Baybeats 2018

I think it says a lot when I looked at the line-up for Baybeats 2018, and realized that while I still know the names of half of the bands, there were only three bands I wanted to watch. Oops. Have I really gotten too old for this music festival? What did those articles say about people not bothering to listen to new music at 33? And the one about 42-year-olds rediscovering current pop music? All the information in these articles are only based on data from Spotify. It doesn't have to be super accurate, but it's likely to be largely representative, since we've changed how we consume music.

Watched Sherene’s Closet for the first time in years. They had one album ‘Kept Secrets’ (1999), and fell off the radar. Twenty years later, Sherene’s Closet has launched a brand new EP, ‘Rebirth’ (2018). The band’s back today with an all-new line-up, and to be honest, I enjoy this bunch a whole lot more than the original. Of course frontman Gerald Stahlmann remains. I’ve always liked Gerald’s songwriting. There’s something to be said about people following their passions and never letting that go, in spite of having to manage all that life throws at them.

Had to catch Kyoto Protocol and Caracal. The bands keep their day jobs, and work hard on their music through the years, dedicating time and effort to their visions. Formed in 2009, Kyoto Protocol’s probably my favorite Malaysian indie rock band. They now have a new album ‘The Pen Is Mightier’ (2018). Caracal has changed out its members too, and now has Rachel Lu on vocals. The band released a new EP ‘Take It Apart and Put It Back Together’ (2018). It was refreshing to hear the band’s vocals and new sound live on stage.

Glad that these two bands rocked out the Powerhouse for the final time. The Powerhouse, as the largest pop-up stage for Baybeats, will cease to exist after this year. It sits on the site earmarked for Esplanade’s new S$30 million 550-seat waterfront theatre. I dunno what can replace the Powerhouse. It’s gritty and grungy. People moshed and danced. That’s the only stage in this fancy venue that manages to somewhat re-create the vibes of a rock gig. Bands who fear a big stage, fear Powerhouse. I’d like to think that the Powerhouse has nurtured many bands to go on to play at bigger stages. I dunno if there will be a new Powerhouse next year. I dunno how Baybeats will be refreshed and reshuffled due to venue constraints. Let's see what Baybeats 2019 brings.