It started off with 30 bands. 15 managed to get through to the second round. Now, these 15 had only 15 minutes each to impress their way into being one of the final eight bands that would perform during the three-day Baybeats festival.

The Esplanade outdoor Theatre saw a steady audience who watched the bands play in spite of the blazingly hot weather. It was evident that they had spent much time and effort practising for their precious 15 minutes on stage, as the judges were overall very pleased with the quality of the music presented during the auditions. 

The most memorable performance of the day for me had to be the set played by Pep Talk. Being the only band playing country, folk song-like tunes, Pep Talk’s music was a refreshing change of genre for me, a person favouring pop and rock music. The band certainly managed to charm their audience; after their allocated two songs (The Devil’s Advocate and I Sailor), these musicians hailing from the Singapore Maritime Academy were beseeched by judge Mike See, “to not become sailors, but to become full-time musicians” for the sake of Singapore’s music scene  
Pep Talk at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

 Performances by Monsters Living In Flesh, Embrace Them Ghosts and A Town In Fear also stand out in my mind as their songs entailed the lead singers screaming for almost the entire duration (and then casually switching back to their normal voices to engage in small talk with the audience). Again, not something I was used to listening to, but I found that I could appreciate their music despite being unable to make out what they were singing. Our mentor, Kevin Mathews, quipped: “They could be singing I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus for all you know and you also wouldn’t be able to tell.”

�
Embrace Them Ghosts at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

Anechois at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

Being a newcomer to Baybeats 2012, I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable the music produced by these fledgling bands were, even those of genres I usually do not listen to. Perhaps that’s what Baybeats is all about – introducing promising bands to wider audiences, and inviting music lovers of all genres to venture beyond their comfort zones. After Round 2, the final eight bands will be mentored by the judges before being set loose during the festival, ready to rock out for the masses.

Baybeats 2012 will take place from 29 June to 2 July. Book the dates!!

Siew Ann Tan is an aspiring music journalist currently being mentored by established local music writer Kevin Mathews as part of the Esplanade Youths-Baybeats Budding Music Writers Mentoring Programme 2012.

“I get by with a little help from my friends.” The Beatles never put it better. Round 2 of this year’s Baybeats auditions encapsulated a spirited camaraderie unfamiliar among budding musicians. Hungry for their music to be heard and recognised, a smattering of bands (15 to be exact), selected from the first round of auditions, competed to play at the annual local music festival, Baybeats 2012, on a cloudless Saturday.

The second round of auditions was held at Esplanade’s Outdoor Theatre and boy, was it a day charged with electricity and excitement. The outdoor open space was a different experience for many bands. Set against the Marina Bay and clear skies, not only did it serve as a visual prop for the bands, it also challenged them to produce as crisp and vivid a sound as they would otherwise be able to within the confines of a room or theatre with better sound design. Bands like The Summer State and Atlas, although with commendable performances that drew applause from the audience, were plagued by the change in environment.

The Summer State is a band that has been making waves in the local pop-punk/emo scene, having opened for Mayday Parade’s concert last August. While not a fan of the pop-punk/emo genre, I must say that the band surprised with an energetic set, performing Revenge, Revenge and Hush, We’re Taking Over. Song-writing and song arrangements coupled with a bunch of self-assured musicians delivered a tight performance. However there were minor glitches, with vocalist Ryan Lopez’s voice falling to an inaudible low at one point as the instruments banged on. A later distraught Lopez said that he was not afforded a mic check during the band’s sound check prior to their set. That aside, The Summer State did not disappoint.

�
The Summer State at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

An experimental art-rock band, Atlas’ sound wedded electronic, experimental and ambient styles to interesting effect. The vocalist’s soaring vocals bore keen resemblance to Florence (of Florence & the Machine) and took centre stage in its opening number, Obsoletion. The transition from electronic to atmospheric and from instrumental to voice-as-texture harmonizing between the keyboardist and vocalist created an artful piece. The only setback was an improper volume adjustment on guitarist Taufiq Rashid’s mic that marred the song with jarring vocals at one point. The second song, Impolite Company incorporated elements of math rock, featuring angular guitar sections and start-stop dynamics with powerful drumbeats. Explosive and experimental, it’s a pity Atlas didn’t go through the second round of auditions, perhaps owing to the confusing change of band members (there were stand-ins and replacements because well… National Service beckons) that did not seem to sit well with the judges.

ANECHOIS, with roots in post-progressive rock, were one of my personal favourites. From their subtle interplay of synth keyboard with reverb and jazz sounds on guitar to the dream-like vocals to the smooth progression, overall, of its songs, it was very much like falling into a reverie. Riveting and mesmerising, the audience and judges were obviously blown away by their impeccable song writing and skills. As one of the judges optimistically put, they “bring something different to the table”.

Anechois at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

Cashew Chemists, an indie-pop band, were one of the crowd favourites and pleased the crowd with some post punk and jangle pop tunes reminiscent of The Strokes and The Drums, respectively. The band’s emergence can only bode well for the development and progress of the local music scene.

Cashew Chemists at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

I thought it noteworthy that the bands were unfailingly supportive of each other throughout the auditions from start to end, even as music competitors. When a member of one of the bands broke his guitar neck unceremoniously just before it was scheduled to perform, a member from a different band willingly lent him his guitar. When a member from another of the bands needed a synth keyboard, a different band loaned one to them, unquestioningly. Encouraging comments from one band to another was a common sight on the Facebook pages of the competing bands.

So why the reference to that one line from the Beatles’ wildly popular and controversial song? It wasn’t drugs that got the bands and supporters through the day. It was their common aspiration to make music and, through that mutual desire, a shared understanding and learning experience. This unifying spirit Baybeats creates among aspiring musicians holds promise yet for the bourgeoning local music platform.

Rachael Anne Goh is an aspiring music journalist currently being mentored by established local music writer Kevin Mathews as part of the Esplanade Youths-Baybeats Budding Music Writers Mentoring Programme 2012.

Electrifying.

That was certainly an apt word to describe the atmosphere of the second round of the Baybeats 2012 auditions on 11 Feb 2012, at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre. The sweltering heat that day paled in comparison to the standard of showmanship, energy and talent that each of the 15 bands showed to the judges and the audience. Yes, the bar had certainly been raised.

And so did the level of experience we had in managing an audition. That’s right, we, the Budding Music Writers, got in on the action as well. Instead of merely sitting back and writing notes about the audition, we got hands-on with helping to register the bands, assembling them before their turn at performing on stage and prompting band members with the questions they had to answer for promotional videos that were being recorded. It was tiring, but at the same time a refreshing and fun experience. As I have had prior experience with these tasks before, it was a breeze and I had a great time interacting with the different band members as well as the Esplanade staff.
 

I would have to say that I liked being the question prompter best out of all the other roles. If you would like to know what kind, imagine the kind of questions that you would ask your singer-idols. After this audition, I really learnt a lot about the various bands’ founding histories, the genre of music they played, the type of music they listen to and their sources of inspiration.

The major plus of this role are the band members themselves. The reactions and emotions projected in front of the camera were uniquely different – some unsure of what they had to say, others left the talking to their more outgoing band members, a few bands trying to project the spirit of unity by shouting their band names and a few catchy phrases together. However, amidst the many takes, sheepish laughs and a microphone malfunction, there were certain band members who obviously were comfortable in front of the camera – they were in sync with each other, knew exactly what to say and had the right level of energy. Ironic, really, that all the band members could jump, dance and croon on stage with such ease and confidence, but might be tongue-tied in front of the camera.

Though I was running around juggling these three roles, I did manage to catch some of the bands perform, and I had to say that Pep Talk and Cashew Chemists were my favourite two bands for the day. Whilst the other bands were mostly playing songs from genres like pop-punk and pop rock, with strong ‘emo’ vibes, the two bands’ styles were distinctly different and stood out from the rest. With catchy tunes, great arrangement and songwriting skills, they delivered songs with a 90s’ take on the same genres. Judging from the enthusiastic applause, they delivered a satisfactory listening experience to the audience as well.

Cashew Chemists at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

At the end of the day, the big question emerges. Who are the ones that are chosen for the next round? I’m glad I do not have to decide on that, but regardless of the outcome, I believe that each and every one of the band members have definitely learnt, grown and come a long way, from preparing recordings to performing for the judges for the second round of auditions. The skills honed, the bonds formed, the whole Baybeats experience, is priceless.

Hang Pei Fang is an aspiring music journalist currently being mentored by established local music writer Kevin Mathews as part of the Esplanade Youths-Baybeats Budding Music Writers Mentoring Programme 2012.

Not a stranger to what happens behind the scenes at live productions; I am not surprised by the amount of work that goes behind the annual Baybeats festival. Unlike the first round of auditions held at LASALLE College of the Arts, the other Esplanade Youths-Baybeats Budding Music Writers and I had a lot more to do this time round, than to just sit and watch the bands perform. We were introduced to several people involved in the important audition process and were given various tasks throughout the day, so that we would have a better understanding of what it takes to present a celebrated festival like Baybeats.

15 bands had returned for Round 2 held at Esplanade’s Outdoor Theatre, including some of my favourites – Dropbeat Heartbeat, Cashew Chemists, Atlas and A Town in Fear. Needless to say, I was definitely looking forward to seeing all the bands bring their A-game. As Obedient Wives Club went up on stage and kickstarted the auditions, I found myself humming along to its dreamy, retro-pop tunes as I stationed myself at the registration booth, where I was given the responsibility to make sure that the bands report on time and are given their artist passes. I even managed to have a proper, light-hearted conversation with some of the bands – the boys from Embrace Them Ghosts proved to be a very funny bunch! 

Obedient Wives Club at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

In between running around for my assigned duties, I caught glimpses of the bands performances and Godzilla proved that they were mature beyond their average age of 15 years and had successfully got the audience pumped up with their upbeat tunes. However, Atlas turned out to be a disappointment. I honestly felt that their original band line up was better, not only by how they sound but also, at being able to express the earnest nature of their band across to others sincerely.

�
Godzilla at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

After I assisted the stage manager and helped to ensure that there is a constant and smooth flow in the schedule, I finally had time to hang out with my mentor, Kevin Mathews, to properly listen to the last few bands of the day. ANECHOIS were as good as always, receiving approving head-bobs from the audience as they performed, while A Town in Fear brought the long day of auditions to a close with a great set that was well-paced and highly entertaining.

A Town In Fear at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

At the end of the day, Baybeats is still all about the music and is an initiative to uncover and showcase promising young bands to the music scene. Most of the bands that performed managed to impress me again today, with their tenacious spirit and never-say-die attitude. There was no doubt in my mind that the crowd were sincerely enjoying the music that was being presented to them and that they will be back to catch the top eight bands perform live at Baybeats 2012, from 29 June - 1 July!

Eyra Fazira is an aspiring music journalist currently being mentored by established local music writer Kevin Mathews as part of the Esplanade Youths-Baybeats Budding Music Writers Mentoring Programme 2012.

Against the picturesque backdrop of the Marina Bay skyline and the Singapore River sparkling under the sun, visitors to the Esplanade look on quizzically at the sight of youngsters dressed up and rocking out on a bright and early Saturday morning. Curiosity leads them to the registration booth where they find out that an audition was being held for the annual Singapore alternative music festival — Baybeats, and that they were more than welcome to join the event that was opened to public. 

The 15 bands that made it through the gruelling Round 1 auditions were given a real taste of the festival by performing at the actual venue, Esplanade. The audience varied from families of band members to friends, fans, music enthusiasts, industry veterans, photographers, and even friendly tourists!

As the day progressed, it seemed like the weather agreed and matched up its heat to the palpable intensity of each band that took to the stage. Drenched in sweat, adrenaline, hope, and for some, tears, it was evident that each and every one of them came back significantly recharged and ready to show us why they deserve this second chance to stage their talent. 

 Highlights of the day: Pep Talk’s lyrics – Pep Talk writes poignant songs about sailors and the sea, and the water analogy was beautifully crafted into their art. Especially enjoyable against the backdrop of the Singapore River. Their songs are catchy pop commentaries with lyrical soul. Personally, it is rare to hear songs about the sea even though we are surrounded by water, a thought that stayed with me throughout their audition set.

 
Pep Talk at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

ANECHOIS – Most anticipated band of the audition, ANECHOIS did not fail to provide the kind of ethereal sound it was known for. Each song had the right balance of emotional and significant juxtaposition — one that evoked deep nostalgia and induced goose bumps. The delicate treatment the band brought to each performance was reflected in the band members’ shy and humble nature. Post-rock became just a little more exciting!

Anechois at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

The budding writers were also given the opportunity and privilege to work with the Esplanade team behind the scenes to find out what the process of Baybeats was like. We were given a chance to work with different key roles in charge of each segment of the programme, such as manning the registration booth, talking to and assisting the stage manager Melissa, and working with the marketing team on the Baybeats promotion clips. It proved to be hard work to be part of the earnest Esplanade team, producing and planning diligently behind the scene. Big props to that! 

The day ran smoothly despite some obstacles that some of the bands faced. Atlas had a little mishap when one of their guitars was damaged 30 minutes before their time slot and had to scramble to get another one in time for their set. Thankfully, they pulled it off! Another band affected by technical difficulties was crowd pleaser Cashew Chemists. But the ex-metal band, now indie-boyband, still managed to single-handedly charm and impress the judges and audience alike.

 
Cashew Chemists at the Baybeats 2012 Round 2 Auditions

May the following months of preparation be filled with magic, dreams and good madness! Stay tuned to updates and log on to www.baybeats.com.sg for band lineups, band bios and song tracks you can groove to.

Baybeats 2012 - 29 June to 1 July! Mark your calendars now! 

Erny Melissa is an aspiring music journalist currently being mentored by established local music writer Kevin Mathews as part of the Esplanade Youths-Baybeats Budding Music Writers Mentoring Programme 2012.

Being a part of this year’s Esplanade Youths-Baybeats Budding Writers Programme definitely has its perks! I was given the exciting opportunity to sit in during the first round of auditions for Baybeats 2012 held at
LASALLE College of the Arts on 7 January 2012, Saturday and after listening to quite a number of interesting bands (fourteen!) in the span of five hours, I definitely have a newfound respect for the Singapore music scene.

While I have always been a supporter of local music, I never did fully appreciate all the effort and grueling hours our local bands had to spend, constantly practicing hard to improve their craft and looking for more platforms to provide them the exposure they need. However, it was reassuring to be reminded – after watching the various bands play – that there are still indie musicians here who are committed and are not so easily deterred by the many challenges they have to face.

Out of all the bands I saw during the first auditions, a few memorable ones managed to leave an impression on me - some good and some, not really. It was definitely a good test of confidence for the bands because of the fact that they had less than 15 minutes to set up and perform two of their original songs in front of the very experienced and intimidating judges.

Dropbeat Heartbeat at the Baybeats 2012 Round 1 Auditions

Upbeat and catchy pop-punk tunes have become somewhat of a guilty pleasure lately and it was enjoyable for me to see both ORANGECOVE and Dropbeat Heartbeat perform, even if their music does not sound like anything new. Screamo band Middle Child Syndrome got everyone’s attention when it entered the audition room all clad in superhero t-shirts but sadly, the band didn’t perform as uniformly as how the members were dressed. Every member was in his own world – the vocals sounded out of place and the instrumentation did not go well together at all, which was disappointing.

Undoubtedly, I do have favourites! Formerly a heavy metal band, Cashew Chemists traded its head-banging antics for happy rock ‘n’ roll melodies and witty lyrics. It was definitely refreshing to watch the band perform live, after checking out its demos earlier on Facebook.

Atlas at the Baybeats 2012 Round 1 Auditions

Atlas was another favourite of mine that day. The band did not stand out to me at first but after catching the lead vocalist red-handed discreetly trying to hide a small slip of paper (containing lyrics I presume) which he was hiding in his hands, the band definitely got my attention! Despite that, its songs are well-written and the instrumentation was a joy to listen to.

A Town in Fear at the Baybeats 2012 Round 1 Auditions

The most pleasant surprise for me during the first round of auditions was watching and listening to A Town in Fear. I have never been such a big fan of screamo but somehow, I found myself captivated by this band. With their great charisma, stage presence and audience engagement, I am pretty sure I am not the only one that will be hooked!

Personally, this experience has enlightened me and made me appreciate our local talents so much more. I can’t imagine how difficult the decisions were for the judges to make when it came to determining who would successfully get through to the second round of auditions for Baybeats this year!

Eyra Fazira is an aspiring music journalist currently being mentored by established local music writer Kevin Mathews as part of the Esplanade Youths-Baybeats Budding Music Writers Mentoring Programme 2012.