From raging weekend nights to gigs that go on until the morning, the live music scene was a never-ending source of life and energy—even if it drained you of yours the next day. There was nothing like the adrenaline of heading out to watch your favourite band, or for musicians, the rush of seeing people rock out to your songs.

But as we all know, the last two years have not been so kind to the music scene.

Bandwagon decided to catch up with three of Singapore's favourite live bands to learn how they overcame the difficult period of lockdowns and how they're gearing up to set ablaze the stage once again as part of the highly anticipated Tiger Crystal Fire Stages, a live concert series that's setting Singapore ablaze with live music again and reigniting the passions of local musicians.

For a lot of musicians, live gigs are an essential part of their careers. Whether it was their source of income or a means to get their music out there, gigs were many artists’ livelihood. 

“When we saw how the lockdowns would affect live music in Singapore, we were uncertain of how we can go about our craft and still get our music out there,” said Singaporean post-hardcore band Tell Lie Vision. 

“Since [gigs] was our main source of income, we were at, sort of, a loss. [We wondered] how we were going to cope, how long it was going to last, and if there would be any type of job that we could take now that lockdown was in full force. Would we survive?” said cover band SuperSonic. 

“Creating music for us has always come from a place of lived experience so creating at a time when we’re not fully allowed to live the way we wanted was something I grappled with quite a bit - lack of inspiration might be a better way of phrasing it,” explained indie-pop outfit Royal Estate.

The beginning days of the COVID-19 lockdown were a blur of confusion (because who knew we’d live through a pandemic) and hopeful optimism that we would soon be able to get back to our weekend routines of searching around town for a gig to catch and a band to see. Something like an intermission. 

But as the days went by in a daze, the image of lifeless venues and dark stages started to get clearer. 

Before the pandemic, SuperSonic were no stranger to the hustle and bustle of weekly gigs. From acoustic sets at The Arts House to memorable shows at Timbre+, the high-energy act was a staple in Singapore’s live music scene if you wanted to hear your favourite pop and dance tracks reimagined. 

While for the alternative scene, you had bands like Tell Lie Vision who were familiar faces at underground shows and local festivals like Baybeats and Ignite Music Fest. 

Royal Estate was another band you’d catch at gigs and festivals around the island. Whether it was annual events like GastroBeats or intimate shows at Esplanade, the band was an act that always made us stop and stick around for their whole set. 

Like a lot of us in the music scene, their musical lives were thrown in disarray. From almost daily gigs to no shows almost instantly, there was a lot to readjust to. 

“We were all greatly affected, as much as the rest of our musician friends. We had to find ways and means to get through life. Some of us resorted to delivering food, working at the supermarket, opening up a shop, and learning new skills out of our expertise, just so we could fend for our families. It was a trying time for all of us,” said SuperSonic. 

In an attempt to make sense of a confusing time, we all turned to the virtual world where social distancing was nonexistent. We held online shows—some from the comfort of our bedrooms to big stage productions with a limited crew—while bands tried to create their next hit over a Zoom call. 

“We did do some covers and livestreams when we were offered! To keep our minds a little bit sane. However, I think the priority for all of us was how were we going to survive, especially during a time where everything was uncertain,” said SuperSonic. 

“Occasionally we would shoot some of our ideas at each other so there was still some form of collaboration, though it was slow. We also did a couple of livestream shows,” said Tell Lie Vision. 

“It was really difficult to get ideas moving forward cause none of us was super experienced in recording/producing apart from making demos so there was a lot of catching up to do. I think we’re really lucky to be in an era of laptop music making,” said Royal Estate. 

While performing online presented a lot of silver linings, like watching artists that would never tour in your city or going to a gig in your pajamas, it was nothing like the real deal. Like Royal Estate said, “There’s really nothing like live music.”

And finally, the time has come. With the world slowly recovering from the pandemic and cases trending downwards, live music was slowly coming back to life. 

This is why Tiger, who believes in inspiring people to uncage their passions and pursue them fearlessly, put together Tiger Crystal Fire Stages in partnership with Timbre Music. The live concert series serves as a long-awaited fiery celebration of live music and our beloved local musicians.

“We were definitely very excited to be in the presence of an audience once again. The exchange of energies is something that cannot be replicated through a screen. We had always been looking forward to the live music scene coming back since it was the first area to shut down completely since the outbreak,” said SuperSonic. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Of course, our first time back and running came with some nerves and a level of disbelief. After two years where the future seemed so gloomy, it was unbelievable to be at a live show again—we’re back? Like with real people?

But, as they say, there’s nothing like coming home. 

“I mean it was the first time in years, we finally were on a familiar stage, seeing some familiar faces, coming home to a very familiar type of energy. To hear voices, like in real life. To see people being able to let loose and have fun is one of the things we missed. However, I think being able to share the stage again with our bandmates was something we missed the most,” said SuperSonic. 

“It was nerve-wracking but also really really refreshing. I’ve always loved the connection that the space of live music allows for between ‘audience’ or ‘performer’—not to draw a distinction but it’s just nice to have that shared experience and avenue to connect as human beings again,” added Royal Estate. 

The unfathomable challenges and obstacles of the pandemic life had us adapt in more ways than we'd like. But after two years of silence and unwavering patience, it made the return of the live music scene that much greater. 

“The return to the live stage was freeing. We missed every part of it, from the loud pumping of the speakers to the crowd enjoying along with us, and not to forget our fellow musician friends that we would always meet at these gigs,” described Tell Lie Vision. 

Tell Lie Vision, SuperSonic, and Royal Estate are slated to perform at the highly anticipated Tiger Crystal Fire Stages. Performances are set to run until June, find the full gig schedule here.

Check out when Tell Lie Vision, SuperSonic, and Royal Estate are performing here:

• SuperSonic: 27 May, 8:30 PM at Timbre+ One North
• Royal Estate: 28 May, 6 PM at Timbre+ Eastside
• Tell Lie Vision: 29 May, 8:45 PM at Timbre+ One North

Presented by Tiger Crystal and Timbre+