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Have more questions?
We’re happy to help.
Call us at +65 6828 8377 (12 pm – 6 pm)
Contact form here
Have more questions?
We’re happy to help.
Call us at +65 6828 8377 (12 pm – 6 pm)
Contact form here
The second round of auditions for the Baybeats Budding Bands programme puts the shortlisted bands to the test in a live setting with an audience. The bands will be assessed not only for their potential in composition and musicality, but also in stage presence and performance skills.
All are welcome to watch these auditions, which are free to attend by registration. This is your chance to show your support for local budding bands and to discover new Singapore artists!
Registration is for Esplanade&Me members only. Not a member? It’s free to join, sign up here.
21 Jun, Sat
|
6.30pm – 7pm |
freereina! is a project about catharsis. Their dense, euphoric songwriting weaves through a multilayered DNA: equally indebted to Japanese indie rock’s emotive maximalism, hypergaze assaults via Shibuya-kei terrain; math-y emo confessionals dripping through glittering electronics; stream-of-consciousness lyricism accompanying indie-pop sweetness. Born from a new age of digital melancholia, their wall of guitars craft songs that resonate with a deep piercing blue.
|
7.15pm – 7.45pm |
SHINSEINA is a five-piece metalcore band from Singapore. Their love for melodic, progressive and experimental sounds inspires the band to explore various expressions while staying true to their music.
Their recent EP, Hell and Wonder, brings an aggressive sonic experience without forgoing melancholic melodies that resonate with listeners.
|
8pm – 8.30pm |
Fern, an alternative emo band formed in 2022, is a musical fusion of math rock, mid-west emo, and metalcore. They’ve shared the stage with international acts like Origami Angel (USA), Sedative (AUS), and Irrevocable (PH), and they’re just getting started.
|
8.45pm – 9.15pm |
Recruited on lesbian tinder by nerd Daxa in Singapore, haldi honey is full of math-y, poppy and jazzy bangers with varying levels of heaviness. Sticky sweet and electrifying like a hug from a Pikachu, you will dance, even if you don’t fully know how or why you’re dancing.
22 Jun, Sun
|
6.15pm – 6.45pm |
Blending mellow vocals and energetically spicy licks, these six guys craft a sonic experience that hits you on many levels.
If dream pop, pop rock, and funk are amongst your favs, you're gonna find something to love here.
Sometimes loud, sometimes chill, but never over or under — they’re just whelmed.
|
7pm – 7.30pm |
Inspired by anything that can hype a crowd, pines is a band of schoolmates bounded by no genre, that became more than just a school project. Their sound is a mix of full and thick guitar tones, wide and intense drums, exciting guitar riffs, and relatable lyrics that are sure to tug on heartstrings.
|
7.45pm – 8.15pm |
Brass Basah is a seven-piece band that blends ska-punk, alt-rock, jazz fusion, and J-pop into a bold, genre-bending sound with local flavour. With a mission to make non-mainstream music like ska more accessible, they fuse experimental energy with catchy, dynamic arrangements. Expect face-melting riffs, syncopated horn hits, and an unapologetically playful stage presence.
|
8.45pm – 9.15pm |
rathmock is a three-piece band. The band is called rathmock because they wanted to play math rock (key word: wanted.) They like to make fun music and make music fun.
This is a closed-door audition, schedule is subject to change.
About ticket registration
Attendees must register for tickets to each day of the auditions. If you would like to attend both days of auditions, please register separately for each of the days.
Each Esplanade&Me account can register for only two tickets per audition day. Please don’t share tickets…it’s free to register.
Entry to the venue is for ticket-holders only, on a first-come, first-served basis. If the venue reaches full capacity, please note that you will not be admitted even if you have tickets. When the venue is full, admission is on a one-out, one-in basis.
If you have exited the venue and would like to enter again, please join the re-entry queue.
Audience participation
Please respect everyone who is present in the venue and refrain from disrespectful, hurtful or offensive language, actions and/or behaviour.
Baybeats/Esplanade reserves the right to remove disruptive individuals from the venue.
Have fun and look out for one another! Remember that we are all here for a common cause—to support the bands on stage.
1. I did not register for a ticket online. Can I still attend the auditions?
You must register for a ticket in order to enter the venue. If it appears that tickets have been fully registered, you’re welcome to come by on the day of the auditions as there may be no-shows. If tickets are available, you can register for tickets onsite at the door and enter the venue once you get your e-ticket.
2. I am below the age of 16 and I’m unable to register for an Esplanade&Meaccount to get a ticket. Can I still catch the auditions?
You must have a ticket to enter the venue. So if you are under the age of 16, do get a family or friend (who is older) to register for a ticket for you.
3. Can I bring my child to the audition?
Admission is open to all ages. Please be advised that the performances tend to be loud and may contain coarse language. Ear protection is highly recommended. If you have children or minors with you, you are responsible for their well-being. Please note that each child or infant-in-arms also requires a ticket to enter the audition venue.
4. Why are the performances so short?
This is the second round of auditions as part of the Baybeats Budding Band mentorship programme and not a full-length performance. As this is an audition, the shortlisted bands will present up to three of their best songs in front of you (the audience) and the Baybeats mentors. Only selected bands from the auditions will proceed to the next stage of the mentorship programme, which includes performing at Baybeats, which takes place from 30 Oct – 2 Nov 2025, Thu – Sun.
5. Can we stay throughout for all the auditions?
Yes, each ticket is valid for its respective day and you can stay on to watch all the bands scheduled to audition on that day.
6. Is re-entry allowed for the auditions?
Re-entry is allowed on a first-come, first-served basis and dependent on venue capacity at that moment. If the venue is full, for safety reasons, you have to wait until someone leaves (a one-out, one-in basis). If you have exited the venue and would like to enter again, please join the re-entry queue and keep your wristband on or have your e-ticket on hand.
7. Why am I not allowed into the venue when I have a ticket?
The number of audience members in the venue is capped for everyone’s safety. So even if you have tickets, you will not be admitted once the venue reaches full capacity. Entry into the venue is for ticket holders only, on a first-come, first-served basis. When the venue is full, you will only be admitted on a one-out, one-in basis.
8. Why is registration required when the auditions are free?
For safety reasons, the number of people in the venue cannot exceed its capacity limit. Registration helps us to manage venue capacity more efficiently, and tracks the number of people who have been admitted into the venue. This is why attendees must each have their own tickets (and why children must also be registered). Thank you for your patience!
Baybeats Budding Bands is an artist development programme that aims to support independent Singapore bands with the intent to pursue music seriously. Over three months, this comprehensive programme will provide new bands with the fundamentals of technical knowledge in live sound production, putting up a live performance and marketing. Bands will also get to network with industry folk from Singapore and the region. To hone their craft, the bands will be mentored by Singapore music veterans as part of the programme. The bands will perform a 30-min set at Baybeats to kickstart their music journey. Upon graduation from this Baybeats Budding programme, bands will also be supported by the Baybeats team as they pursue their careers.
What you will get as a Baybeats Budding Band:
Industry networking: One-on-one interaction with regional and/or international industry delegates, a panel discussion that offers insights into career development and strategies for success.
Technical knowledge: Learning live sound fundamentals with the Esplanade Sound team, understanding basic soundcheck etiquette and your own monitoring.
Marketing and communications: Building your brand as an up-and-coming band, crafting PR or social media campaigns and strategising for EP releases.
A chance to perform on stage during Baybeats 2025.
Submission details:
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
Applications open: 19 Mar 2025, Wed, 12pm
Deadline for submissions: 20 Apr 2025, Sun, 11.59pm
Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 24 Apr 2025, Thu, 11.59pm.
The registration is now closed.
|
Date |
Key activity |
|
10 & 11 May |
Audition 1 |
|
21 & 22 Jun |
Audition 2 |
|
12 Jul |
Budding Bands Session 1 & 2 |
|
19 Jul |
Budding Bands Session 3 |
|
26 Jul |
Budding Bands Session 4 |
|
Aug |
Budding Bands Session 5A & 5B |
|
13 Sep |
Budding Bands Session 6 & 7 |
|
20 Sep |
Budding Bands Session 8 |
|
30 Oct |
Performance on day one of Baybeats 2025 |
Dates are subject to change. Bands that are selected after Audition 1 are required to organise weekly mentor check-ins and jam sessions.
Full attendance of all Baybeats Budding Bands sessions and Baybeats 2025 is compulsory.
All band participants will be judged on the following criteria:
Musicianship
Band dynamics
Composition
Showmanship
Overall impression
The judges’ decision in all matters is final and no correspondence from then on will not be entertained.
Joseph Chian
Joseph Chian is a multifaceted musician, sound designer, and educator driven by a passion for creating immersive sonic experiences. With a strong background in music performance, sound design, and music technology, Joseph has had the privilege of working on various projects that showcase his technical expertise and creative flair.
As a drummer, Joseph plays for local shoegaze pioneer Astreal. Additionally, he is the percussionist and drummer for Kulcha, a Singapore-based cultural ethnic group, where he explores the rich musical heritage of diverse cultures.
As part of the sound designer duo Stan X Soap, Joseph collaborates on sound design for theatre and interactive sound projects, crafting unique sonic landscapes that enhance the narrative and emotional impact of each production.
Pursuing an MSc in Sound Design, Joseph is committed to advancing his expertise in sound design and audio production. As a mentor, he is dedicated to sharing his expertise with the next generation of musicians, sound designers, and audio producers. He is excited to collaborate with like-minded professionals who share his passion for sound and music, and looks forward to inspiring and guiding aspiring musicians in their creative journeys.
Isa Ong is a musician who lives in several projects, including the bands Pleasantry, Amateur Takes Control and sub:shaman, spanning the genres of indie pop/rock, math rock, progressive rock and post-metal.
Independently, Isa also produces electronic music under the name Claude Glass, releasing his debut EP, Isekai in late-2020 under Syndicate as well as for audio-visual experiences.
When apart from his bands, he’s a creative and music supervisor at the audio post house Fuse, crafting all things audio for the advertising industry.
Saiful Idris is the songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist of The Great Spy Experiment, an indie-rock band widely regarded as one of the leading lights of Singapore’s independent music scene. Their sound fuses the best of indie, rock, and dance—guitar-driven yet rhythmically dynamic, with indie riffs juxtaposing irresistible pop hooks and melodies that tug the heartstrings. The band has performed at internationally renowned festivals, including Baybeats, One Movement, Singfest, ZoukOut, MIDEM, and South by Southwest, bringing their music to audiences in London, New York, Perth, Cannes, and Taipei. Saiful is also a producer and the founder of SRNDR Records, with a repertoire of releases that reflect an appreciation of the structure and aesthetics of early yet timeless electronic dance music – atribute to the old but original school.
Martin Kong
Martin Kong is the drummer for Caracal and Naedr. His band Caracal has released two albums and two EPs, performing at festivals such as Baybeats, Summersonic, MIDI Festival, Spring Scream Festival, and more. His bands have toured globally, playing in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, China, and Southeast Asia, and opened for major acts like Anberlin, Funeral For a Friend, Underoath, and The Used. Their LP, Welcome The Ironists, hit #1 on iTunes Singapore upon its release in December 2014. Their latest album, Effigies, was released in August 2024. Additionally, he has filled in for acts like Amateur Takes Control, Monster Cat, Sherene’s Closet, West Grand Boulevard, and Tomgirl.
Beyond drumming, Martin is a recording engineer and mixer at Snakeweed Studios, working alongside his mentor Leonard Soosay. He has worked on recordings for bands such as Caracal, Naedr, Marijannah, Amateur Takes Control, Amterible, Supersect, Tell Lie Vision, and HRVST.
With nearly 15 years of teaching experience, Martin always strives to bring out the best in each of his students while remaining a lifelong student of music himself.
Bands that have not previously performed at Baybeats.
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).
Bands that can perform a set for a minimum of 30mins at Baybeats 2025.
Bands that can perform entirely original music, with most songs performed in English at Baybeats 2025.
All band members must be residing 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.
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 without heavy reliance on backing tracks.
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 The Esplanade Co Ltd (Esplanade) 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.
For those who love alternative music and photography, this one’s for you. The Baybeats Budding Photographers programme started in 2010 and is designed for promising young shutterbugs to sharpen their skills, especially in concert photography. Successful applicants will get the rare opportunity to discover the inner workings of Baybeats and Esplanade as you hone your craft, under the mentorship of veteran photographers Aloysius Lim and Ryan Chang. On top of photographing different music acts, you will also be providing behind-the-scenes coverage and social media support for Baybeats.
For the 2025 edition of this mentorship, you will also collaborate with the Baybeats Budding Writers to create a zine, which will be distributed at Baybeats 2025. Let your creativity come alive, on paper.
Submission details:
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
Applications open: 19 Mar 2025, Wed, 12pm
Deadline for submissions: 20 Apr 2025, Sun, 11.59pm
Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 30 May 2025, Fri, 11.59pm.
|
Date |
Key activity |
|
26 Apr – 1 May |
Interviews* |
|
12 Jul |
Budding Photographers Session 1 |
|
14 Jul |
Budding Photographers Session 2 |
|
28 Jul |
Budding Photographers Session 3 |
|
11 Aug |
Budding Photographers Session 4 |
|
23 Aug |
Budding Photographers Session 5 |
|
25 Aug |
Budding Photographers Session 6 |
|
6 Sep |
Budding Photographers Session 7 |
|
30 Oct – 2 Nov |
Baybeats 2025 |
|
6 Nov |
Budding Photographers Session 8 |
*All applicants will have to go through one round of (online) interview as part of the selection process
Full attendance of all Baybeats Budding Photographers sessions and Baybeats 2025 is compulsory.
Aged 18–30 years old
Have your own professional camera
Passionate about music and photography
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.
With over a decade of global experience, Ryan Chang is a seasoned photographer and video director whose works have appeared in numerous international publications across multiple continents. Passionate about fostering long-term collaborative relationships, he builds creative partnerships grounded in trust and open dialogue. Ryan has made a name for himself by touring full-time for some of the biggest names in hard rock and metal, including GRAMMY-winning acts such as Bullet For My Valentine, Ghost and Megadeth. The music videos he has directed include the viral hit Mary On A Cross by Ghost, Piece of Me by Bullet For My Valentine, as well as Steal The Sun by While She Sleeps. Ryan was part of the Baybeats Budding Photographer cohort of 2009.
This programme 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 The Esplanade Co Ltd (Esplanade) 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 2025.
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 and its venues, 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 Esplanade 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.
If you’ve always wanted to be a voice for local music (and you cannot sing but you can write), then this is for you. The Baybeats Budding Writers programme aims to build a community of writers equipped to write about music, to support the Singapore’s music scene. Over two months, successful applicants will learn about music journalism under the guidance and mentorship of veteran writers, Eddino Abdul Hadi and Ilyas Sholihyn. Not only will you experience how a festival like Baybeats comes together, but also the behind-the-scenes activities of Baybeats and Esplanade.
For the 2025 edition of this mentorship, you will also collaborate with the Baybeats Budding Photographers to create a zine, which will be distributed at Baybeats 2025. Let your creativity come alive, on paper.
If this process unearths your inner Dostoevsky, you may also have a chance to take on more writing projects for Esplanade Offstage that go beyond music.
Submission details:
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
Applications open: 19 Mar 2025, Wed, 12pm
Deadline for submissions: 20 Apr 2025, Sun, 11.59pm
Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 30 May 2025, Fri, 11.59pm.
The registration is now closed.
|
Date |
Key activity |
|
26 Apr – 1 May |
Interviews* |
|
12 Jul |
Budding Writers Session 1 & 2 |
|
2 Aug |
Budding Writers Session 3 |
|
16 Aug |
Budding Writers Session 4 & 5 |
|
23 Aug |
Budding Writers Session 6 |
|
6 Sep |
Budding Writers Session 7 |
|
30 Oct – 2 Nov |
Baybeats 2025 |
|
15 Nov |
Budding Writers Session 8 |
*There will be an (online) interview with all shortlisted applicants.
Full attendance of all Baybeats Budding Writers sessions and Baybeats 2025 is compulsory.
Aged 18 – 30 years old
Passionate about music and writing
Ilyas Sholihyn is a media veteran with over a decade in digital journalism, specialising in investigative reporting, cultural commentary, and human-interest stories. He has led teams in top online news and lifestyle publications, and his expertise in media innovation is sought in universities, industry podcasts, conferences, and boardrooms. He currently runs RICE Media as Editor-in-Chief.
Eddino Abdul Hadi is a seasoned music correspondent for The Straits Times, where he has been covering the music scene since 2007. Before his tenure at the newspaper, he was a key writer for BigO, Singapore's only independent music magazine, from 1999 to 2003. Throughout his career, Eddino has been deeply involved in nurturing the next generation of music writers, serving as a mentor for the Baybeats Budding Writers programme since 2014.
This programme 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 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 2025.
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 The Esplanade Co Ltd (Esplanade) and its entities such as Esplanade Offstage, for the purposes 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.
If you are a die-hard local music fan and you love to hype up a crowd, then this is it! This Baybeats Budding Emcees mentorship will introduce you to the tricks of the trade under the guidance and mentorship of veteran emcee Gordon Khoo. You will get a chance to showcase your hosting skills at Baybeats but this is only the beginning.
After this programme, you could also be selected to emcee at other incredible performances presented by Esplanade. Apply now and learn to be a master of the microphone.
Submission details:
As part of your application, you will be required to submit a video clip that:
Tell us more about who you are
A demonstration of how you will introduce a local band to a live audience
The clip should be 2 – 4 minutes in duration
Applications open: 19 Mar 2025, Wed, 3pm
Deadline for submissions: 20 Apr 2025, Sun, 11.59pm
Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 30 May 2025, Fri, 11.59pm.
|
Date |
Key activity |
|
12 Jul |
Budding Emcees Session 1 |
|
20 Aug |
Budding Emcees Session 2 |
|
27 Aug |
Budding Emcees Session 3 |
|
3 Sep |
Budding Emcees Session 4 |
|
Sep |
Live practice at Esplanade Monthly Free Programme |
|
8 Oct |
Budding Emcees Session 5 |
|
15 Oct |
Budding Emcees Session 6 |
|
30 Oct – 2 Nov |
Baybeats 2025 |
*Each participant will be scheduled to emcee for up to two free programmes under Esplanade's monthly free programme series in September 2025. The programme allocation will be decided together with successful applicants.
Full attendance of all Baybeats Budding Emcee sessions and Baybeats 2025 is compulsory.
Ages 18 – 35 years old
Passionate about music and hosting live events
Possesses a keen understanding of music and Baybeats with some hosting experience
Gordon has been a part of Baybeats since its inception in 2002, lending his skills to the festival as, most notably, one of its longest-standing emcees. A former performer himself, he brings a deep understanding of the stage to his role, and for over two decades, he has mentored and coached aspiring emcees, passing on his unique insights and extensive experience to the next generation.
Application is open to all Singaporeans, PRs and foreign nationals residing in Singapore who are between 18 and 35 years old.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
The programme is open to emcees with some prior experience.
Selected participants are required to commit fully to the workshops, training sessions listed above and all the programmes at Baybeats 2025.
Use of vulgar, sexually explicit, violent, or socially inappropriate language and/or content is strictly prohibited.
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.
Baybeats is Singapore’s largest free alternative music festival, featuring some of the best established and upcoming acts in Singapore and the region.