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What’s harder than making music in Singapore? Making it pay

Zenith Wong

Published Wed, Aug 2, 2023 · 03:00 PM
    • Tan Peng Sing, founder of record label Where Are The Fruits, performing in his own band.
    • Tan Peng Sing, founder of record label Where Are The Fruits, performing in his own band. PHOTO: COURTESY OF TAN PENG SING

    EVEN as blockbuster music acts make headlines for sold-out stadium shows, local Singapore artistes find it hard to get listeners.

    “People are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on these imported acts, but they are not even willing to spend S$20 to S$50 on a local act,” said Dominic Yuan, founder of local record label Parka, citing the examples of pop superstars Taylor Swift and Blackpink.

    Both anecdotes and data agree: Singaporeans are simply not as willing to give local music a chance.

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