Known for her immersive, experimental soundscapes, Weish is one of Singapore’s most prominent indie musicians today. Still, she was surprised to be invited to perform at this year’s National Day Parade. “I was pretty stunned, to be honest. It wasn’t a space I thought would ever welcome me, since my music has tended to be less mainstream and I’ve always been rooted in indie and underground scenes.”
For NDP 2024, the multidisciplinary artist has written an original song titled ‘Horizon’. With evocative, haunting vocals and layered electronic instrumentals, the track is unlike anything else that has ever been played on the National Day stage. “My co-writer Isa Ong and I were asked to write unapologetically in our own style, so we did. I have music director Bang Wenfu and creative director Brian Gothong Tan to thank for their faith and vision. Wenfu, Brian, producer Noorlinah and other members of the committee fought hard for us to stay true to our voice, and we’re very grateful for that.”
She relays a quote from Bang: “I am so glad that we pushed to break the boundaries of what one expects should work as an NDP number. We did so with conviction, honesty and perseverance.” Introducing her unique style of music to NDP is a way for Weish to show younger Singaporeans that alternative forms of art have a place in our city.
“After each show, all of the crew and performers hang out for a bit at the Padang. Many bright-eyed young ones have come up to me in this time to ask what kind of genre ‘Horizon’ is and how they might write music like that in future,” she shares, adding with a laugh: “It’s been a running joke amongst friends that I jumped straight from screaming across Europe for grindcore band Wormrot right into NDP.” Here, the musician takes us behind the scenes of her journey to NDP.
1 / 4
Tell us about ‘Horizon’, the original song you are performing at the parade. What is special about it for you?
Wenfu and Brian wanted a bold and contemporary original song for the final chapter of the parade, centred on forging a brave future for Singapore. Working with my co-writer Isa on the track has been really special for me. He is not only a dear friend and longtime bandmate in sub:shaman, but also part of other legendary indie bands that I grew up singing along to at gigs, like Pleasantry and Amateur Takes Control. It was his composition and production work as Claude Glass that made him an exciting collaborator on ‘Horizon’. I’m very honoured to represent both him and myself on a national stage.
2 / 4
Being a featured performer at NDP also often means stepping into a role of national representation. What does this mean to you?
I feel it is a significant milestone that an artist like me can be seen and embraced on a platform like NDP. I’m very lucky to receive the trust I’ve been afforded in these polar opposite spaces and to be allowed to contribute my voice across vastly different scenes. I cannot speak for or represent the entire indie music community or every fringe or alternative voice in Singapore, but what I will carry with me on stage come NDP will be a little piece of sub:shaman, a little piece of Wormrot, and of every local band that has made me who I am. And hopefully also a message that there is room for me, and others like me, here on national TV.
3 / 4
How has your personal relationship with your Singaporean identity evolved over the years?
My relationship to Singapore has been tenuous. There are aspects of our dark past and inner workings that have disillusioned me even from a young age. But more and more, I realise how much I love about Singapore—our rich literature, our unique vernacular, our unbelievable cuisines only made possible by intersecting cultures and histories and above all, the communities that I hold so dear. The more I look, the more I notice how deeply people care and how fiercely they protect one another. I look up to the people who fight for causes they believe in, mentor others, or wholeheartedly throw themselves into organising DIY shows and ground-up initiatives, driven not by profit but a genuine desire to build community. I’ve made peace with what was once a complicated relationship. I love being Singaporean and I love Singapore. When you really love something, you see both its beauty and its flaws, and want to play a part in making it better.
4 / 4
What were some highlights from rehearsals, and what will be some of your fondest memories from your journey to NDP?
Rehearsals have been tiring but fun. One of my favourite bits is watching all the students in their amazing costumes move around backstage—especially the really cute ones dressed as cakes and fishballs. It’s also been really lovely goofing around and sharing stories with fellow performers, crew, NSFs and volunteers, hair and makeup artists, the wardrobe team and more. These new friendships are very precious to me.
My fondest memories are of the student performers. After each show, all of us hang out for a bit at the Padang, and many bright-eyed young ones have come up to me to ask what kind of genre ‘Horizon’ is and how they might write music like that in future, or what my life is like as a musician, or just for a hug or a selfie. Some of them even watched Secondary the Musical, and had so much to say about it. It makes my heart swell every time, to meet so many youth who care about the arts. It brings me hope for the future.
