Sanny Veloo's EMPRA is making waves
SINGAPORE — There has been much discussion online concerning the prospects of Singapore indie music making an impact on the world stage. Much of this debate centres around initiatives to make this dream a reality for Singapore indie artists. But, Singapore already has musicians who have taken great strides to fulfill their musical dreams, and we’re not just talking about classical musicians such as Abigail Sin.
Sanny Veloo (second from left), who now resides in Melbourne, has been making waves with his band, EMPRA.
SINGAPORE — There has been much discussion online concerning the prospects of Singapore indie music making an impact on the world stage. Much of this debate centres around initiatives to make this dream a reality for Singapore indie artists. But, Singapore already has musicians who have taken great strides to fulfill their musical dreams, and we’re not just talking about classical musicians such as Abigail Sin.
Sanny Veloo, the former frontman for Singapore rock band The Suns, for example, is currently making waves on the airwaves with his Melbourne-based band, EMPRA.
After releasing their debut album last year, EMPRA did an Australian tour that lasted three months, won several competitions, including the 2013 Live Nation International Band Competition in Los Angeles, did a couple of shows in the United States, and recorded a new album.
Next month, Sanny will return to Singapore with EMPRA to open for Fall Out Boy at Fort Canning Park on Aug 6. And he’s looking forward to it. “Singapore is my home. It’s where I began my music journey. I am one of those guys who learnt how to sing and play guitar from the void decks of HDB flats in Bedok who never stopped rocking.” he said. “To finally return home with EMPRA to perform for a whole bunch of aspiring rockers and my family ... I count it as one of the greatest blessings in my life.”
And for Sanny, the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll still burns deep within. “It is not difficult to be a full-time musician. If you have music in your soul, believe me, it’s a lot harder to ignore it.” he said. “The path of music has been filled with ups and downs. But, it has blessed me with a life more extraordinary than most Singaporeans I know and I am so much happier for it.”
His bit of advice for aspiring musicians? “If you choose to be a musician, you simply have give up the right to live a life like everybody else, and just be prepared to dive into the challenges ahead for the greatest and most beautiful journey of your life. Good luck!”
EMPRA supports Fall Out Boy on August 6, 8pm, Fort Canning Park. Tickets from Sistic.
Read the full interview online at http://tdy.sg/todaymusic
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