Baybeats Budding Programmes

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

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 2023, 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 2023. The programme aims to open up future opportunities for sponsorship, performances and a career in music for the selected bands. Bands will each receive an honorarium for their performance at Baybeats Festival 2023.

 

Submission Deadline:

4 Jun 2023, Sun, 11.59pm

Applications open from 5 May 2023, Fri, 12pm

Applicants who have been shortlisted for auditions will be notified by 16 Jun 2023, Fri.

 

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

24 & 25 Jun 2023 – Audition 1

 

Between 26 Jun – 4 Aug 2023 – Mentor Check-Ins*

 

5 & 6 Aug 2023 – Audition 2

 

19 Aug 2023 – Budding Bands Session 1

 

26 Aug 2023 – Budding Bands Session 2

 

2 Sept 2023 – Budding Bands Session 3

 

9 Sept 2023 – Budding Programme Combined Session

 

23 Sept 2023 – Budding Bands Session 4

 

6 – 8 Oct 2023 – Baybeats Festival 2023

 

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

 

Full attendance for all Baybeats Budding Bands Sessions and Baybeats 2023 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 Festival 2023.

  4. Bands that can perform entirely original music, with most songs performed in English at Baybeats Festival 2023.

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

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

  1. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
  2. 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.
  3. Results of the applications will be posted on 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.
  4. All music and vocals must be performed live.
  5. Use of vulgar, sexually explicit, sacrilegious or violent language and/or lyrics is prohibited.
  6. The band must only perform original English compositions during the audition(s).
  7. 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.
  8. Bands must give at least 72 hours’ notice should they choose to withdraw from the auditions.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. The auditions will be filmed. Esplanade reserves the right to use footage for promotions and other non-commercial purposes.
  12. Esplanade reserves the right to amend the audition rules and guidelines without prior notice.
  13. Esplanade will not be held responsible should there be any loss or damage of the band’s personal equipment.
  14. By participating in this audition, the band agrees to abide by the rules and regulations, terms and conditions, and all decisions made by Esplanade.

 

  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.

Are you a die-hard local music fan between 18 to 35 years old with a passion for hosting? Have you ever dreamed of being in the spotlight and commanding a crowd? The Baybeats Budding Emcees mentorship programme is your chance to make that dream a reality! With veteran emcee Gordon Khoo as your coach, you'll learn the tricks of the trade and become a master of the mic.

 

And if you're a natural-born host, you could be selected to emcee other incredible Esplanade Presents programmes, including the heart-stopping Red Dot August, the legendary Rocking the Region, and ever-popular Mosaic Music Series events. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Apply now and learn to command the crowd like a pro with the Baybeats Budding Emcees mentorship programme!

 

Submission Deadline:

4 Jun 2023, Sunday, 11.59pm

Applications open from 5 May 2023, Fri, 12pm

Applicants who have been shortlisted for the live emcee at Baybeats Budding Bands auditions will be notified by 7 Jul 2023, Fri.

 

As part of your application, you will be required to submit:

1. Information on your past hosting experience

2. A video clip* that:

a. Tells us more about who you are, and why you love local music

b. Explains WHY you want to be a Baybeats emcee

c. Shows us HOW you would introduce a local band of your choice to an eager Baybeats audience sitting at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre (max 90 secs)

 

*Guidelines for video submission:

- Your video should be recorded and submitted in landscape orientation only.

- At least the top half of your body must be in frame.

- Make sure what you say is audible!

- Keep your video to a maximum of 5 mins.

 

BONUS! If you’re able (and confident) to speak and emcee in a regional language (Malay, Tagalog, Korean, Thai, or Japanese), then show it off in the video!

24 Jul 2023 – Auditions Prep Session

5 & 6 Aug 2023 – Baybeats Audition 2: Live Emcee 

23 Aug 2023 – Budding Emcees Session 1

30 Aug 2023 – Budding Emcees Session 2

4 – 24 Sep 2023 – Live Emceeing at Esplanade Free Programmes*

20 Sep 2023 – Budding Emcees Session 3

27 Sep 2023 – Budding Emcees Session 4

5 Oct 2023 – Venue walkabout at Esplanade

 

Each participant will be scheduled to emcee for up to two free programmes under Esplanade Presents, between 27 – 31 Aug 2023. Programme allocation will be decided together with successful applicants.

 

Full attendance for all Baybeats Budding Emcees sessions and Baybeats 2023 is compulsory.

  1. Aged 18 – 35 years old
  2. Passionate about music and hosting live events
  3. Possesses a keen understanding of music and Baybeats and some hosting experience
  4. Able to speak a regional language (e.g. Tagalog, Korean, Thai, Bahasa Indonesia/Melayu) [optional]
  1. Application is open to all Singaporeans, PRs and foreign nationals residing in Singapore who are between the 18 and 35 years old.

  2. 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.

  3. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

  4. The programme is open to emcees with some experience.

  5. Selected participants are required to commit fully to the workshops, training sessions listed above and all the programmes at Baybeats 2023.

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

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

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

The Baybeats Budding Photographers mentorship programme started in 2010 with the aim of sharpening the skills of promising young shutterbugs. Each year, six amateur photographers are chosen to participate in a specially designed series of workshops and critique sessions with mentor and photographer, Aloysius Lim. The successful applicants will be part of the team that covers behind-the-scenes activities of Baybeats 2023 and provide social media support for the festival. Would-be participants are invited to apply according to their interest and expertise in the field of photography.

 

Submission Deadline:
4 Jun 2023, Sunday, 11.59pm
Applications open from 5 May 2023, Fri, 12pm.
Applicants who have been shortlisted will be notified by 19 Jun 2023, Monday.

 

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

19 Aug 2023 – Budding Photographers Session 1

21 Aug 2023 – Budding Photographers Session 2

28 Aug 2023 – Budding Photographers Session 3

4 Sept 2023 – Budding Photographers Session 4

9 Sept 2023 – Budding Programme Combined Session

25 Sept 2023 – Budding Photographers Session 5

5 Oct 2023 – Venue walkabout at Esplanade

6 – 8 Oct 2023 – Baybeats Festival 2023 Coverage

16 Oct 2023 – Budding Photographers Session 6 

 

Full attendance for all Baybeats Budding Photographers sessions and Baybeats 2023 is compulsory.

  1. Aged 18–30 years old
  2. Have your own professional camera
  3. Passionate about music and photography

 

About the Mentor: Aloysius Lim

Honing 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 to Jason Mraz, The Police to 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.

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

  2. 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.

  3. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

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

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

  6. 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.

  7. Selected participants are required to commit fully to the workshops and training sessions listed above and all the programmes at Baybeats 2023.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

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

  11. 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 2023 and help to ideate and conceptualise social media content for the festival. Would-be participants are invited to apply according to their interest and expertise in the field of writing.

 

Submission Deadline:
4 Jun 2023, Sunday, 11.59pm
Applications open from 5 May 2023, Fri, 12pm
Applicants who have been shortlisted for the interview will be notified by 9 Jun 2023, Friday.

 

As part of your application, you will be required to submit:

Your writing portfolio, which can include and is not limited to:

  • Your best work
  • Journal entries
  • Features or interview articles
  • Any form of academic writing, reviews or critical work

 

17 & 18 Jun 2023 –Interviews*

19 Aug 2023 –Budding Writers Session 1

26 Aug 2023 –Budding Writers Session 2

2 Sept 2023 –Budding Writers Session 3

9 Sept 2023 –Budding Programme Combined Session

23 Sept 2023 –Budding Writers Session 4

5 Oct 2023 –Venue walkabout at Esplanade

6 – 8 Oct 2023 – Baybeats Festival 2023 Coverage

14 Oct 2023 –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 2023 is compulsory.

  1. Aged 18 – 30 years old
  2. Passionate about music and writing
  3. Have a keen interest in creating content for social media

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.

  1. Application is open to all Singaporeans, PRs and foreign nationals residing in Singapore who are between the 18 and 30 years old.
  2. 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.
  3. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
  4. The programme is open to amateur writers only. No prior experience or training is required.
  5. Selected participants are required to commit fully to the workshops, training sessions listed above and all the programmes at Baybeats 2023.
  6. Use of vulgar, sexually explicit, violent, or socially inappropriate language and/or content is strictly prohibited.
  7. 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.
  8. Participants agree to abide by the rules and regulations, terms and conditions, and all decisions made by Esplanade.
  9. Esplanade reserves the right to amend the rules and guidelines without prior notice.

For more information, email us.

Baybeats is Singapore’s largest free alternative music festival, featuring some of the best established and upcoming acts in Singapore and the region.

ESPLANADE&ME

Become a member

Three membership cards depicting each membership tier, Discover, White and Black.

Great arts experiences begin with Esplanade&Me. Join this membership to enjoy ticket specials on shows at Esplanade, early bird specials, promotions at Esplanade Mall, unlimited access to Offstage and more.

Never miss a show again. Get on our mailing list.