On The Dot

The first time we spoke with you, we talked about your lighting work, and the second time, we spoke about you getting married. Now, what’s new?
What’s new? I don’t know (laughs). I changed jobs! So now I’m in a new line doing construction project management. It’s something new, and it’s been quite fun so far. It’s very different from what I used to do in events.

Cool! So how are you taking to this change of pace, considering how events is super fast-paced, but where you’re at now is a lot more corporate.
Well, I’d say the biggest change for me is the amount of red tape and the many levels of approval every decision requires. For me, it’s okay, but I know some people find it irritating. I don’t know, I just like leaving office at 6PM (laughs).

Very real! Now that you have your evenings to yourself, how do you like spending your time after work?
My wife Kim and I just moved into our BTO, so I’ve been enjoying coming home and making dinner, or just chilling in my own safe space. I’m also playing more music, whether alone or with my friends/band, Soggy Jeans. I also like to think about the future and retirement. My hobbies I guess—future planning.

Tell us more about your band! How’s the music making going?
That’s going okay. We’re thinking to record some stuff properly sometime soon. We tried to audition for Baybeats last year, but our schedules didn’t match up. We couldn’t even make the audition date! But maybe this year. It’ll be fun I think.

Well, we hope to see you guys on the Baybeats stage this year! We understand you’ve been playing music for a really long time, but now that you’re taking it more seriously with your band now, is there anything new you’ve discovered about yourself as a musician?
Yeah it’s kind of weird. I used to do a bit of acting because I studied theatre and stuff, and I’ve always found it a lot easier to be an actor rather than a musician because I can wear the skin of a character and be somebody else when I act, but when I play music, It’s just me and whatever I’ve practised. Playing music, to me at least lah, is more about getting stuff right and accurate and being myself, which is scary. I don’t get stage fright when I act, but I do when I play music.

Interesting! What makes a good performance to you then? Is it getting all the notes right, or how much energy the crowd gives, or just how the band is vibing that day?
Oh, I think it’s definitely 100% vibe. I mean, I talked about accuracy, but I’m never 100% accurate (laughs). So I try to focus on having fun and just being present in the moment. I think audiences like that a lot more.

Oh, definitely! Now that we’re fresh into a new year, what are your goals for 2026?
My goal for the year is to make full use of the benefits that come with working in a corporate environment and really whack everything. It’s my first time in a corporate role, and there are a lot of good stuff like health insurance and free dental, so I want to use these to the max.

Ian was last seen here and here.