by Erny Melissa, EY-Baybeats Budding Music Writer 

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.

Tags:Anechois Atlas Baybeats Buzz 2012 Cashew Chemists EY Budding Music Writers Pep Talk
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