If alternative music is what you crave, Esplanade has got your yearly fix. Baybeats 2019 will feed your soul with gritty, grunge sounds of emo and metal, sultry indie shoegaze, laid back RnB beats, pure rock headbangers and all things alternative under the sun this Aug 23-25.
Building upon the repertoire of underground bands and hidden talents, Baybeats has curated yet another compelling line-up of local and international talents across Asia to steer this year’s festival towards a massive celebration. The event’s fare has been progressively covering a wider, more diverse range of genres over the years, with acts such as 17-year-old Billie Eilish-esque dream pop vocalist Shye, stoner/doom metal four-piece Marijannah and even local favourites like indie pop sensation Sobs, acoustic folk guitarist Lew and post-hardcore band Tell Lie Vision, coming together beneath the spotlight, across five stages.
As per prior years, the Budding Beats initiative is in place to give up-and-coming independent local bands a chance to hone their art in front of an audience. Each of the six bands shortlisted for the Baybeats Budding Band programme are required to take up a three-month mentorship programme with some of the finest in the scene to prepare for their 30-min set during the festival.
Though the rock-fueled Powerhouse Stage has been closed to make room for the new Waterfront Theatre, two additional venues have been added, on top of the customary Arena, Chillhout Stage and Annex Studio sites. The LiveWire stage will be located by the forecourt garden and will play host to acts such as Sobs and Indonesian rapper Ramengvrl; while an open mic stage at Open Stage by the Jubilee Bridge welcomes bedroom singers and secret jamming studio bands to share original music.
Returning once more for the misfits, Emonightsg will be bringing the nostalgia of angst-ridden teen years to round off day one of Baybeats. An eyeliner-charged, skinny jeans-clad party from the depths of the glorious Myspace era is what it is, running from 11pm till the dead of night at the Annexe Studio. Don’t forget to beep all your MySpace Top Eights.
Baybeats is happening Aug 23-25 at various stages at Esplanade. More information and full line-up here.
