Feels like half the year just whizzed past us in an instant, yet, we’ve had quite an amazing repertoire of live music acts already. We saw a good mix of biggies like Metallica, PJ Harvey and Coldplay, smaller bands like Honeyblood and The Fin., the incredibly epic line-ups at Laneway and SingJazz, trance savant Armin van Buuren, the very, very fun French synth-pop band Yelle, and the dark electronic group Crystal Castles, among others. But hold on, we’re just barely scratching the surface. The later part of the year will see The xx, Foo Fighters, Britney Spears, Justice, and Ed Sheeran doing their thing right here in Singapore. Also, let Aqua take you down memory lane as they drop by for their 20th anniversary tour. We’ll also get to see a One Direction member, as well as a former Jonas Brothers member, take the stage this year. Get your tickets while you still can. If they’re sold out, you might just strike gold on Carousell or the gig’s Facebook event page, but we can’t promise you that the prices won’t be marked up.
Britney Spears (Jun 30)
Eighteen years after her debut album …Baby One More Time dropped, fans of Britney Spears in Singapore will finally get to see their princess put on a full-length concert. The mother of two has been under public scrutiny since she was young, being part of The Mickey Mouse Club together with Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling and Keri Russell. She once married in Vegas but it was later annulled just 55 hours later because she “lacked understanding of her actions”. More drama ensued: she shaved her head, attacked a paparazzi’s car with an umbrella and became pretty much a gold mine for the tabloids. But we’re glad that’s all behind her, and she’s well enough to come perform hit after hit, like “…Baby One More Time”, “Toxic” and “I’m a Slave 4 U”, for her fans here in Singapore. Tickets are priced from $188 via Sports Hub Tix. 8pm, Singapore Indoor Stadium
Baybeats (Jul 14-16)
The 16th edition of Esplanade’s annual alternative music festival Baybeats is back this July. Alongside 23 local bands and musicians performing, five regional bands will also be taking the stage to play everything from psychedelic rock and folk to blues and punk across four stages at Esplanade, including the new Annexe Studio. Fuzz pop quintet Obedient Wives Club will be making a comeback with some great new material (check out their new single “Baby Bye Bye” from their upcoming five-track EP Cinematica), as well as five-piece post-hardcore outfit Villes, who recently released their debut full-length album The Cure last month, the ethereal sounds of Astreal, post-rock quintet under KittyWu Records, Amateur Takes Control, alternative soundmakers sub:shaman and many more. Admission is free. 12pm. 5.50pm onwards, various locations.
Splashh (Jul 15)
Other Sounds and Middle Class Cigars have teamed up to bring in Anglo-Australian indie rock band Splashh to Singapore. While the band was formed in East London back in 2012, none of the members are actually from the city. Frontman and guitarist Sasha Frantz Carlson is from New Zealand, guitarist and synth player Taddeo “Toto” Vivian MacDonald was born in Italy but raised in Australia, bassist Thomas Beal was from and English county of Shropshire and synth player Jaie Gonzalez is from Australia. Their debut record Comfort was well-received, with glowing criticisms from the likes of NME, BBC, Clash, The Guardian and many other tastemakers. But in 2015, they decided to haves ome time apart and went on different directions in London and New York to for a “self-imposed exile to write” and pull together different influences for their sophomore album, Waiting A Lifetime. Tickets are $30 (early bird) and $35 (pre-sale), available via Ticketbox. 7:30pm, Decline (#02-04 Yu Li Industrial Building, 37, Geylang Lor. 23)
The xx + Sampha (Jul 25)
We were pretty confident that they weren’t going to go through Japan and Australia without coming here too, seeing how they sold out both their shows at The Star Performing Arts Centre in 2013 and during their debut in 2010 at the Esplanade Theatre alongside Florence + The Machine. The great appeal of The xx is perhaps the vulnerability they present in their music—a space that’s jarringly empty and minimally filled with reverbing guitars and sounds and raw, honest lyrics. They won the world over with their Mercury Prize winning self-titled debut album, which had songs that ought to be listened to under the comfort of crumpled duvets with a box of tissues on standby. Then they did it again with the 2012 follow-up record, Coexist (one of our favorite tracks is “Our Song”, which was essentially a letter by the band members to each other). And this year they released I See You, an album that revolves around themes of survival and has much more variety to offer compared to their first two records. Joining them on the tour is one of UK’s rising singer-songwriters Sampha. He spent his formative years lending his vocals, music production and songwriting prowess on an impressive repertoire of tracks, often collaborating with biggies like SBTRKT, FKA twigs, Frank Ocean, Kanye West and many more. Just last month, he released his debut album Process, an introspective, soulful record that comes from grief and how he copes with it. Tickets are priced from $98 via Sports Hub Tix. 8pm, Singapore Indoor Stadium
LANY (Aug 10)
The trio from California has a whole lot going on for them. From supporting other artists on tours to headlining their very own, the beloved LANY has come full circle. They’re coming our way to perform at *SCAPE The Ground Theatre in August. The band has managed to find a sweet spot between splashing their music with 80s-style synths and new-wave electronica, and peppering it with feel-good riffs and lyrics, which probably explains their universal appeal and growing fan base. Just last year alone, they performed more than 117 shows across 12 countries, and somehow still managed to pull together their highly anticipated self-titled album, slated for release on Jun 30. Tickets are sold out. 8pm, *Scape The Ground Theatre
Bastille (Aug 14)
Did you miss Bastille’s concert when they were last here at The Coliseum in 2015 or as part of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix lineup in 2016? Not to worry if you did, because they are making their third Singapore appearance this August. Besides looking forward to the anthemic singalong of “Pompeii”, expect tunes from their most recent album Wild World, which took the top spot on the UK and Scottish album charts just a week after it was released last year. Tickets are priced from $68 via Sistic. 8pm, The Star Theatre
DNCE (Aug 15)
Former Jonas Brothers vocalist Joe Jonas has gone a different direction ever since the split in 2013. Together with Jack Lawless, Cole Whittle and JinJoo Lee, he formed the American dance-rock band DNCE and released their debut single “Cake By The Ocean”, which has now been certified platinum three times. It easily entered the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became a Top 40s favorite. Following the success of the debut, their second single “Toothbrush” whose music video stars supermodel Ashley Graham saw 68 million YouTube and Vevo views. They eventually took home the “Best PUSH Artist” at the 2016 MTV European Music Awards and “Best New Artist” at last year’s MTV Video Music Awards. Tickets are priced at $128-$188, with a VIP category ($278) that entitles you to a meet & greet session, priority entry and more; available via Apac Tix. 8pm, Suntec Convention Centre Hall 403
Justice (Aug 15)
We were just about as thrilled as the next person when French electronic music duo Justice announced that they’ll be coming down to Singapore, even if it’s for a DJ set at Zouk. Along with the likes of Daft Punk, Air and Etienne de Crecy, they rose to fame during the second wave of what was known as the French Touch scene. Who could forget the now legendary, super dance-y track, “D.A.N.C.E.”, off their debut album † (pronounced “Cross”)? With their third and latest studio album Woman (released in Sept last year, after a five-year hiatus) in tow, get ready to move your feet and let loose. Tickets are priced at $110 via TicketBox. 9:30pm, Zouk Singapore
Cigarettes After Sex (Aug 17)
Cigarettes After Sex fans in Singapore who missed their performance at last month’s Urbanscapes in Kuala Lumpur will get to see them when they come to Singapore to play at the Capitol Theatre in August. The dreamy ambient pop group led by Greg Gonzalez was founded in El Paso, Texas in 2008 and went on to release their first EP in 2012. Their hazy, and elemental style, coupled with Gonzalez’s androgynous voice, have won millions of views on YouTube. They just released a self-titled album in June this year, with popular tracks like “Apocalypse”, “K” and “Sunsetz”. Tickets are priced at $78 (advanced) and $98 (door), and are available via Apac Tix. 8pm, Capitol Theatre
Foo Fighters (Aug 26)
We were all so psyched when the Foo Fighters announced that they’d be performing at The Padang in 2012 for their Wasting Light Tour. It would’ve been one of the biggest live gigs in Singapore, had they not cancelled because of a medical condition of a key band member (frontman Dave Grohl). Doctors had advised him to “take it easy on his voice”, and mentioned that they’d “see [us] all in the not too distant future”. They’ve kept their promise and will be performing at the National Stadium. Prior to their May 16 announcement, the legendary rock outfit had already confirmed a headlining slot at Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival, with another teaser that they’d be in Bangkok, so it was natural to speculate that they were going to keep to their word and redeem themselves for the cancellation five years ago. This will be the second time they’ll be performing in Singapore, after making their debut at the WTC Harbour Pavilion in 1996. Tickets are priced from $128 via Sports Hub Tix from 10am on May 23. 8pm, National Stadium
F1 Singapore Grand Prix (Sep 15-17)
The Chainsmokers
For the tenth edition of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, the organizers are pulling out all the stops with the announcement that not one, but five international acts will be having full-length concerts for this year’s entertainment lineup. Headlining acts include pop darling Ariana Grande and EDM duo The Chainsmokers, both making their first appearances in Singapore, plus pop-rock band OneRepublic, 80s synth pop sensation Duran Duran, English singer-songwriter Seal and Scottish EDM DJ-producer Calvin Harris. Making sure there is something for everyone, soulful female multi-instrumentalist Lianne La Havas and British spoken word performer and rapper George the Poet will be taking the stage as well. We are especially curious as to how George’s brand of thoughtful social commentary will be received by Grand Prix goers. And that’s not all, at least according to race promoters Singapore GP. They are teasing us with a tidbit that even more acts, including the Sunday post-race headliner, will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are priced from $248, and are available via the official F1 Singapore Grand Prix website. Various timings, Padang Stage/Village Stage/Downtown/Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Lucy Rose (Sep 18)
English indie folk singer-songwriter Lucy Rose’s early beginnings didn’t start with vocal lessons or karaoke sessions from young; instead, it only started when she played drums in her school orchestra. She only began writing fresh material after buying a guitar from a shop located on the way to school at 16. However, they never saw the light of day until she was done with her A-levels and left home. She later met the frontman of Bombay Bicycle Club after moving to London when she was 18, and the rest was history. She now has two studio albums under her belt, and a third one, Something’s Changing, which comes with an accompanying documentary, slated for release this July. It’ll be screened during her Lucy Rose Cinema Tour when she returns to Singapore in September. Tickets are priced at $50 via Peatix. 8pm, The Projector
Dream Theater (Oct 3)
Progressive metal biggies Dream Theater will be returning to Singapore for the fourth time this year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their RIAA gold-certified record, Images & Words, as part of their “Images, Words & Beyond” tour. They’ve been redefining the very essence of hard rock and progressive heavy metal and overcoming anything the industry has thrown at them, and saw a couple of changes in their line-up in the 30 years they’ve been around. Their latest body of work, The Astonishing, which was released in January last year, is a two-hour concept album about “creative musicians battling institutional enforcement of electronic cacophony in the year 2285” and heavily inspired by sci-fi shows like Game of Thrones and Star Wars. Known for using unconventional time signatures in their music, expect nothing but great showmanship of technical prowess and lengthy set list that will go on for about three hours. Tickets are priced at $138-178 (early bird) and $148-188 (Jul 7 onwards), and will be available via Sistic from Jun 30. 8pm, Zepp Bigbox Singapore
Ed Sheeran (Nov 11-12)
If you were about to make plans to fly over to Manila to see British singer-songwriter perform at the end of the year (he mentioned in a pre-recorded video at a fan gathering in Philippines stating that he’d be back in Manila this year), hold your horses, cause he’ll be stopping by Singapore for the Asian leg of his “Divide” World Tour. The last time he was here back in 2015, tickets for his concert sold like hotcakes. He serenaded a 5,000-strong crowd at The Star Theatre with hits from his first two albums, Plus and Multiply. But with his current success, he’ll need a much bigger venue, which is why he’ll be performing at Singapore Indoor Stadium this time round. Since his last appearance here, he’s gone on to clinch two huge Grammys—Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for Thinking Out Loud—adding on to his already stellar collection of awards (Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist, Album of the Year, Best Male Solo Artists… just to name a few). Tickets are for both Day One and Day Two are sold out, but you can try other platforms like Carousell or keep checking their event page. 8pm, Singapore Indoor Stadium
Harry Styles (Nov 23)
It seems like the only direction Harry Styles is going ever since the announcement of the indefinite hiatus in January last year is up. The English singer-songwriter released his highly anticipated self-titled debut album to much fanfare in May this year, which contains the 70s soft rock-influenced, chart-topping single, “Sign of the Times”. Singapore is just one of two stops in Asia in his “Harry Styles: Live on Tour”. Tickets for the show have already sold out, but if you want, you can always catch the same tour show when he returns with Warpaint in May next year. Tickets are a bit pricier and there are way more seating categories to choose from, including three different VIP categories ranging from $488 to $888; all available via Apac Tix. 8pm, The Star Theatre
Aqua (Nov 25)
Whao, this is a massive throwback to the days of unapologetic pop hits, tacky fashion wear, Tamagotchis, floppy discs, lava lamps and just good ol’ fun. Following the announcement of another Danish band who’s returning to Singapore in September to perform for the umpteenth time, Danish Eurodance group Aqua too will be dropping by our sunny city to bring us on a nostalgic trip with their music. Since their first split, Aqua has been going on tours only for special occasions, like this one, where they’ll be celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Barbie Girl”. We won’t be getting the full group unfortunately; former guitarist Claus Norreen left because his musical focus has apparently changed. But don’t fret, lead vocalist Lene Nystrøm, male vocalist-rapper René Dif and keyboard-guitarist Søren Rasted, together with their live band entourage, will be still be present to put on a fantastic show. If you were too young to see them live back in 1999 when they performed at the now-defunct Sparks Disco located on the seventh floor of Takashimaya, here’s your chance. Tickets are priced from $98-168, available via Sistic. There’s also the limited VIP ticket that’s $248 a pop, which entitles you to a meet & greet sesh with the band. 8pm, The Star Performing Arts Centre
