Rhythm of the nation: evaluating Singapore’s pop music scene since the sixties

• Main Author: Muhammad Hidir Bin Sulaiman
• Other Authors: Tapsi Mathur
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Arts and Humanities; Singapore's pop music history
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/174416
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Music in Singapore is often intertwined with the national narrative, particularly during ethnic festivities and national holidays. More specifically, when one mentions pop music in Singapore, certain common themes such as censorship and Singapore Idol emerge alongside notable singers such as The Quests and Sezairi Sezali. A prevailing consensus regarding the development of the pop music scene suggests that extensive growth is impeded due to its limited talent pool and the relatively smaller market compared size to many other countries. Therefore, Singapore has yet to establish a significant presence on the global stage in terms of music. In an attempt to decentralize this narrative, my thesis calls for the reassessment of the role of the government, technological advancements as well as the sentiments of the population in shaping the evolution of the Singaporean pop music scene. I observe a lack of governmental support that hindered its growth, while advancements in technology opened more doors for music to reach a wider audience. On-the-ground perspectives propelled further growth as musicians took matters into their own hands, creating a unique sound that would distinguish themselves from others. Viewed as a whole, the reasons behind its growth and decline highlight the efforts of various dedicated actors striving to keep a culture alive.