SINGAPORE — Singer-songwriter DeonToh takes his art seriously. With his sophomore effort, Oceans, Toh has achieved what was formerly the domain of long-haired progressive rock bands in the 1970s — a coherent concept album.

“From the opening song to the end, I wanted all the tunes to link back to an artistic theme, and bring different layers of meaning to the entire album,” he said. “I wanted the album to have an umbrella concept, overarching all the songs within, allowing listeners to go on a journey with me from start to finish.”

Unlike the progressive rock bands, Toh did not need to draw inspiration from fantasy novels. Instead, the musician took his cues from his own life and the world around him.

“You could say there are two journeys happening simultaneously — my literal travels overseas, and the ‘trip within’,” he explained. “My travels are encompassed by actual experiences of travelling out of Singapore to find myself. Travelling to Iceland for a songwriting trip, to Canada to participate in the Canadian Music Week, and the United Kingdom to participate in International Pop Overthrow. The sights, smells and sounds of these countries inspired me and gave me fresh perspective.”

The seasonal cycle that he experienced on his travels as he brought his music to new audiences in Europe also offered Toh something more. “Travelling gave me the literal backdrop of seasons, its imagery and the magic behind it. On a metaphorical level, the theme of circles and cycles was the central message I took away: That life goes on, and to take comfort in changes. Also, I would like to emphasise on the value and comfort of returning home after seeing the world.”

Lofty artistic concepts aside, Oceans also finds Toh experimenting with his pop-rock sound, including elements of ambient electronica and post-rock, to create an intriguing melange. Toh credits the influences of Icelandic musician Asgeir, local rock band Caracal and pop-rock thrush Rachael Yamagata in formulating this hybrid musical approach. “Eventually through trial and error, I settled upon a mix of all three genres, which I felt was emotive enough to embody my messages and melodies.”

In addition, Toh was able to pinpoint the impact of specific locales on his songwriting on Oceans. While travelling, he made vocal notes on melodies and would write the first draft of lyrics to these melodies.

“From Toronto, I found space to breathe, which inspired me to start writing. Circles, Summer and Winter were inspired by Toronto. In Reykjavik, I witnessed the Northern Lights, a sky filled with stars, the blistering cold accompanied by strong winds, a moon rise, and just broad, wide, open spaces. Plus, the silence in Iceland was magical. Liverpool was a bittersweet end to a life-changing experience, and it was time to go home. The docks at Liverpool inspired the last song Cycles.”

The first single, Summer, is an evocative tune with strong hooks and melodies anchored by a melancholic and wistful tone. Toh’s process behind the song illustrates the depth of the songwriter’s craft. “I have a process of writing songs. A systematic method, controlled chaos if you must, he said.” “I always start with the theme I want to touch on, my core message. The next step is coming up with a melody that would fit the emotions and mood of the message. What follows are the lyrics, and eventually I will arrange the music to bring everything together. Throughout the process, I ensure that I stick by my central message, and that everything fits nicely.

He added: “The songwriting process must be purpose-driven for me. Its what I wish to convey to listeners.”

Oceans will be launched on July 10 at The Substation. Tickets from http://peatix.com/event/96846. You can buy the single or pre-order the album on iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/sg/album/oceans/id1001784352)