Bandwagon Gig Picks: April 2015

ESTIMATED 

 

We're no pranksters but we willingly revel in participating in April Fools jokes every year. The ideas that people come up with always reminds us that, even though the element of surprise is long gone as long as you're conscious of your calendars, it's a fun exercise in creativity. Alas, we were busy pumping out non-joke content that we missed the train this year. No worries, we may have something up our sleeves for 2016. In lieu of our embarrassing omission, here's Chupa Chups' (yes, that Chupa Chups) hilarious faux-promo ad prank if you haven't seen it yet.

And hey, here's also a selection from us for live music in April, as we do every month. Adding to these picks, there's also the exhibition on Singapore's rock history happening with bands performing on the first two nights. It's free, what's there to complain?


 

BANDWAGON TV

*SCAPEMUSIC Confestival x #2ndGGC Anniversary

 

Part of a new music initiative by *SCAPE, they’ll be playing host to rap collective Grizzle Grind Crew’s 2nd anniversary party — celebrating two years of the group’s rise to fame and recognition outside of the local hip-hop scene. They’ll also be joined by veteran Malaysian MC Joe Flizzow of Too Phat and Korean-American rapper Dumbfounddead.

For Fans Of: Eminem, Wiz Khalifa, Kid Cudi

 

The Grand Collapse

 

Probably one of the most intense line-up ensembles you’ll see this year, The Grand Collapse promises to push the limits of volume with six bands of extreme sounds — running the gamut of screamo, grindcore, thrash metal and everything in-between. Alongside local favourites would be grindcore group ERRORBRAIN and Italian extreme metal band Hierophant.

FFO: Napalm Death, Wormrot, Toxic Holocaust

 

Being as an Ocean Live in Singapore

 

Formed only in 2011, Being as an Ocean has already made a mark worldwide with their hard-hitting anthemic riffs and impassioned lyrics that have earned them a new generation of hardcore punk fans. Now heading to Singapore for the first time, we expect a big turnout but tickets are still available.

FFO: Counterparts, Hundredth, The Ghost Inside

 

System ft. Ikonika (Hyperdub, UK)

 

Seems like Hyperdub loves Singapore. Having celebrated their 10th anniversary recently with standout sets by label owner Kode9 and footwork icon DJ Spinn, a respected and exciting name from their roster by the name of Ikonika will be dropping by as well. With catchy melodies tightly forged with experimental beats in the dubstep realm, this is one not to miss. We’re also hoping this opens up the possibility for more Hyperdub artists to play here. Laurel Halo, Fatima al Qadiri or The Bug. Especially The Bug.

FFO: Kode9, Cooly G, Walton

 

POPTART: IT'S NOT A NEW WAVE, IT'S JUST YOU AND ME...

 

Ah, Poptart. Many of us recall our first experience on the dancefloor, vibing not to trendy EDM hits but to carefully selected indie pop tunes that made the antisocial Smiths fans less wary of clubs and the Phoenix diehards go crazy. Nearing a decade of existence, join DJs weelikeme and KiDG to continue this sacred tradition at kyo. May it never end.

FFO: indie pop, punk, electro pop

 

An Invisible Boundary, A Set Distance EP

 

Making their rounds in the UK and Malaysia on a recent tour, indie rock/emo trio Tapestry will be launching their latest EP on a 7” vinyl — and they’re doing it with a little help from their friends. Organised by Canopus Distro, Tapestry will celebrate the launch with opening sets by indie pop group Pleasantry, post-rock quartet Paint the Sky Red and newcomers Forests.

FFO: Mineral, Texas is the Reason, The Appleseed Cast

 

The Piano Guys

 

Riding on the extreme popularity of unconventional covers, The Piano Guys are returning after a very successful show at The Star Theatre back in 2013. Best known for putting a unique twist to popular pop hits and injecting modern energy into revered classical compositions, this would be a show for the whole family. Also performing on April 14.

FFO: 2Cellos, Pentatonix, Boyce Avenue

 

Pairs EP Launch

 

Sonically one of the more ambitious indie rock bands in recent memory, forgoing jangly guitars in favor of soaring pop melodies, Take Two will be launching their debut EP with post-punk revivalists Stopgap. Held at Aliwal Arts Centre, they've been carving and refining their live show at every opportunity so expect nothing less than a great rock show. 

FFO: The Temper Trap, Young the Giant, Lost Dinosaurs

 

Alveria Sykes: The Black Label Series (All-Metal Access) 2015

 

If The Grand Collapse's lineup doesn't fully whet your appetite for blistering heavy music, the organisers behind The Black Label Series have got you covered. A new initiative by new upstart SkyCorp Entertainments, this first instalment will have Vedic metal band Rudra headlining alongside deathgrind maniacs Truth Be Known with a flurry of promising upstarts in the metal scene. 

FFO: Nile, Vader, Misery Index

 

The Script Live in Singapore 2015

 

With an unshakeable demand here for the Irish trio, The Script will be returning once again to our shores. The pop-rock band's last two shows were undeniable hits with the local crowd, as the band continues to sell out stadiums around the world. Don't sleep on this one, especially if you're a fan who hasn't seen them live yet.

FFO: Ed Sheeran, Travis, The Fray

 

Charli XCX - Live in SG!

 

An anomaly in the modern glitzy world of pop, yet still a proponent of sugary hooks and colourful music videos, Charli XCX will make her debut appearance here. Equally inspired by Britney Spears and The Ramones, we can only imagine how fun her energetic anthems will be at semi-outdoor venue The Coliseum. 

FFO: Sky Ferreira, Marina & the Diamonds, Tove Lo

 

Meghan Trainor That Bass Tour in Singapore

 

Despite having achieved only one major hit with 'All About that Bass', singer Meghan Trainor was amassed a pop following in the span of a few months — a following that has since expanded after the release of her debut record Title. Highly recommended for pop-heads who are suckers for catchy throwback tunes. 

FFO: Duffy, Lea Michele, Ariana Grande

 

Late Night @ Esplanade - In Each Hand a Cutlass: The Kraken

 

After a short period of inactivity, we can only imagine how majestic this new effort will be by local post-rock ensemble In Each Hand a Cutlass (IEHAC). They're best known for their cinematic compositions with evocative melodies and soaring climaxes. This launch will be a big comeback for the group — a comeback we've been waiting for a while now.

FFO: Explosions in the Sky, Caspian, God is an Astronaut

 

Sleepmakeswaves: Live in Singapore

 

Of course, being post-rock geeks ourselves, this gig headlined by Sleepmakeswaves is the perfect followup after IEHAC's LP launch. The Australian group boasts a masterful approach of the genre with a hand in ambient soundscapes, powerful crescendos and occasional electronic instrumentation.

FFO: 65daysofstatic, And So I Watch You From Afar, Tycho

 

Motherlanz

 

A special call to arms for all who were birthed in the vast terrains of Australia and New Zealand, Motherlanz will be a special celebration of musical and comedic talents from both countries — along with, of course, great food and good vibes.

FFO: a good day out, what else?

 

MOONBEATS ASIA X LOOF PRESENT: RAC (DJ set)

 

Known as the Remix Artist Collective, RAC remains only one individual and he'll be in town to take charge of the decks — and in turn, the dancefloor. Backed by his renowned set of remixes that have populated party playlists worldwide, we hope he'll also drop a few original songs from his 2014 synthpop record Strangers.

FFO: St. Lucia, Odesza, Ra Ra Riot

 

TRANSFIX PRESENTS ANDY MOOR UK WITH HONG

 

A legend in the progressive and trance scenes, Andy Moor will dominate the Zouk dancefloor once more with support by Hong. Pulsating tunes to mesmerize the crowd will be the aim of the night for the veteran. For budding producers and DJs, our interview with him will offer invaluable words of advice.

FFO: Paul Oakenfold, Armin van Buuren, Shogun

 

THE JUNGLE GIANTS IN SINGAPORE

 

For those who can't catch them in Manila for music festival Wanderland, organizers Ellipsis Live have put together a show for the acclaimed Australian quartet at TAB. With danceable indie pop tunes that have already garnered them a sizeable fanbase, this is one for a great night out in town if the clubs aren't your thing.

FFO: Bombay Bicycle Club, Walk the Moon, Echosmith

 

DEMI LOVATO: DEMI WORLD TOUR

 

You all know her by know. Strictly for the pop-heads and the Camp Rock generation, Demi Lovato returns to Singapore — but not without a fresh batch of anthems and ballads. We can't imagine missing out on this if you're a fan.

FFO: Selena Gomez, Jonas Brothers, Ariana Grande