In line with Review Chronicle’s focus on creating hyperlocal content to connect businesses to the local community across all vertices of trending news, lifestyle, and entertainment, we are proud to be showcasing and representing the best in Singapore in all of those areas.
In this new entertainment series, we will be exploring a range of offerings coming out of the Singapore music circuit, spotlighting the talented creators in the community. We will be presenting a varied number of music recommendations ranging from new releases to older favourites from our sunny island – objectively and without bias towards genre and sound, it is all fair game!
So, strap in and get ready to discover a side of local entertainment you probably never knew existed!
‘Mercury’ by ShiGGa Shay, featuring ØZI
Starting the series off with a Singapore music heavyweight, ShiGGa Shay has joined forces with Taiwan’s hottest Hip-Hop hitmaker right now, ØZI!
The lead single from ShiGGa’s latest EP, I AM U, ‘Mercury’ is a look into the frustrations of a toxic relationship. ShiGGa Shay and ØZI uses the Mercury retrograde to illuminate what it is like in a relationship strife with communication issues. Mercury retrogrades are notorious among astrology buffs for complicating communications and exacerbating issues between people.
The catchy track was produced by a pioneer in the United Kingdom’s Drill music scene, JB Made It (Drake, Fivio Foreign, Chief Keef) and ShiGGa Shay’s frequent collaborator, superjdoug.
‘modern day titanic’ by Jasmine Sokko
The pride of Singapore Electropop, Jasmine Sokko returns with ‘modern day titanic’, an ode to a romance doomed from the start, and the process of moving on from it. Written and produced by Jasmine herself, the track also boasts additional production and arrangement by Auzaie Zie (brb. and Disco Hue) and Jason Gelchen (Homeground Studios).
In an Instagram statement, Jasmine shared that ‘modern day titanic’ is a song that she wrote to “help [herself] get through one of the toughest [situations]”.
“If any of you are in the same position, I hope you find some strength and bravery from the song to push through the storm,” Jasmine added.
‘You & I’ by Gentle Bones
Gentle Bones is among Singapore’s most prolific and recognised singer-songwriters. His newest offering, ‘You & I’ is a bonus track from the deluxe version of his eponymous album. The song is a simple romantic ballad about a relationship on the rocks. Gentle Bones expresses his feelings and love for the other party, encouraging them to lean on him while he puts in the effort to make the struggles worthwhile.
“I could never speak for the way that you feel / But the love I, have for you is real,” declares the artist, showing his devotion and love towards the other person. Simple guitar strums with minimal percussions complement Gentle Bone’s smooth vocals and falsettos, lulling the listener into a comfortable, relaxed, and dreamy state.
‘CELLPHONE’ by CLAUDIA and Ffion
In what started out as Ffion’s duet with CLAUDIA’s open verse challenge on TikTok, ‘CELLPHONE’ is the causeway-crossing collaboration reminding you to not pick up when your sneaky link-but-not really decides to try his luck.
The UK-born-Singapore-raised Ffion hopped on a TikTok challenge posted by Malaysian Pop artist CLAUDIA of her then-unfinished track. CLAUDIA was so impressed that the pair decided to release it as an official collaborative single. If this does not scream “Girl Power”, we don’t know what does. Remember: Do not be tempted to respond when a good-for-nothing texts you just because they are bored and wanting attention.
‘phonecase’ by Shye
In our second phone-related entry on this list, Electropop chanteuse Shye brings a light and upbeat about puppy love and young crushes. A departure from her subdued last single, ’phonecase’ draws on the Gen Z tradition of putting a photo of ones significant other in each other’s phonecases.
“Cause your phonecase is empty, and I think I’m ready,” she croons in this happy tune. The wordplay in the line “I think I know more about you than I like / But it’s fine / I know you’re shy / So am I, hi” makes a comedic dig at her own name, showing off the singer’s wit and humour.
‘Digging For Diamonds’ by Matilde G
Singapore-based Italian Pop artist Matilde G has a portfolio that exceeds the borders of our tiny island state. ‘Digging For Diamonds’ premiered on Billboard in her hometown of Italy, and the official music video has since broke 1 million views on YouTube in a month.
The track is a soaring anthem about how one party in a romantic relationship can hurt the other by not respecting each other and playing with their feelings. The chorus “Why do you keep on digging for diamonds in a pile of dust” perfectly encapsulates the frustration of such situations.
‘On My Mind’ by Rangga Jones and Shaykhandbake, for Majulah Weekender
Rangga Jones, an Indonesian Pop-R&B singer-songwriter based here in Singapore, is joined by Singaporean producer Shaykhandbake of Noivil Studios for ‘On My Mind’. It is a Dance- and R&B- informed number, delving into the feelings of regret and being misunderstood after a break-up, brought to you by the National Youth Council-supported Majulah Weekender programme.
“Basically, the song is about a misunderstood breakup and you’re listening to the guy’s point of view and thoughts throughout the whole relationship,” Rangga shared in a press statement.
‘i can’t be repaired’ by Dreebsby
The feature single of Dreebsby’s latest EP, 5AM, ‘i can’t be repaired’ is a devastating break-up ballad documenting the heartache and self-loathing that creeps up to you in the middle of the night.
Try as you might to drown your sorrows in alcohol and casual company, the track is a harrowing look at the stark loneliness when the party is over, and you are faced with the fact that your life will never be the same now that the most important person in your life has walked out.
‘Run It’ by Reserate
Local metalcore band Reserate has put its unique spin on ‘Run It’, a track originally by DJ Snake, Rick Ross and Rich Brian for the blockbuster Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings. Reserate flipped the initial EDM Hip-Hop sound of the track into a dynamic Rap-Metal piece that boasts chugging guitars, headbang-worthy percussions and menacing gutturals.
In the already niche context of Singapore music, a young metalcore band such as Reserate exists in a space that is even more limited in a genre that has not been popular since the early-2000s. The bravery and resilience of bands like them to carve out a space for themselves is undeniably admirable, and perfectly displays the spirit of Singapore’s independent bands.
‘Don’t You Worry’ by Reggie Pryor and Jeremy Monteiro
If Jazzy numbers are more up your ally, then we recommend this collaborative track by Singapore-based Indonesian baritone Reggie Pryor and Singapore’s very own Jazz maestro Jeremy Monteiro. ‘Don’t You Worry’ also features writing credits from fellow Jazz musician Daniel Chia and our very own Glamour Vintage Songbird, Miss Lou.
‘Don’t You Worry’ has the spirit of the Bare Necessities. It is a gentle nudge to not be defeated by the circumstances, materialism, and negativity of the world. The song encourages listeners to count their blessings, take good care of themselves, and take time to immerse in the beauty of the nature around us, and appreciate the present moment.
If you enjoyed these tracks, be sure to stay tuned for more exciting local music recommendations that the Review Chronicle team will be bringing you on a regular basis!
