Local indie acts to share famed English stage

FOR decades now, the name Rough Trade has been synonymous with great indie music. The English label-retailer has been promoting and signing cutting edge bands such as Cabaret Voltaire and Stiff Little Fingers since way back in the 1970s; as well as legendary Britpop ones such as The Smiths and The Libertines.

Music lovers around the world flock to their shops in the UK and US not only to check out their great selection but also for a chance to catch in-store appearances by an eclectic roster of acts. And performing next week at its East London outlet are a select group of homegrown musicians who will be proudly flying the Singapore flag.

They are neo-soul guitarist-crooner Charlie Lim, dream-pop quintet Pleasantry and folk-pop singer-songwriter Gentle Bones, who have all been selected by The Music Society Singapore (SGMUSO) to be part of the London edition of its Live Showcase initiative.