While Esplanade has been doing a great job programming themed months with a generous serving of live music, they'll be handing over the reigns of curation to four specialized experts in the field of Singaporean music.

The team behind Esplanade has engaged four very different, but equally passionate tastemakers and musicians to curate the list of shows over the course of May with the title Hello Producers — hip-hop consortium The .XS Collective, violinist Lester Kong, Ujikaji Records owner Mark Wong, and Getai Group head (and TAJ bassist) Tim De Cotta. 

"From hip hop to experimental, Hello Producers looks at Singapore’s vibrant music scene and showcases homegrown talents through the perspectives of four guest producers," states Esplanade in a press release.

Variety is a badge of honour many events clamour to wear, but Esplanade has deservedly clinched it for Hello Producers — The .XS Collective will be placing their brightest rap-centric talent from their roster, while Kong has prepared a selection of artists specialized in jazz and classical fusion.

Wong, whose label has been the beacon for experimental music in Singapore, does not compromise with his selection which includes former The Observatory guitarist Dharma, pianist Li Shuen — whose performance was compared by Wong to Keith Jarett's legendary Köln Concert, "but less mawkishly so" — rock improv from Jordan Johari Rais & Imran Abdul Rashid, and a special set by veteran artist Bani Haykal and violinist Rachel Chen.

Tim De Cotta, whose upcoming Getai Soul could very well be his most fully-realized event yet, will continue his gospel of soul music with sets by his bandmate and keyboardist Audrey 10k, solo sets by The Good Life Project members Lisa Haryono, Kim Eun Hyung, and NAztyKeys, along with new vocalists Charlie Blouse and Bob Shiah.

Hello Producers launched on May 1st and will continue from May 9th to 12th, and 23rd to 26th. Check out the full schedule below and find out more info here: