It’s no secret that the world is bursting with millions of artists and genres you can blast in your headphones on the way to school or work. Every year, a handful of these artists make their way to Singapore, and fans save for months just to see their favourites perform live on a big arena stage. But sometimes, a craving for something new, something you’ve never heard before hits you hard. What does Singapore’s music scene have to offer? The truth is, our Lion City is home to some of the most exciting and diverse music around.
From metalheads to lovers of ambient pop and psychedelic rock, there’s something for everyone here. Singapore’s local music scene has been thriving for decades, with bands like Astreal and The Observatory paving the way in the 1990s to 2000s. So, what do the 2020s have in store? For Gen Z listeners eager to uncover the hidden gems of Singapore, this guide highlights some of the standout bands shaping Singapore’s vibrant music scene.
Artists you should know:
Bellied Star
Bellied Star is one of the greatest grunge punk bands in the scene with their raw and grainy vocals that drive home the intensity of each lyric that’s sung, enriching the narrative behind the track even deeper. In between the organised noise from the shredding guitar and the brutal intensity of the thrashing drums, hides a revival of the grunge genre, which never truly left the music sphere but wasn’t a widely explored genre in Singapore’s scene.
They released their debut album SPUT back in 2024, featuring their hit track ‘If You Mind’ on it, carrying the explosive energy in the track as well. Bellied Star’s music creates an atmosphere of chaos that makes you want to throw all caution to the wind.
CAVE SEX
Genre-diverse post punk bangers is exactly what CAVE SEX serves up as they blend punk rock elements with a spectrum of various other genres. Most notably, their standout track ‘Survival/ Affliction’, that was featured on their 2024 EP S/T EP, blends retro, techno and synth elements with the haunting fiery guitar melodies and crashing drums, creating an eerie allure.
Carrying the deep rooted message of challenging traditional societal constructs such as capitalism, the band aims to return to a raw and unadulterated form of human connection.
CURB
Each song is a deep cut from the sharp blade made of searing emo rock melodies and emotive storytelling. The CURB's diversity gives their music layers as they tackle music across styles and explore the genre far and wide, coming up with exciting tracks that are guaranteed to get the crowd moving at gigs.
Having released their debut album Hope You’re Doing Well Michaela in 2022, the group has been releasing addictive singles that capture the essence of their musical style. The distinct melodies set CURB apart from the sound of other underground bands that light up Singapore’s music scene.
Fader
Being one of the most prolific pop-punk bands in the scene, Fader is a blend of heartfelt vocals and thrashing emo rock music that gives them duality in the unapologetic edge of vulnerability and intensity of emotions.
Their debut EP You’re Guilty for Killing Me put them and their music on the map. Their joint EP with Morning Martians titled Morning Martians/ Fader Split, released in 2018, features their biggest hit ‘December Weather’. Each Fader gig feels like a scene from an early 2000s battle of the bands film, with mosh pits, stage dives and crowd surfers, overwhelmed by the electric energy that their music possesses.
Intermission
Intermission is the epitome of punk rock as they defy the rules and go their own way with energetic anthems that question convention and regularity. They released their debut album Intermission Party Programme, with some of their greatest hits including ‘Enjoy Your Life’, ‘He’s A Punk’, ‘Blood On The Disco Floor’ and so many more.
In 2025, they unveiled their latest EP Modern Desires, which questioned order, and topics like authority, order and consumerism. The depth of their lyrics and the motivation behind their tracks gives them the true punk edge that establishes them as one of the strongest names in the underground local music scene. The raw style of their vocals, paired with the polished production, gives each track an authentic touch complete with a vibrant edge.
Krunkle
Presenting searing alternative rock sensibilities, Krunkle's trademark sound is built on a foundation of shredding guitar riffs and melodies that are reminiscent of early 2000s rock music. Each song seems to be packed with an echoing sense of nostalgia that makes the listener feel as though they've been transported to a warm garage or basement party.
The trio first released their debut self-titled EP in 2023, featuring hits such as ‘Philia’ and ‘Encore’. Using introspective lyrics that create the perfect anthemic appeal for each track, building to a peak before crashing into a scramble of raw catharsis, each song presents a journey between quiet reflection and emotionally charged releases. Krunkle has grown to become a staple band in Singapore’s underground music scene.
Lobster
Pumping the brakes on the fast paced and hard hitting music, Lobster presents a unique shoegaze and dreampop band that encapsulates the listener in a delicate and layered sonic atmosphere. The soft and airy vocals by the lead singer really breathes life into the track as it creates a dichotomy between the echoey but impactful instrumentals and the delicate lyrics.
The band recently released their EP Retracing My Tracks which features the opening track ‘Drifter’ that claimed its spot as one of the most loved songs by the group yet. With its quiet intensity and addictive melody, the song exudes the trademark Lobster sound.
Mucus Mortuary
Like we mentioned before, Singapore’s music scene is incredibly diverse. If the shredding guitar melodies of pop punk or alt rock bands are not exactly as intense as you’d like them to be, Mucus Mortuary may be more up to speed. The heavy metal outfit exudes pure chaos as the shred and intense crash of instruments, overlay with the screamed lyrics, making each of the tracks the perfect mosh pit soundtrack.
Their 2018 debut EP Live @ FBO is a compilation of four live tapings of their tracks, including the ever popular ‘Garang Guni’, which perfectly captures the searing energy that Mucus Mortuary brings to their gigs.
pines
Formed in 2022, pines has created a unique sound for themselves with their emo and alternative rock sensibilities, allowing them to carve their own path with their distinct sound. With a single under their belt, the band has reached great lengths, such as playing at Baybeats, as they look ahead to future releases and even bigger festivals.
Their 2023 release ‘Window Shopping’ blends distressed guitar melodies with rich vocals to create an air of jarring truthfulness in the track. The impactful nature of the tracks embeds it deep within the listeners mind, keeping them coming back to listen to the track on repeat long after the last notes fade into oblivion.
Vegtable
Delicate, weightless and dreamlike would be the three perfect words to describe Vegtable’s music. The trio’s ambient rock sensibilities come through in the lush layered melodies that wrap around the velvety vocals, giving them a nearly echoey quality. Having released their debut album Through The Motions in 2025, their music has caught the attention of major international artists such as Men I Trust, whose concert they opened for in early 2026.
Their soothing sonic style shines bright in fan favourites like ‘Feel’ and ‘Pursue Happiness’. Each of the “11 songs recorded in brilliant stereo sound” transport listeners into an otherworldly atmosphere that quiets the mind almost immediately. If the chaos of the punk, rock and emo scene isn’t really your cup of tea, then Vegtable is definitely for you.
Places to catch these bands:
You can catch Intermission as they take their place as a supporting act during Geordie Greep’s show at *SCAPE ground theatre on 13 April. Being the perfect match to support the alternative indie trailblazer during his show in Singapore, Intermission brings their indie and punk sensibilities to the show, making it even better than fans could have ever imagined the show to be. Geordie Greep live in Singapore has been rated R18, catch both Intermission and Geordie Greep if you’re over 18 and looking to have an exciting night full of alternative, indie and rock music.
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Enter a soothing soundscape with Vegtable as they’re set to perform at Sunroom Studios on 3 April with other notable local bands and artists such as Gnaw, elo elo and freereina. Explore new music beyond the dulcet tones of Vegtable, and discover Gnaw’s moody alternative rock sound, elo elo’s cosmic and dreamy shoegaze anthems, and freereina’s indie rock prowess. Experience a gig that spans various genres and potentially discover a new local band that you could get used to playing on repeat.
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While the other bands in this list have not announced any upcoming gigs or appearances just yet, drop them a follow on their instagram accounts to keep up with their upcoming shows and catch one with your friends and introduce them to Singapore’s vivid local music scene as well.
Beyond the bands mentioned in this condensed 10 song list, you can discover many new bands and musicians, not just locally but regionally, by keeping an eye out for gigs that happen at Esplanade. Other than events like Baybeats, Esplanade holds several shows throughout the year, which may be a great way to diversify your listening catalogue tremendously.
Singapore’s underground music scene is a treasure trove of talent, bursting with diverse sounds that span punk, emo, alternative, shoegaze, and everything in between. From high-octane mosh-pit anthems to dreamy, introspective soundscapes, these bands showcase the creativity, energy, and individuality that make the local scene so vibrant.
Whether you’re diving into a packed live show, exploring a cozy indie venue, or following your favourite acts online, there’s always a new sound to discover, a new performance to experience, and a new connection to make. Singapore’s music scene isn’t just alive, it’s evolving, inclusive, and waiting for listeners to join in the journey.
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