Latest news with #Linying
New Paper
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
'It's not about me': Linying on writing The Road Ahead and finding purpose beyond herself
At just 13 years old, Linying won her very first singing competition - and as they say, the rest is history. Years later, during the Covid-19 lockdown, she found herself entrusted with the responsibility of writing a National Day song - a daunting task that would change her career. That song became The Road Ahead, the anthem of the 2021 National Day Parade (NDP). Its hopeful lyrics and catchy tune resonated with Singaporeans in a time of uncertainty, inspiring not just national pride but an iconic TikTok dance as well. Looking back, the 30-year-old singer-songwriter still finds it surreal. SCREENGRAB: LINYING/YOUTUBE "This song has taken a life of its own in a way that's beyond what I could have imagined," she told The New Paper. From writing for herself to speaking for a nation Approached by her producer friend to come on board as a writer, Linying felt "apprehensive" about writing for the entire country. "All my life, I'd only ever been confident writing from my own experience. Because as an artist, that's the only truth that you're able to confidently convey," she said. Her turning point came when she thought about her friends working on the frontlines. "I thought of everything that they were going through and at that moment I remember thinking, okay - it's not about me," she said. That shift reframed her approach to songwriting, teaching her that music can go beyond personal truth and resonate with collective experience. "At the end of the day, a song only means as much as the people who hear it." Still, the process wasn't easy. Linying admitted that artists often wrestle with the fear that their work feels inconsequential - especially in times of crisis. "And it's not untrue, you know what I mean?" she added. "Art is a luxury, it's a privilege. But in these moments, when you feel helpless, when you see so much uncertainty and pain around you, it helps to make something like this," she said. Writing The Road Ahead gave Linying a sense of purpose beyond herself. Once that meaning was crystallised, the song came together naturally, almost intuitively. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE 'I would have given up': Finding her passion and the people who helped her keep it "I was one of those kids who would put music online while I was in school to destress," said Linying, reflecting on how her musical journey began. As a teen, she filmed and uploaded YouTube videos for fun - a fantasy escape, never something she thought would become her career. Though aware of how tough the music industry could be, she eventually decided to give it a real shot simply because it made her happy. "I got quite lucky," she said, recalling how she stumbled into the world of electronic dance music and ended up touring with a group of European DJs. From there, she started releasing her own music online, gradually building a loyal following. "It all just kind of snowballed," she said, adding that she's now been in music for a decade. It's an unconventional path, and Linying is quick to credit her parents for letting her walk it. She's "eternally grateful" for the freedom they gave her to pursue her passion, even though they had doubts at first. "When you have people encourage you in that way, it's so important to hold on to those moments," said Linying. "If I had a family who didn't encourage me, then I would have probably given up." A moment that stood out: watching her parents see her perform for the first time at the recent NDP rehearsal. "They were so proud," she said with a smile. "It's nice to have your parents be able to witness that." 'I still have trouble processing it': After The Road Ahead Linying was initially warned that reactions to National Day songs could be "brutal". "I was prepared for that," she said, adding that she initially avoided reading any of the comments. But slowly, feedback made its way to her in more personal, meaningful ways. "I remember hearing from so many people and even the hawker stall owners where I regularly buy my food, and they're telling me: 'Oh, we love that song. It's a beautiful one,'" she recalled. Then came the viral moment. The Road Ahead was turned into a TikTok dance by ActiveSG - and kids across the country were performing it. "Wasn't that crazy?" Linying laughed. "It really took me by surprise. I think that dance took the song to a whole other level." To this day, children still come up to her, saying they remember the dance. "I think especially with the kids - that's when I feel the most acutely the kind of impact that this song has made, and it's crazy to me. I still have trouble processing it," she said. "There's this whole new demographic that I did not know I would ever be making music for, but that's what has happened." Looking back, The Road Ahead also changed how she approaches her craft. Linying described herself as someone who typically had an "uncompromising" approach to making art. But with this song, she had to let go. "I often want control over the narrative," she admitted, adding that songwriting is essentially storytelling - a form of control. Attending this year's NDP rehearsal for the first time, she finally saw what her song had become - a shared experience. The military band was playing, and a sea of 30,000 people were singing The Road Ahead at the top of their lungs. "Who gets to experience something like that?" she said, still in awe. "When I think of The Road Ahead, I see the impact of the song and what it means to people. I'm so glad that I managed to be a part of it." 'I'll continue to evolve as life happens': Her own path forward For SG60, Linying returned with another original song - I Will Walk With You - which she performed at this year's NDP rehearsals. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE Unlike the soaring hopefulness of The Road Ahead, this new track is gentler, more intimate, and more introspective in tone. "They were both difficult in their own way," she said, reflecting on the writing process for both songs. With The Road Ahead, there was a "clear crisis" that everyone was facing together - the uncertainty and upheaval of the pandemic. But now, she noted, the challenges people go through feel more invisible. "I think there are a lot of silent struggles that aren't often publicised," said Linying, and it's these that she hoped to honour in I Will Walk With You. "Sometimes, what makes a good and altruistic life is just taking on the task of walking with someone," she said. Though it may not have the reach of its predecessor, she believes this song speaks to Singapore's hopes for a more inclusive and empathetic society. "It's a crazy thing - the way the landscape has evolved," she said, and so have the kind of struggles people carry. The new song, with its quiet grace, gently reflects that shift. Linying herself is learning to make peace with change and instability. She hopes to write more in the future, continuing to evolve, "as life happens". This National Day, if there's one thing Linying hopes to leave us with, it's this: "You don't need to be very much. You just need to be there."
Time Out
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The best National Day songs of all time
Whether they make you beam with pride or cringe just a little, there's no denying the lasting power of Singapore's National Day songs. These annually released anthems are as much a part of the National Day Parade as the dazzling fireworks, slick choreography, and heart-thumping flypasts. Over the years, they've run the gamut from rousing and emotional to unabashedly cheesy, but they all share one thing in common: they stick. These lyrics have lodged themselves in our national psyche ("This is home", anyone?) and tugged at our heartstrings over and over again. So, Here We Are. In honour of Singapore's 60th birthday, these are the Time Out Singapore team's favourite National Day songs of all time. Did any of your faves make the list? The 10 best NDP songs of all time 1. The Road Ahead by various artists (2021) "This song came out when sentiments were at an all-time high and we've just gone through the worst of Covid-19 as a nation. It's not your typical singalong parade anthem – Linying's lyrics are poetic and relevant without being the least bit corny. And the line "where the garden always grows toward the light" is possibly one of the most beautiful National Day song lyrics to have ever been penned. The music video had really cute illustrations too. In spite of the filming constraints due to the pandemic, I thought the animated video was a delight to watch." – Adira Chow, Food & Drink Writer 2. We Are Singapore by various artists (2018) 'Cover songs are either a hit or miss, and this modern take on the 1987 classic by Charlie Lim fares better than the original. Don't get me wrong – it's still quite forgettable compared to previous NDP songs but the diversity in both song and video makes up for it. Plus, extra brownie points for the cats. Oh, and rapping the Singapore pledge? What a time to be alive." – Cam Khalid, Branded Content Editor 3. Our Singapore by various artists (2019) 'Not gonna lie, I had chills the first time I listened to 2019's NDP song, Our Singapore. The nostalgia of Stefanie Sun's We Will Get There performed by legends like Rahimah Rahim and Jacintha Abisheganaden combined with the vocals of new-kids-on-the-block – and actual children – never fail to pull at the heartstrings. Seeing everyone come together to pull this off reminds me that we are indeed one people, one nation and one Singapore.' – Nicole-Marie Ng, Regional Content Director 4. Song for Singapore by Corrinne May (2010) "I want to say Home by Kit Chan, but this song is pretty underrated. I was 17 years old in the year that this was released as the National Day theme song, and I remember appreciating that it was not overly saccharine. The music video is a predictable montage of everyday life in Singapore to tug at the heartstrings, but I can't resist Corrinne May's heavenly vocals, so all is forgiven." – Cheryl Sekkappan, Editor, Singapore and Asia 5. Reach Out For The Skies by Taufik Batisah and Rui En (2005) 'Out of all the NDP songs, I like the tune of this one the most. And it came out around the time I attended the parade in Primary 5, so it's also my most memorable NDP song. I'd consider it quite an upbeat song for that generation — the previous years' were more mellow and emotional and this just had more hype. Plus, I like Rui En." – Liqin Lau, Creative Manager "It's my favourite song just because of Taufik Batisah. I remember learning the dance in primary school and performing it. In fact, I was such a big fan of Taufik that I went to his very first meet and greet and signing event at IMM for his debut album. I also listened to his CD everyday on my Walkman. So safe to say, this particular NDP song stuck with me for a long time." – Farah Adilah, Campaign Manager 6. We Will Get There by Stefanie Sun (2002) "This particular song holds great significance to me. I can still vividly recall listening to it during my early childhood. And now everytime it plays, it instantly takes me back to those carefree days where life was simpler. Not to mention, this song is also a good reminder of the trying times and to appreciate how far we've come as people, and as a nation." – Mingli Seet, Former Art & Culture Writer 7. Not Alone by Benjamin Kheng (2024) "Finally, a Ben Kheng NDP song. It's about time one of Singapore's best singer-songwriters got roped into a National Day project, and his first one sure didn't disappoint. The first thing I thought of when I heard Not Alone was how similar it sounded to This is Me from The Greatest Showman – it's got that same rousing spirit you'd expect from a powerful pop ballad. I also appreciate how the title and lyrics are a subtle and thoughtful nod to mental health. It's a song about solidarity at the end of the day." – Adira Chow, Food & Drink Writer 8. Home by Kit Chan (1998) 'Dick Lee's surprisingly relatable song has probably hit home (pun absolutely intended) at some point in our lives, especially for those who are away from Singapore for an extended period of time. Whether we're homesick for the efficient transport system, fuss-free kopitiam culture, mouthwatering local cuisine, or the weather, this song reminds us that sometimes we do take our sunny island for granted.' – Dewi Nurjuwita, Former Art & Culture Editor 9. Where I Belong by Tanya Chua (2001) 'Every year, like a routine, we get a new shopping mall, a Jack Neo movie and a National Day theme song – that we never asked for. None of them has drawn any strong reactions from me except maybe 2001's NDP theme song Where I Belong. Yes, I agree there can be nothing as great, wholesome and mainstream as Home but this is a close second. Besides, as a history enthusiast, I appreciate the vintage footage of the Singapore skyline in the music video." – Delfina Utomo, Former Editor 10. Moments of Magic by Tanya Chua, Fann Wong and Elsa (1999) 'This song is truly a ~magical~ bop. It's also our official millennium song that brought together an epic trio of Fann Wong (homegirl can sing!), Tanya Chua and Elsa Lin. And since we probably won't live to hear the next millennium NDP song, this one's all we've got.' – Fabian Loo, Former Food & Drink Writer
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Feeling extra patriotic? Here are 7 other SG60 songs beyond official NDP theme Here We Are
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – The official National Day Parade (NDP) theme Here We Are, sung by Kit Chan and Charlie Lim, is not the only song that celebrates National Day in 2025. The SG60 spirit has inspired many local singers, songwriters and musicians to come up with their own tunes. Here are seven new ones that will get you in the National Day mood. I Will Walk With You – Linying Singer-songwriter Linying, co-singer and co-writer of the much-loved 2021 NDP anthem The Road Ahead, will perform her new song, I Will Walk With You, at the National Day Parade 2025. It is also part of a national movement that celebrates the joy of walking together and keeping one another company. The music video, inspired by real-life stories, features Singaporeans from various backgrounds lending a helping hand to fellow residents in need. Linying says in an Instagram post: 'I feel blessed and privileged to have this song of mine, written while I was far away from home, give rise to such a meaningful social movement thanks to the tireless, talented team around it.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Some ageing condos in Singapore struggle with failing infrastructure, inadequate sinking funds Singapore PUB investigating wastewater discharge in Eunos: Pritam Singapore Water gel guns among newer tools NParks uses to manage monkeys in estates World Trump eyes 100% chips tariff, but 0% for US investors like Apple World Trump's 100% semiconductor tariffs may hit chipmakers in Singapore, other SEA nations Singapore Afraid of small talk? Scared to make a phone call? How social skills workshops are helping young people Singapore ST and Uniqlo launch design contest for Singapore stories T-shirt collection Business DBS shares hit record-high after Q2 profit beats forecast on strong wealth fees, trading income Way Back Home – Shazza Singer-songwriter Shazza's National Day song and music video pay tribute to Singaporeans making their mark on the world and who still call the island nation home. 'It is no secret that it has always been a dream of mine to write the official National Day song and that truth remains,' she writes in an Instagram post. 'But more than anything, this year, I just wanted to do what I love for a city that I love. I wanted to write something new, something for the people who are venturing bravely out of Singapore to put our flag on the world map with all sorts of different endeavours.' Singer-songwriter Shazza released a new song, Way Back Home, to mark Singapore's 60th National Day. PHOTO: SHAZZA/YOUTUBE Besides familiar landmarks like the Esplanade and CBD (Central Business District) cityscape, the music video also features spots that recently made the news, like the mural of a young samsui woman in South Bridge Road. For Singapore – Music & Drama Company The SG60 offering by Music & Drama Company (MDC), the professional performing arts group within the Singapore Armed Forces, features something missing from recent official NDP anthems – the word 'Singapore'. Written by MDC artistes Dominic Chin, Gail Belmonte and RINES, it is performed by a large group of singers that include MDC alumni such as pop singers lullaboy, Lily Rahmat-Hargrove, Aaron Bunac and Frances Lee. The Music & Drama Company's National Day album Celebrating Singapore: Volume 2 includes For Singapore, an original track written by MDC artistes Dominic Chin, Gail Belmonte and RINES. PHOTO: SO DRAMA! ENTERTAINMENT For Singapore is found on Celebrating Singapore: Volume 2, a five-track album released in July. This follow-up to 2024's Celebrating Singapore: Volume 1 includes an alternate version of Here We Are, done in the style of retro doo-wop and R&B. Head of MDC Chandra Mohan says in a press statement: 'National Day is a time when we come together to celebrate our shared heritage and legacies. We hope our music and melodies help weave together a tapestry of national pride, spirit and resilience that resides in the heart of every Singaporean.' Dream Big, Singapore – McCann Singapore One of the OGs of National Day songs, 1986's Count On Me Singapore, has a sequel of sorts. Dream Big, Singapore, a song produced by advertising agency McCann Singapore, is written and composed by Count On Me Singapore's songwriter Hugh Harrison. The Canadian, who was based in Singapore from the 1980s to the early 2010s, was formerly McCann's creative director and now lives in Canada. He also composed NDP songs Stand Up For Singapore (1984) and We Are Singapore (1987). Harrison tells ST that while Count On Me Singapore focused on hard work and nation-building, Dream Big, Singapore – performed by local singers Fathin Amira and Kevin Tan – encourages Singaporeans to embrace imagination and bold ideas in facing global challenges. Canadian Hugh Harrison, composer of Singaporean National Day classic Count On Me Singapore, has written a follow-up to the tune titled Dream Big, Singapore. PHOTO: MCCANN 'We live in a world facing complex, borderless challenges. Climate, technology, inequality, peace. These aren't just issues for governments, they're invitations for imagination. And Singapore, with all its talent, creativity and clarity of vision, has so much to offer. 'A nation that once dreamed of surviving must now dream of leading. Not with loud voices, but with bold ideas. 'The time has come to move from certainty to possibility. To shift from 'what is' to 'what if'. To remember that dreaming big isn't about being naive, it's about being brave enough to shape the future.' This Is Where I Belong – Jeff Ng Busker and singer-songwriter Jeff Ng's song for SG60 is a tribute to his home, his roots and the stories that shape Singaporeans. Sung in English, the piano-led, Mandopop-style ballad is accompanied by a music video featuring Ng and his band performing at Nomads, a camping-themed cafe in Seletar. Singer-songwriter and busker Jeff Ng has released a song and music video for Singapore's 60th National Day titled This Is Where I Belong. PHOTO: THE DAILY CREATIVE SINGAPORE/YOUTUBE 'Writing this song was my way of reflecting on what home means to me and I'm so grateful to share it with all of you,' he writes in an Instagram post. Singapu-Rah – Code Raid featuring OmarKENOBI For those who feel that Here We Are is not upbeat enough, the high-energy alternative would be Singapu-Rah by the cast of local online variety show Code Raid. The musical-style music video sees content creators Fauzi Aziz, Quah Siyu, Aida Johan and Isaac Ang perform skits and execute synchronised dance moves in locations such as Commonwealth Secondary School and the distinctive red-brick HDB blocks in Tampines Street 45. Watch out too for the familiar sounds of the koel, better known as the 'uwu' bird due to its distinctive call. Singapu-Rah is a musical-style National Day song and music video by various local content creators from online variety show Code Red. PHOTO: YOU GOT WATCH | YGW/YOUTUBE The hip-hop track is produced by rapper-producer OmarKENOBI, who makes a cameo in the video and drops a few rap verses. Patriot – Kelvin Tan featuring Patrick Chng Patriot is a bluesy ode to Singapore by singer-songwriter Kelvin Tan, a member of home-grown indie and alternative rock pioneers The Oddfellows. 'I give people the benefit of doubt, but I step away from the norm, don't mean I don't love my country, in fact I might be loving her more,' he sings in this contemplation on patriotism that also references local neighbourhoods such as Ghim Moh. Singer, songwriter and alternative rock pioneer Kelvin Tan's song, Patriot, was written for Singapore's National Day. PHOTO: METIOKOS KELVIN TAN/YOUTUBE 'You can say that the song expresses an alternative view to the nation's birthday,' Tan tells ST. Patriot was recorded by The Oddfellows frontman Patrick Chng, who played all the instruments on it with Tan. Chng also directed the music video, which was shot in locations such as the Rail Corridor and Holland Village.
AsiaOne
03-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
GE2025: Singaporeans living abroad share experience of voting overseas, Singapore News
Of the 2,758,846 registered voters for Polling Day, 18,389 are Singaporeans living abroad who have successfully registered as overseas voters, said the Elections Department (ELD) on April 18. Among the latter, 8,630 will vote in person while the rest will do so by post. On May 2, polling stations in Dubai, London, Washington, New York and San Francisco opened at 8am local time. Registered voters in these locations have had the opportunity to cast their vote and some took to social media to document their unique experience voting from abroad. @ my first time exercising my citizen's privilege🇸🇬, and sending lots of love back home from the UK! #ge2025 #sg #singapore #workersparty #pap ♬ original sound - Rayner One of them was TikTok user who voted in the UK, where he is currently based. "My first time exercising my citizen's privilege, and sending lots of love back home from the UK!" the caption read. Upon completing his lessons in Oxford, he made the trip to London, where the Singapore High Commission is located, to vote. While he was unable to film inside the polling station, he described the voting process as "simple" noting that there was no queue. @peepeetan i'm straight i'm straight i'm straight #ge2025 #livingabroad #lifeinlondon #singapore #tiktoksg ♬ Majulah Singapura - The Singapore National Anthem - The One World Ensemble TikTok user PeepeeTan, or Phoebe, is also based in the UK. Being a first-time overseas voter, she found the experience "quite exciting". Even while at a nearby cafe, Phoebe noticed the number of Singaporeans around, many likely on their way to vote. "Honestly, the process was so fast. Also, I bumped into so many Singaporean friends that it felt like a reunion," she said. @wheretheheckisyen The most difficult thing about this whole process was procuring the glue… #ge2025 #overseassingaporean ♬ A Million Colors - Vinih Pray Over in Chicago, a Singaporean known as Wheretheheckisyen on TikTok also shared her overseas voting experience. She indicated her choice on the ballot paper before sealing it in an envelope and dropping it in a mailbox. "The most difficult thing about this whole process was procuring the glue," she joked in the caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lin (@linying._) Linying is likely a familiar name to many Singaporeans with the singer-songwriter best known for her role in the 2021 National Day theme song, The Road Ahead. Now based in Los Angeles, the 30-year-old made the trip to the Singapore Consulate-General in San Francisco to cast her vote this general election. In an Instagram post on May 3, she wrote: "Fulfilling my national duty (13,574 kilometres away)." Linying also shared a moment from the journey on her Instagram Stories — a photo of her car's display screen, showing her getting patriotic with the classic tune Where I Belong by Singaporean singer Tanya Chua. Across the Pacific in Shanghai, China, Edwin Ngoi documented his general election experience on Facebook on May 3. At the Singapore Consulate-General, Ngoi observed fellow Singaporeans already queuing by 8am and noted that this general election appeared to draw more attention compared to previous cycles, even among Shanghai's community of overseas Singaporeans. Ngoi added: "The collective commitment to shaping Singapore's future — even from afar — underscored the strong ties many expatriates maintain with their homeland." One of the more well-known figures to have voted from overseas is Lee Hsien Yang, son of Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. Now based in the UK, the 67-year-old wrote in a Facebook post: "I registered as an overseas voter and have cast my vote. I want my vote to be counted." [[nid:717560]] amierul@
