Baybeats Budding Programmes

Day 1

21 Jun, Sat

freereina!

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.

SHINSEINA

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.

Fern

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.

haldi honey

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. 

Day 2 

22 Jun, Sun

whelmed

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.

pines

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.

Brass Basah

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.

rathmock

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. 

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.

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

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

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.

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 set for a minimum of 30mins at Baybeats 2025.

4. Bands that can perform entirely original music, with most songs performed in English at Baybeats 2025.

5. All band members must be residing in Singapore. There is no age limit.

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

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.

*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

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.

Ryan Chang

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.

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.

*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

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

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.

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.

*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.

1. Ages 18 – 35 years old

2. Passionate about music and hosting live events

3. Possesses a keen understanding of music and Baybeats with some hosting experience

Gordon Khoo

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.