Look beyond the Kebab-serving and Shisha-smoking restaurants that crowd Bali Lane and you will find a slice of Singaporean identity that’s been misplaced for the longest time – local music.
Located at 24 Bali Lane, Straits Records is both a record label and retail space that prides itself on promoting the underground music scene in Singapore. The place reveals a different side of our sunny island, where music lovers can escape from the monotony of their daily lives, to share ideas about their passion for music and immerse themselves in an alternative lifestyle.
Promoting local music to audiences
Wan, the down-to-earth and wise soul running Straits Records, works together with a collective of music lovers to provide a platform for local bands to showcase their music and performances. On their CD racks you will find all genres of music, but Straits champions local and regional music and carries more than 60% of it in their inventory. This is a clear departure from other music stores in Singapore, which typically carry 90% of international music with bits and pieces of local artistes.
The label first started in 1997, when Wan and his partners decided that the standards of local DIY music should be on par with mainstream releases. They provided their skills and expertise for marketing and distributing local releases in a presentable manner. Ever since, they have been a key driving force for the local music scene, expanding from hardcore punk music to bring different genres of international and local English music to Singapore.
A space for all kinds of music
Straits Records’ first release entitled The Jabs
In 2004, Wan and his friends decided to set up a proper workspace to execute their plans more effectively. In order to ensure progress and sustainability for the local music scene, the team continuously encouraged local musicians to embrace their work and be proud of what they have accomplished. With the aim of providing local bands a place where they can sell their music, a strong network of support and the relevant advice and expertise, Straits Records was born.
Straits Records’ collection of music from Singapore
The space takes a refreshing approach as compared to other music stores and is made up of two stories. In its retail section on the first floor, you will find possibly the only place left in Singapore that sells vinyl LPs. Alongside are CDs, books, clothes, ornaments and T-shirts ranging from various genres, titles and relevance to music. The store sends off an interesting vibe and remains unintimidating for those who want to drop by and find out more about alternative music. It is also here where you can seek out the latest happenings in the music scene and get involved in the many events that Straits Records organize (some of which are held on the upper storey).
Locals might find the music here different from what Singaporeans are used to. Wan quips that, “a lot of tourists are honestly shocked that Singapore has these kinds of bands cause it seems like such an uptight country.”
Lack of awareness for local music and talent
More importantly, Wan hopes to bring local music to greater heights and to help musicians here overcome the challenges that they face.
Wan is the leading man behind Straits Records
“Unfortunately, the perception of local music is not good and we want to change that. There is definitely talent and potential in Singapore. In fact, bands such as The Pinholes get recognition from overseas and have performed at SXSW in 2010. But local music doesn’t get as much airtime on mainstream media here. As a result, Singaporeans don’t get to know the bands and there is a general lack of support,” he laments.
Things weren’t always this way. Wan tells us, “ Singaporeans used to be very involved in the local English music scene, especially before the old National Theatre was demolished. In the 60s’ and 70s’, the music scene flourished and audiences were supportive, but sometime after that things changed and the music lost its message.”
Making matters worse are increased costs of living and the lack of opportunities for local musicians here to earn their keep. Without a steady stream of income, coupled with the lack of support, it is indeed a tenuous journey for those who want to pursue their passion in music.
As for Straits Records, they constantly have to find new revenue streams and keep old ones flowing via events, sales and taking on day jobs. Wan mentioned that the collective of music lovers do help in whatever ways they can to keep the business going. “Our volunteers and bands come and go, but its like a cycle, we have to renew and rejuvenate what we do. We don’t want to have people saying it’s just a few bands, we want to promote both old and new ones.”
Interior of Straits Records
Going forward
Wan is confident, though, that things will get better. According to him, aspiring musicians now have easier access to professional gear and are being very proactive in seeking out advice, engaging their audiences and getting more experience.
The role of Straits Records is to be a creative meeting point for like-minded individuals and to remind young Singaporeans that there is more to life than the nine to five deskbound job. They will continue to act as a guide for individuals or bands that are starting out and need a helping hand.
A word to aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs
Wan reaffirms those who want to pursue their passion in music. “If you believe in what you do, you should try it. If you don’t try, you will never know whether you can do it or not. We are here to support you because we believe in an alternative lifestyle other than the typical Singaporean way of life.”
However, he cautioned, “Those that are starting out need to learn to take care of the business aspect of things. You need to do your homework. Make sure you know your market well, especially the industry you want to go into. In Singapore it’s about making ends meet and you have to pay bills without expecting help from others. So it’s important how you juggle and balance things out. Although it has been difficult for us to survive on this, over the years we have built up the name and are lucky to get a lot of support.”
If you want to take a break from the buzz around the General Elections (or if you’re interested to find out how Wan feels about it), do drop by Straits Records at Bali Lane and discover the Made-in-Singapore music that you thought we never had. Aspiring musicians are of course, highly encouraged to do so!
Fun Fact: Wan and Kenny from Books Actually used to be colleagues at Borders. Wan tells us that working there allowed him to meet people who had similar tastes in music and was a good platform for him to network. Perhaps this explains why he emphasizes for Straits Records to be a meeting point for those who want to find out more or are interested in the alternative music scene.
Straits Records
24A Bali Lane
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 5-10pm; Sat-Sun 3-10pm.
Website: http://www.myspace.com/straitsrecords
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Straits-Records/76244066246
A previous video interview: http://www.myspace.com/straitsrecords/blog/476810807
Front of Straits Records
Straits Records is a beacon of light in the sometimes gloomy waters of Singapore music. Part of a tribe that needs its own space to grow out from; ever wanted to build a beautiful third space? The Ultimate Start-Up Space offers you that chance; winners of the competition gets a 1400sq ft space rent-free for one year, $20,000 start up capital and an Executive Education Program from INSEAD – total prizes worth more than $170,000. Follow articles related to the competition here.
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