – JEFFERSON (LIVE)
Though still unreleased, this country-folk masterpiece always resonates with me whenever the band plays it – which in my view is not often enough!
Pick up the new Cheating Sons album from Bandcamp.
HANGING UP THE MOON – THE DIVERS
Sean Lam (aka Hanging Up the Moon) somewhat resists any attempt to associate his wonderful music with that of the past (which I appreciate) but seriously folks, this gorgeous music is highly evocative of early 70s folk-rock. And what is the problem with that??? Beautiful.
Available at iTunes!
PITCH FEATHER – USUAL DAY (AUDIO)
Folk-pop that will brighten your existence, no doubt. The duo does not perform too often but their debut album Mountains and Tides is essential!
NICHOLAS CHIM – I WANT YOU AGAIN
One of our finest folk troubadours, Nick lets his music do the talking and it is always persuasive!
You can find this wonderful track on S2S’s State of Rock compilation. Get it now!
JAIME WONG – TO LOST LOVE (LIVE)
This song captures perfectly Jaime’s affinity for 70s folk pop.
Get the Jaime’s debut EP from Bandcamp
DEON – DESOLATE (LYRIC VIDEO)
From the opening slide guitar onwards, it’s clear that DEON has got all the right moves to touch the hearts of true blue pop-rock fans. DEON is a keeper!
Purchase DEON’s Antiphobic LP from Bandcamp.
LUNARIN – RIGHT TO SLEEP
By right, Lunarin is a goth metal outfit but on the Midas Sessions the trio stripped down to present some of the most affecting pop-rock ever produced in Singapore.
Also available at Bandcamp. Hoping for new music from the band soon!
JAWN – GOLD
Jon Chan (aka JAWN) has no problem using the ‘country’ word with his music and why should he? This is heartfelt pop music, whatever you want to call it! Where is that EP, Jon?
SUASION – FIRELIGHT
Suasion is fairly new to the Singapore indie music scene but with their melodic pop-rock are a definite welcome addition. Look out for their debut EP coming out soon!
ADIA TAY – SONG FOR K.
Always pleasing to discover fresh young talent in your backyard, so to speak. Adia has a raw, unbridled jazz-folk-pop sensibility that touches a nerve for sure. Someone to keep a close eye on!
… still there’s more …