Baybeats Budding Programmes

A mentorship programme within Baybeats Festival that covers music, gig photography and journalism.

About Baybeats Budding Programmes

The Baybeats Budding Bands mentorship programme is an artist development programme within Baybeats Festival that identifies independent Singapore bands with the potential to excel. It provides new bands the opportunity to gain insights, network and hone their craft through a mentorship programme with Singapore’s music veterans and an opportunity to present their music on an established platform.

 

At the end of the two-month mentorship programme, selected bands will have an opportunity to perform a 30-minute set at Baybeats 2024, presented by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. These bands will be profiled alongside other prominent local and overseas acts in Esplanade’s marketing channels as well as at Baybeats 2024. The programme aims to open up pathways for future opportunities for the selected bands, such as sponsorship, performances and a career in music. Bands will each receive an honorarium for their performance at Baybeats 2024.

 

Submission details
Applications open from 30 Apr 2024, Tue. As part of your application, you will be required to submit:

  • Your most recent high-resolution band photo

  • A demo of your original music

  • Links to videos of past performances

 

Deadline for submission is 31 May 2024, Fri, 11.59pm. Applicants who have been shortlisted for auditions will be notified by 14 Jun 2024, Fri.

29 – 30 Jun: Audition 1

 

1 Jul – 2 Aug: Weekly mentor check-ins*

 

3 – 4 Aug: Audition 2

 

24 Aug: Budding Bands Session 1

 

31 Aug: Budding Bands Session 2

 

7 Sep: Budding Bands Session 3

 

28 Sep: Budding Bands Session 4

 

11 – 13 Oct: Baybeats 2024

 

*Bands are required to organise weekly mentor check-ins after making through Audition 1. This will include jam sessions.

 

Full attendance of all Baybeats Budding Bands Sessions and Baybeats 2024 is compulsory.

  1. Bands that have not previously performed at Baybeats.

  2. Band members that do not have any existing contract with any major music label or agency (to be evaluated and verified at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s sole discretion).

  3. Bands that can perform a minimum set of 30 minutes at Baybeats 2024.

  4. Bands that can perform entirely original music, with most songs performed in English at Baybeats 2024.

  5. All band members reside in Singapore. There is no age limit.

  6. Note: Bands that have previously applied for past editions but have not been successful are welcome to submit applications.

  1. The band is expected to show up at least 30 mins before their allocated time and be ready to load in, set up and play at their appointed time. Being late will disqualify your band.

  2. Each band will undergo two rounds of auditions whereby they will be asked to perform up to two original works at the first audition, and up to three original works at the second audition. Each band will only have 15 mins onstage to set up, perform and strike.

  3. All auditioning bands are required to bring their own instruments, effects and cables unless otherwise stated.

  4. The band will be held liable should their actions result in any damages and/or loss of equipment and property provided.

  5. There is zero tolerance for the use of illegal drugs and substances/alcohol. Violation will result in immediate disqualification and the band will be escorted from the premise.

  6. The band must be decently dressed during the audition.

  7. The band must keep good conduct at all times throughout the event. Spitting, offensive/obscene behaviour, damaging of equipment or encouraging violent behaviour will result in instant disqualification.

  8. The band is responsible for making all necessary arrangements to be excused by their employers, schools or other relevant organisation/institution in anticipation of their participations in all Baybeats activities. An official reference letter can be furnished by Esplanade upon request.

  1. All band participants will be judged on the following criteria:

    • Musicianship

    • Band dynamics

    • Composition

    • Showmanship

    • Overall impression

  2. The judges’ decision in all matters is final and no correspondence from then on will be entertained.

  • Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

  • Applications are to be submitted using the provided platform. Should you submit more than one entry, only the latest one submitted before the entry closing date will be considered.

  • Results of the applications will be posted on the Baybeats website and social media within three weeks after the open call closes. Only shortlisted bands with successful applications will receive an email notification of their scheduled audition timeslots, via their given email address.

  • All music and vocals must be performed live.

  • Use of vulgar, sexually explicit, sacrilegious or violent language and/or lyrics is prohibited.

  • The band must only perform original English compositions during the audition(s).

  • Selected bands should not have changes in their line-up from what they submit in their application form. Bands will be required to perform in Baybeats with the members whom they auditioned with.

  • Bands must give at least 72 hours’ notice should they choose to withdraw from the auditions.

  • All bands agree to have their names, voices, likenesses, sound materials and photographs used by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and sponsors for the purpose of publicity, broadcasting, advertising and or trade without further compensation or notice.

  • The band agrees to participate in promotional activities, including but not limited to media interviews, promotional appearances and events arranged by Esplanade for publicity and promotional purposes for which no additional fees shall be paid to the band.

  • The auditions will be filmed. Esplanade reserves the right to use footage for promotions and other non-commercial purposes.

  • Esplanade reserves the right to amend the audition rules and guidelines without prior notice.

  • Esplanade will not be held responsible should there be any loss or damage of the band’s personal equipment.

  • By participating in this audition, the band agrees to abide by the rules and regulations, terms and conditions, and all decisions made by Esplanade.

The Baybeats Budding Photographers mentorship programme started in 2010 with the aim of sharpening the skills of promising young shutterbugs. Each year, amateur photographers are chosen to participate in a specially designed series of workshops and critique sessions with mentor and photographer, Aloysius Lim. Successful applicants will be part of the team that covers behind-the-scenes activities of Baybeats 2024 and provide social media support for the festival. Aspiring photographers are invited to apply according to their interest and expertise in the field.

 

Submission details
Applications open from 30 Apr 2024, Tue. As part of your application, you will be required to submit:

  • A portfolio comprising five of your best photos

  • A short write-up detailing how you would benefit from this mentorship programme


Deadline for submission is 31 May 2024, Fri, 11.59pm. Applicants who have been shortlisted will be notified by 14 Jun 2024, Fri.

24 Aug: Budding Photographers Session 1

 

2 Sep: Budding Photographers Session 2

 

9 Sep: Budding Photographers Session 3

 

16 Sep: Budding Photographers Session 4

 

30 Sep: Budding Photographers Session 5

 

10 Oct: Venue walkabout at Esplanade

 

11 – 13 Oct: Baybeats 2024

 

21 Oct: Budding Photographers Session 6

 

 

Full attendance of all Baybeats Budding Photographers sessions and Baybeats 2024 is compulsory.

  • Aged 18–30 years old

  • Have your own professional camera

  • Passionate about music and photography

Aloysius Lim

 

Having honed his skills by shooting gigs in Singapore since 2003, Aloysius Lim has built an impressive portfolio photographing the tastemakers of today’s music scene, from the likes of Coldplay and Jason Mraz to The Police and Green Day. He has also captured unforgettable moments at renowned festivals like Laneway Festival, Timbre Rock & Roots, Rockaway Festival, Good Vibes Festival, Urbanscapes and Esplanade’s Baybeats. Aloysius has had several honourable mentions at the International Photo Awards (IPA). In recent years, he has worked closely with international musicians such as Celine Dion, Michael Learns To Rock and Westlife for their shows in Singapore.

  • Application is open to all Singaporeans, PRs and foreign nationals residing in Singapore who are between 18 and 30 years old.

  • Applications are to be submitted using the provided platform. Should you submit more than one entry, only the latest one submitted before the entry closing date will be considered.

  • Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

  • The programme is open to amateur photographers only. No prior experience or training is required.

  • All participants are required to bring and use their own digital camera and equipment for this programme.

  • All participants must agree to have their photographs used by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay for the purpose of publicity, broadcasting, advertising and/or trade without further compensation or notice, in relation to the programme.

  • Selected participants are required to commit fully to the workshops and training sessions listed above and all the programmes at Baybeats 2024.

  • Selected participants must agree that Esplanade may obtain, reproduce and broadcast images taken during festivals presented by Esplanade by any electronic, digital or other means, provided that these images are used solely for the purpose of promoting the artists, the said event, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay or the arts in Singapore in general, which may include free screenings of such images in their entirety either at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay or at any venue which TECL is using for the said promotion.

  • Due credit will be given to photographers whose works are selected and used by Esplanade. There will be no monetary reward for the use of the images.

  • Participants will agree to abide by the rules and regulations, terms and conditions, and all decisions made by Esplanade.

  • Esplanade reserves the right to amend the rules and guidelines without prior notice.

The Baybeats Budding Writers mentorship programme has been running since 2014, building a community of writers to cover the growing local music scene in Singapore. Under the guidance and mentorship of Eddino Abdul Hadi and Hidzir Junaini, our budding writers will learn more about music journalism and on being a voice for the local music community. The successful applicants will be a part of the team that will cover behind-the-scenes activities of Baybeats 2024 and help to ideate and conceptualise social media content for the festival. Aspiring music writers and journalists are invited to apply according to their interest and expertise in the field of writing.

 

Submission details

Applications open from 30 Apr 2024, Tue. As part of your application, you will be required to submit:

  • Your best work

  • Journal entries

  • Features or interview articles

  • Any form of academic writing, reviews or critical work


Deadline for submission is 31 May 2024, Fri, 11.59pm. Applicants who have been shortlisted for an interview will be notified by 14 Jun 2024, Fri.

22 – 23 Jun and 29 – 30 Jun: Interviews*

 

24 Aug: Budding Writers Session 1

 

31 Aug: Budding Writers Session 2

 

14 Sep: Budding Writers Session 3

 

28 Sep: Budding Writers Session 4

 

10 Oct: Venue walkabout at Esplanade

 

11 – 13 Oct 2024: Baybeats 2024

 

19 Oct: Budding Writers Session 5

 

 

*All applicants will have to go through one round of interview as part of the selection process

 

Full attendance for all Baybeats Budding Writers sessions and Baybeats 2024 is compulsory.

  • Aged 18 – 30 years old

  • Passionate about music and writing

Eddino Abdul Hadi

A music correspondent for The Straits Times, Eddino Abdul Hadi has been writing about music for the newspaper since 2007. Prior to his job at the newspaper, he was one of the main writers for BigO, Singapore's only independent music magazine, from 1999 – 2003. Eddino has been a mentor of the Baybeats Budding Writers programme since 2014.

 

Hidzir Junaini

Hidzir Junaini is a freelance journalist in Singapore, currently covering film and television for publications such as NME Asia and Popwire. He has previously served as a writer and editor for various music and nightlife magazines such as MetroWize, inSing, JUICE Singapore, Bandwagon, MTV Asia, Straatosphere, and VICE, among others.

 

With over 15 years of professional experience (and a lifetime of nerdy obsessions) under his belt, Hidzir has established himself as one of the foremost pop culture pundits in the Southeast Asian region. Outside of his journalistic endeavours, he is also the co-founder and co-host of fantasy / science fiction podcast Genre Equality, alongside pro wrestling podcast Hard Hidz.

  • Application is open to all Singaporeans, PRs and foreign nationals residing in Singapore who are between the 18 and 30 years old.

  • Applications are to be submitted using the provided platform. Should you submit more than one entry, only the latest one submitted before the entry closing date will be considered.

  • Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

  • The programme is open to amateur writers only. No prior experience or training is required.

  • Selected participants are required to commit fully to the workshops, training sessions listed above and all the programmes at Baybeats 2024.

  • Use of vulgar, sexually explicit, violent, or socially inappropriate language and/or content is strictly prohibited.

  • All participants agree to have their written works, created during the course of this programme, used by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay for the purpose of publicity, broadcasting, advertising and/or trade, in relation to the programme, without further compensation or notice.

  • Participants agree to abide by the rules and regulations, terms and conditions, and all decisions made by Esplanade.

  • Esplanade reserves the right to amend the rules and guidelines without prior notice.

For more information, email us.

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