#11. The Live Music Issue
"Live music is the most primal form of energy release you can share with other people besides having sex or taking drugs." Kurt Cobain
What was the last gig you went to? Mine was Echobelly at the Islington O2 Academy in October last year when I was back visiting London. There was a great support act I would never, ever have heard if not for the gig. A week earlier I had been at an punk all-dayer in a dive bar in New Cross (not advisable for tourists). It was everything I needed after 18 months without the goosebump inducing sound of feedback.
I’ve been to concerts since then; sensible, seated affairs where socially distanced audiences are admitted row at a time and warned not to move from their seats. That’s not the same though. I’m talking about sweaty, beery, lairy, live gigs. The kind that are back on in London but still sadly not in Singapore…yet.
Not only is this a travesty for audiences but also musicians, DJs, venues and promoters who last week made their voices heard with the launch of the #savemusicsg campaign and Instagram account that has amassed 3,394 followers already. From 5pm on Friday 11th March until 4am on Sunday 13th they also staged a live streaming gig featuring 21 local DJs playing at empty venues across the island because, as one of the organisers Kavan Sprout told Mixmag Asia:
“Beyond the economic impact (for people and venues), this concerns the cultural fabric of Singapore and has left a void in an industry-driven largely by passion, within a nation that preaches that passion makes anything possible.”
Follow and share @savemusicsg, support their campaign and support live music in bars and clubs because scenes create culture and culture creates nations.
Mooreish Words
I’d recommend reading more about the #savemusicsg campaign in this TimeOut Singapore article featuring an impassioned interview with the movement’s founder; DJ and entertainment entrepreneur Matty Wainright: https://www.timeout.com/singapore/nightlife/savemusicsg-advocates-for-the-return-of-live-music-and-nightlife-to-singapore
Mooreish Sounds
I love live recordings and was planning to create a playlist of my faves but the list was too long and the clickhole too deep. That’s when I remembered that, throughout the pandemic, many musicians played live sets from their living rooms proving that true talent doesn’t need pyrotechnics. Case in point, Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles who - at 63 years old - looks and sounds amazing in this acoustic rendition of her classic ‘Manic Monday’
Her lockdown version of Eternal Flame is a belter too. Meanwhile bombshell country singer Maranda Lambert used the time to get back to her roots, recording an “as live” album in the desert that includes this throaty response to Dolly Parton’s classic Jolene. Hearing the desert wind, the fire, the sounds of her fellow musicians playing alongside her is a thrill we are denied by direct input digital recording techniques these days.
Mooreish Visions
If that makes you crave music in the great outdoors then get in here. YouTube musician Josh Turner and his wife Kelly have just released the trailer for their new series ‘Among Friends: A Musical Travelogue’ and it might be the most wholesome thing on the entire Internet. Watch them meet and make music with fellow minstrels travelling across America.
Mooreish Art
Many great photographers made their name shooting musicians on stage and much of their work can be found, and purchased, from online gallery Sonic Editions. Last year I bought a limited edition print of Louise Wener from Sleeper with 90s daytime TV host Dale Winton (I have my reasons), but they have loads more including shots of your favourite musicians too I’m sure.
Peruse their entire collection at www.soniceditions.com.
Mooreish Events
Finally, last Friday I took my daughter to Beats & Doodles at the The Esplanade; an evening of art and music for kids organised DJ Cherry Chan who is also co-founder of local label and artist collective Syndicate (check out their compilation SEED on Bandcamp).
Unfortunately it was rained off but whilst there I saw they have an upcoming season titled ‘A Tapestry of Sacred Music’ featuring flamenco, chanting and even some mindful tea appreciation with musical accompaniment!
If that’s a little sedate for you then book your tickets for local indie rockers Subsonic Eye at the Gateway Theatre on May 13th. The gig is a fundraiser for their forthcoming US tour and includes support from Sobs and Cosmic Child but will it include support from you? (Hint: The answer is ‘yes’ so buy your tickets here and I’ll see you there: https://sg.bookmyshow.com/e/BWSUBSNF),
Right, I’m off to start a one-man-moshpit in the living room - rock on 🤘😝