Little Bit ‘O Soul

When and how did your music career begin?
I started the band Pleasantry with my friends when I was 14, and we’ve been playing together ever since.

I never actually planned to become a musician, I just never stopped making music through school, National Service, and multiple jobs. I now also play regularly with other bands like sub:shaman and Amateur Takes Control.

In the day, I’m also a music supervisor at an audio production house that creates music for the advertising industry. I act as the middleman to bridge the gap between agencies and their concepts through ideation and technical music skills.

What’s your favourite part about your day job as a music supervisor?
The best part is that every day and every project is different. I could record a rap, mix an orchestral track, and work on a musical number all in one day!

Of course, we also get the usual stuff like shampoo ads, but every job has moments like that, and on the whole, it’s a very creative role which I really like.

Music is going digital. What are your thoughts on using AI to make music?
I love it! I don’t think we should be scared about AI taking over because it’s a tool for us to meet increasing client demands, just like Photoshop and digital cameras—they were once new technologies too.

Outside of music making, what do you enjoy listening to?
One of my favourite bands is Son Lux. If you didn’t know, they composed the soundtrack album for the film Everything Everywhere All at Once. I think the collaboration between Son Lux and A24 was the perfect marriage of minds!

Their music is very cinematic and almost cerebral, blending a lot of sounds while still being rooted in melody. Sorry, I’m nerd-ing out (laughs).

What do you do when you want to give your ears a break?
I try to go for a run, but I haven’t had the time recently since work has been pretty hectic. I don’t listen to music when I run because it messes with my breathing, and I find the silence to be quite meditative.

Speaking of taking a break, I’ll be going on my first solo trip to Japan for a whole month, to finally spend some time away from work.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully still making my own music and finding a sound that is uniquely me. That’s something I don’t ever want to let go of.