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Forum: More can be done to ensure Singapore's live music scene thrives

Forum: More can be done to ensure Singapore's live music scene thrives As someone who straddles both the legal and music scenes, I read the recent article ''The streets were full of laughter': What happened to Clarke Quay, Keong Saik Road and Club Street?' (May 2) with a sense of familiarity. The article captured the sobering reality that many nightlife operators – and, by extension, the musicians who perform in these venues – face today. Singapore's live music scene has always had its passionate advocates and hardworking artistes. While support structures such as grants from the National Arts Council (NAC) exist, many performers find it challenging to navigate them, especially when their focus is on securing regular gigs and rehearsing for shows. For working musicians, particularly those who play in bars and clubs, the economics can be difficult. Venue owners, operating under tight margins, often struggle to offer rates that reflect the time and effort artistes put in. This isn't a new problem. But with the rising cost of living, changing consumption habits, and shifting licensing policies, it has become more pronounced. Musicians, many of whom perform part-time or freelance, may feel the ripple effects of bar closures more acutely than others. Fewer venues mean fewer opportunities to perform, build followings, and generate income. At the same time, there are signs of thoughtful change. Schemes like the SG Culture Pass and NAC's grants show that there is institutional recognition of the value of local music. What might help, however, is a stronger linkage between these initiatives and the independent music scenes that exist within nightlife spaces. Whether through co-funded performances, simplified grant access, or direct venue support, small enhancements could go a long way in keeping live music viable. Singapore has no shortage of musical talent. The question is how we can continue creating spaces for these voices to be heard – sustainably, and in ways that honour both economic realities and cultural contribution. A collaborative approach involving policymakers, venue operators and artistes themselves may offer the best chance of preserving what makes live music such a vital part of the city's fabric. Theophilus Darius Thomas More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.