Rich And Famous, But These 5 Local Artistes Show That Success Is More Than That

Confirm poor. No future. Difficult to succeed. These are thoughts that probably cross your mind when you think about local artistes and the music industry. Well, think again! Despite it being a tough industry to break into, here are 5 of our local artistes who have MADE IT internationally.

That’s right: record deals, multiple albums, tours and the big bucks. These over-achieving local artistes inspire us to dream big and work hard, without sacrificing the truly important things in life.

Let’s take a closer look at the stories of our nation’s 5 shining music stars.

1) JJ Lin

With 12 studio albums (yes, 12!) and 4 world tours tucked under his belt, JJ Lin is one of the most successful local artistes to this date.

Besides playing DOTA, JJ Lin has snagged numerous music awards for singing and song writing from the Golden Melody Awards, Global Pop Awards and the Apple Entertainment music awards.

Though JJ Lin, whose English name is Wayne, is influential (friends with Harlem Yu and A-Mei), he remains humble and very much a family man. He actually invited his mother, father, and brother to perform on stage with him for his Genesis World Tour concert in Singapore.

JJ Lin’s artiste summary
Which record label? Warner Music Taiwan
How rich? According to Forbes, JJ Lin’s net worth was reported to be $50,940,000 in 2016! This makes him the 31st most bankable Chinese Star in the world.
Famous in? Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, America
No. of awards? Over 100
No. of albums released to date? 12
No. of world tours? 4

2) Stefanie Sun

When a singer has her own Madame Tussaud’s wax twin standing in Sentosa, you know she’s made it. Singapore’s Queen of Mandopop has 12 studio albums and sold over 30 million copies of them to date.

Together with notable singers Wang Leehom, Wang Feng and Jane Zhang, she recorded the theme song for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games titled “Light the Passion, Share the Dream”.

The myriad of awards under her name are but the echo of Sun’s spectacular success.

Despite her success, Stephanie Sun remains as tongue-in-cheek and down-to-earth as possible.

When a picture of her looking like an aunty queueing at McDonald’s surfaced, she took the opportunity to show that beauty is more than skin-deep.

Stephanie Sun’s artiste summary
Which record label? Universal Music
How rich? Taiwanese tabloid has reported her as earning up to SGD 1,348,630,404. That makes her a billionaire. But, most of that sum came from her property investments (3 in Singapore), and other property and stock market investments.
Famous in? China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia
No. of awards? 69
No. of albums released to date? 12
No. of World tours? 3

3) Kit Chan

“This is home, truly, where I know I must be..”

Yes, Kit Chan is the songstress of our nation’s favourite NDP song, Home!

She also happens to be an extremely successful singer with 14 albums (she released her latest album just this year) and has set up her very own record label, Banshee Empire.

Chan’s ability to sing in Mandarin, Cantonese and English has propelled her to perform in many parts of Asia, the United States, Hong Kong, and even New Zealand.

Further, she was given the title of Singapore’s “national treasure” for good reasons. Ever since she debuted in 1993, she has displayed the multiplicity of her many talents – in singing, theatre, television drama, poetry, song writing, and entrepreneurship (she runs two floral boutiques in Singapore: Flowers in the Attic and Roses in the Loft).

As if that wasn’t enough, Kit Chan was continually involved in community involvement projects – as ambassadors for National Youth Council, National Heritage Board, and relief organization “World Vision”.

Kit Chan’s artiste summary
Which record label? Banshee Empire (Her own company)
How rich? Definite Millionaire
Famous in? China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore
No. of awards? 9
No. of albums released to date? 25
No. of World tours? –

4) A-Do

You wouldn’t believe it, but A-Do (Do Cheng Yi) started out as a humble construction worker right here in Singapore. He was scouted by local producer Billy Koh in a talent search audition. Everything in his life changed after that. A-Do was propelled to astounding fame across Asia when he released his first album in 2002.

While his life story sounds like it came right out of the movies, there is no mistaking how talented and successful this local singer is. A-Do is famed for his unique husky vocals which won him over 20 awards to date.

He is adored for his bashful personality and modest demeanour, especially among his Chinese fans. In spite of his wealth and success, he drives a small Honda, is still best buddies with his former construction colleagues, and is afraid to get on an airplane, as reported by  Image Credits: MMIA[/caption]

Chua is also effectively bilingual, which has enabled her to release 10 Chinese and 4 English albums thus far. In fact, bilingualism is but one of her many musical talents.

She has written and produced a number of songs for prominent singers like Fish Leong, Stefanie Sun, and S.H.E.

Tanya Chua has been praised as a “musician”, not just a mere “performer” by the widely-revered Taiwanese producer and songwriter Jonathan Lee because of her profound musical abilities.

Unwilling to settle for karaoke-friendly ballads, she continues to learn and explore music and song-writing. Rather than write songs for the market, she aims to keep her music fresh, creative, and real. Her passion and courage to go against the grain, take risks and seek growth makes her not just admirable, but also inspirational.

Tanya Chua’s artiste summary
Which record label? Asia Muse
How rich? Possible millionaire
Famous in? China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore
No. of awards? 8
No. of albums released to date? 18
No. of World tours? 1

Singapore may be a small country but it has nevertheless produced some BIG talents in the music industry. Even the biggest and brightest of names had to start from humble beginnings, like A-Do, before working their way up. All while maintaining close bonds with their loved ones like JJ Lin, or declaring their love for our home country in an NDP song like Tanya Chua and Stefanie Sun!

Indeed, these 5 individuals are role models for us all, and remind us that success is not all about the glitz and glamour, but remembering the things closest to our hearts.

Also, read 10 Places To Fly Your Drone For Amazing, Never Seen Before Photos Of Singapore

7 Classy and Cheap Date-Night Activities in Singapore This January

With the end of year festivities well out of the way, we can all take solace in that our lives can finally return to normalcy.

After emptying the bank for all those Christmas presents and New Year parties, here’s a guide on life hacking date-night activities this January without burning a hole in the pocket.

Here are seven classy date-night ideas that will go easy on the wallet.

1. ART AFTER DARK

[caption id="attachment_21373" align="alignnone" width="768"] Image: Gillman Barracks[/caption]

Held at the Gillman Barracks, Art After Dark is a highlight of Singapore Art Week which combines contemporary art exhibitions, live music performances and amazing food vendors in one evening.

The event will also see the launch of LOCK ROUTE, an outdoor public art showcase featuring works in the form of murals, sculptures and installations by popular and emerging local artists.

This year, local musicians Charlie Lim, Riot !n Magenta and .gif will make an appearance, accompanied by pop-up food booths from Park Bench Deli and Gattopardo.

When: 13 January 2017, 7pm till late
Where: Gillman Barracks
Price: Free

2. NASA: A HUMAN ADVENTURE

Treat your partner to an experience that is out of this world at NASA: A Human Adventure. The exhibition is said to be the most comprehensive in showcasing space flights throughout history, with artifacts from the U.S. and Soviet Union space programs.

The public guided tours are in either English or Mandarin where participants can learn about some of the most extraordinary innovations in space technology and scientific achievements in human history.

The exhibition runs all the way until March and will be a great way to start the New Year by learning about the human endeavour in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

When: Daily until 19 March 2017
Where: ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands
Price: S$15-19 (Singaporeans and PR), S$20-25 (Foreigners)

3. ALIWAL URBAN ART FESTIVAL

In conjunction with Singapore Art Week, the Aliwal Urban Art Festival is an annual event held to celebrate the wonderful world of street art highlighting the talents of local urban artists, dancers, skateboarders and musicians.

Visitors can learn about the history of urban art in Singapore while ‘The Writers Bench’ will see urban artists collaborating to work on a 12-metre long wall.

There will be live performances from local indie bands Ant-Men and Disco Hue. Skateboarding enthusiasts can also head down to the Aliwal Car Park to witness ‘The Asphalt Challenge’, a skill competition featuring Singapore’s top skateboarders.

When: 14 January 2017, 5pm till late
Where: Aliwal Arts Centre
Price: Free

4. FULLERTON MONUMENT TOUR

While all Singaporeans will recognize the iconic Fullerton Hotel, many may be unfamiliar with its history. Amidst an ever-transforming city landscape in Singapore’s CBD, The Fullerton Hotel has remained a constant, witnessing some of Singapore’s history moments.

This guided tour will reset the clocks to 1928, taking you in a journey through time from the very beginnings of the Fullerton Building to when it hosted the General Post Office, became an elite British club and exquisite hotel.

Participants will get a glimpse of exclusive preserved areas of the building with its rich history and monumental significance of Singapore’s past. The tour ends with a “Heritage” local breakfast in the hotel courtyard.

When: 22 January 2017
Where: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Price:  The Istana Singapore[/caption]

Get a unique glimpse of the Istana this January. Held during the Istana Chinese New Year Open House, this guided walk will showcase the Istana’s rich and diverse flora and fauna.

The Istana estate is a vast parkland of greenery, with areas such as The Swan Pond, The Lawn, Japanese Garden, The Spice Terrace and The Grove.

The walk is conducted on an hourly basis between 10am to 4pm, and is open to the general public.

When: 29 January 2017
Where: The Istana
Price: $4 (Singaporeans and PR), $10 (Foreigners)

6. STORY OF THE FOREST

[caption id="attachment_21377" align="aligncenter" width="1372"] Image: teamLab[/caption]

Story of the Forest is an immersive installation inspired by the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings at the National Museum of Singapore.

The exhibition takes 69 drawings from the prized collection and breathes life into them through wide-scaping displays. There is also an app that will enhance your visit, making the exhibition an interactive one for all to enjoy.

The installation was setup by teamLab, the same people behind Future World, the permanent exhibition at the ArtScience Museum.

When: Daily, 10am to 7pm
Where: National Museum of Singapore
Price: Free (Singaporeans and PR)

7. ARTWALK LITTLE INDIA

[caption id="attachment_21376" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image: ARTWALK Little India[/caption]

From January 12 to 17, ARTWALK Little India returns with its third edition to liven up the Little India precinct, showcasing the area’s rich tradition through a variety of arts and culture.

Throughout the week, visitors can immerse themselves in art installations and live performances that celebrate the heritage of Little India. This year’s theme is Your Path To Remember, giving visitors a nostalgic journey of stories and memories through the medium of the arts.

The initiative is a collaboration between LASALLE College of the Arts and Singapore Tourism Board.

When: 12 to 17 January 2017
Where: Little India
Price: Free

===

For more updates and listings of events for your date-night activities, pick up your free copy of this month’s A List Singapore from City Hall, Raffles Place, Tampines and Jurong East SMRT stations. Alternatively, you can check out A List Singapore’s The Playbook.

Also, read Dying Art Culture? Nope. Here’s What To Expect During Singapore Art Week 2017

Dying Art Culture? Nope. Here’s What To Expect During Singapore Art Week 2017

Singapore is often lamented for being a concrete jungle, lacking in arts and culture. To all the naysayers out there, Singapore Art Week 2017 will reveal our Little Red Dot’s big artistic accomplishments!

From 11 to 22 January 2017, explore art exhibitions, festivals and tours located at various places such as Little India, Gillman Barracks and Far East Plaza.

With over 90 different activities happening during Singapore Art Week 2017, trying to catch each one might be tough.

Here’s our pick of the top 10 exhibitions, festivals and activities you must not miss for an unforgettable local art and culture experience.

Art After Dark at Gillman Barracks

An annual crowd favourite, Art After Dark at Gillman Barracks will be back this year on 13th January, from 7pm to 11pm.

Expect a night of incredible talent with live music acts, new exhibits by the Gillman Barracks art tenants and galleries, irresistible F&B pop-ups, and the unveiling of Gillman Barrack’s public art project!

One such exhibit is the Supermama’s Design New Standard, featuring a precious collection of “omiyage”, or contemporary giftware, made by Singaporean and Japanese designers and craftmakers.

Art After Dark x SAW2017
13 Jan 2017, 7pm till late
Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
Weblink

Contemporary Printmaking Festival

Discover the intricate art of printmaking at the Contemporary Printmaking Festival 2017.

Featuring local printmakers such as PHUNK and the Gentlemen’s Press, uncover a weekend of printmaking heaven.

You can even look forward to a Print Your Own Selfie workshop with Jackson Tan from PHUNK.

Learn how to make silkscreen, letterpress and traditional Intaglio printing from printmakers themselves at live demonstrations and printing workshops.

Contemporary Printmaking Festival 2017
11 – 22 Jan
Open plaza at Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178905
Weblink

Aliwal Urban Art Festival

Soak in the cool atmosphere that accompanies Street Culture at the annual Aliwal Urban Art Festival.

Get ready to be wowed by impressive and renowned talent present at the festival, such as local bands Tomgirl, Urban Artists, and RSCLS!

Here’s what you can expect from a single night at Aliwal Urban Art Festival 2017: Hip Hop Block Parties, Urban Art faceoffs, Live Performances by Poptart, Forests, and Ant-men, live DJ performances, Skateboarding challenges and even Indigoism’s Barter Market!

Aliwal Urban Art Festival
14 Jan, 5pm till late
Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
Weblink 

State of Motion 2017: Through Stranger Eyes

For this activity, audiences will be presented with feature films where Singapore made an appearance.

While watching the films, you’ll be seeing the transformation of Singapore through strangers’ eyes.

Starting from the Pavilion at the National Library, audiences will be taken on a 3-hour bus tour to visit the exact locations seen in the films.

Site-specific artwork and works by Amanda Lee Koe, The Observatory, and more will be present at each location to further enhance the experience.

Afterwards, audiences can attend the talks and panel discussions held to get a deeper understanding of the appearance of Singapore in cinema.

Register for tickets
6 Jan – 5 Feb, 10am – 9pm daily (excluding PH)
The Plaza, National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064

Coupled with her book launch at One East Asia Gallery, she will be baring all with personal writings, news articles, and photographic work in chronological order.

Come for the tongue-in-cheek, colloquially funny artworks, and stay for the honest sharing of her growth and thought processes behind her creations.

RSVP now at +65 6737 1819 or [email protected] for the opening at 6:30pm.

Greetings from Singapore
10 – 31 Jan, 12 – 7pm
One East Asia Gallery, 15 Scotts Road, #09-03 Thong Teck Building, Singapore 228218
Weblink 

Wings of a Rich Manoeuvre

Made from over 14,000 Swarovski crystals, with eight wing-like kinetic chandeliers (each 1.2m long), and accentuated by LED light, homegrown artist Suzann Victor took 2 years to complete this masterpiece.

A perfect representation of the National Museum of Singapore’s authentic 19th-century neo-Palladian architecture melding with the modern glass wing, the artwork was designed to reflect light that shines through the glass windows.

They sway to 8 different swinging patterns as well, and can even form the shape of a dragon due to the customised electromagnets within.

No Regrets For Our Youth

Created by Singapore art collective DXXXXD, No Regrets For Our Youth explores the obsession with #fitspo and gym life that has proliferated in our society.

In an attempt to understand the relationship one has with their body as a health or vanity focus, DXXXXD has transformed Music Studio 1 in Aliwal Arts Centre into an artistic jungle gym.

This exhibit will feature sculptures in the form of common gym equipment, and may even offer bodybuilding and wrestling workshops.

No Regrets For Our Youth
12 Jan – 12 Feb, 11am to 8pm daily.
Music Studio 1, Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
Weblink 

ARTWALK Little India

Running for the 3rd year in a row, ARTWALK Little India is a public art project set in Little India.

Set to the theme of Your Path To Remember, audiences this year are encouraged to walk through Little India and uncover the memories and stories of Singapore’s past.

[caption id="attachment_21254" align="aligncenter" width="975"] Image courtesy of LASELLE College of the Arts[/caption]

There’ll be live performances, retelling of folktales and mythologies, as well as mesmerising art installations.

Art Stage Singapore

The leading Asian Art Fair, Art Stage Singapore connects art lovers from all over the world with the best of Asian Contemporary Art.

[caption id="attachment_21253" align="aligncenter" width="975"] Water Dripping—Splashing, Zheng Lu. Image courtesy of Zheng Lu[/caption]

The 7th edition this year, expect a plethora of artwork as there are over 20 galleries with art from 27 countries.

[caption id="attachment_21252" align="aligncenter" width="975"] Nestscape by Thai Artist Mook[/caption]

Get your tickets
12 – 14 Jan, 12pm – 8pm; 15 Jan, 11am – 6pm
Sands Expo & Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Snake by Gerald Leow, featured at Singapore Art Museum’s front lawn in 2013[/caption]

Curated by Khairuddin Hori, this exhibition will showcase new commissions by artists such as Cleon Peterson, Zheng Lu and Oanh Phi Phi, as well as Singapore artists Gerald Leow and Sheryo+Yok.

[caption id="attachment_21250" align="aligncenter" width="938"] Constellation of One, Kristen Berg. Photo courtesy of Kristen Berg[/caption]

One of the renowned international artists featured is Kristen Berg, most known for her captivating works at Burning Man.

For those of us who are unable to travel to Arizona annually for Burning Man, catch a glimpse of the experience with her sculptures at LOCK ROUTE from 13 Jan – 30 June at Gillman Barracks!

LOCK ROUTE
13 Jan – 30 June
Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
Weblink

Just writing this compilation is making us excited for the launch of Singapore Art Week 2017! Best of all, a number of these art exhibitions and installations will be around for an extended period of time, perfect for those of us with busy schedules.

A List Singapore – Your Guide To The Arts And Culture Scene In Singapore

With only 10 out of over 90 art and culture activities recommended in this article, we understand if you are feeling some FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)?

Whether you would like to read up on the other 80 activities or plan your weekend around the art exhibitions, why not follow A List Singapore for an in-depth guide on Singapore Art Week 2017?

As Singapore’s first full-fledged arts and culture guide, you can find comprehensive event listings from music to dance, visual arts to theatre, and literary to family activities.

Besides event listings, you can also be updated with the arts and culture scene with their plethora of thought-provoking articles.

With a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even a Youtube page, you can follow A List Singapore on all your favourite platforms and never fear missing out on the local art scene.

If you love the smell of a fresh magazine, keep a look out on their social media channels for when their January hard copy issue will be distributed at SMRT Stations island-wide!

This Singapore Art Week, embark on a meaningful and reflective journey as you appreciate the arts and culture scene. The amazing talent in our sunny island may just wow you.

Also, read Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!