Baybeats 2023

Programmer's message

Singapore’s largest alternative music festival is back this year, bigger and better (and still free for all to enjoy)!

Held from 6 – 8 Oct 2023, the 22nd edition of Baybeats is one not to be missed by music lovers as Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay presents an exciting line-up of homegrown and international acts, supported by new partnerships formed with overseas music festivals as well as Principal Sponsor KEEN.

Baybeats remains committed to celebrating and supporting the Singapore music community. We are privileged to be in partnership this year with two esteemed East Asian festivals, Taiwan’s Golden Melody Awards and Festival (GMA) and Ear Up Music Festival from Hong Kong, giving us the opportunity to raise awareness of our local talents overseas and profile the festival internationally. These connections also allow us to present outstanding acts such as dream pop and alternative rock band I Mean Us from Taiwan and live electronic musician and producer, hirsk, one of the four Hong Kong acts who will be performingat Baybeats 2023. As part of the partnership, BaybeatsBudding Bands’ alumni, motifs took the stage at GMA earlier in June this year. Just as how we collaborated with Taiwanese music festival LUCfest last year, we continue to seek ways to establish connections with other music festivals or platforms beyond our shores.

At Baybeats last year, we were extremely heartened by the overwhelming support and enthusiastic crowd who turned up at Powerhouse² at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre at Esplanade. This year, we continue to explore the versatility of the space and to optimise the audio experience for audiences. Immerse in the full experience of British math rock icons, Delta Sleep as well as Filipino indie rock band Urbandub now performing live—we could only watch them on our screens previously at Baybeats 2021 during the pandemic. Others on the bill include Singaporean emo band Forests who have been garnering international attention, rising Indonesian punk outfit, The Jansen, as well as Holy Serpent from Australia, bringing their brand of heavy psych doom metal. In addition to these (and personally, what I’m most excited about!), is the return of homegrown legends, indie band The Great Spy Experiment and grindcore act Wormrot featuring Spanish vocalist Gabriel Dubko and multidisciplinary artist weish.

Those itching to get on their feet and groove along can look forward to the electrifying line-up at the Arena (DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre at Esplanade). The line-up here includes front runners of the Singaporean ska scene, Cesspit, Chinese alternative indie trio, Orange Ocean, Thailand’s up-and-coming shoegaze / dream pop band, Death of Heather, as well as Sun Cell, solo project of Singaporean synthpop producer Daryl Hor. Of course, not forgetting the five Baybeats Budding Bands from this year’s mentorship programme.

Over at the Annexe (Esplanade Annexe Studio), fans will be treated to a myriad of intricate sounds by post hardcore / shoegaze trio from Japan, MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS and instrumental math rock by our very own Sphaeras. For hip hop enthusiasts, watch for Feez and Mary Sue and the Clementi Sound Appreciation Club.

At the Chillout Stage (Esplanade Concourse), we challenge bands to present their usual hard-hitting numbers in unplugged settings. Malaysian psychedelic rock band, Capt’n Trips and The Kid, alongside Singaporean alternative rock outfit, Krunkle will present a different facet of their music at this space.

Complementing the vibrant music performances is the Baybeats festival village. It returns to the Esplanade Lawn, outside Singtel Waterfront Theatre with a lepak area at the Esplanade Courtyard, which offer festival goers a space to relax and recharge (and check out the latest KEEN and our unique Baybeats merchandise too!).

Last but not least, a huge shoutout to the young writers, photographers, emcees and musicians of our Baybeats Budding Programmes. As we speak, they’re probably working hard behind the scenes, honing their skills to make their voices heard (figuratively and literally) during the upcoming festival.

Baybeats 2023 will be one for fans and friends from Singapore and around the globe. We cannot wait to rock out with everyone and revitalise that raw energy onsite, so see you in October!

Adeline Lee

Programmer, The Esplanade Co Ltd

On behalf of the Baybeats team