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Singers Nelson Tan, Amanda Tee to launch their EPs together

SINGAPORE — A mere decade ago, a key issue in the local indie music scene was the perceived lack of support for bands playing original music compared with those playing Top 40 cover songs. But things have somewhat improved and singer-songwriters Nelson Tan and Amanda Tee can certainly attest to this.

In true indie spirit, Amanda Tee and Nelson Tan will be having a joint EP launch.

In true indie spirit, Amanda Tee and Nelson Tan will be having a joint EP launch.

SINGAPORE — A mere decade ago, a key issue in the local indie music scene was the perceived lack of support for bands playing original music compared with those playing Top 40 cover songs. But things have somewhat improved and singer-songwriters Nelson Tan and Amanda Tee can certainly attest to this.

Both are regulars on the pub circuit and can be seen belting out crowd favourites at various night spots every week. However, they’ve also released original music through the years and, on National Day, they will have a joint EP launch at Hood Bar: Tan will be releasing his English debut offering, Nelson, while Tee will be releasing her sophomore effort, Amnesiac.

As songwriters who also do covers (Tan name-checks Keith Urban and Matchbox 20, while Tee’s all-time faves include Tori Amos and Suzanne Vega), they have their feet firmly planted on both sides of the debate. But with the impending double-EP launch, their eyes are clearly fixed on specific, individual goals.

“This is my first English-language EP after releasing two Chinese albums,” said Tan. “I certainly hope to introduce myself to the local English scene and do my part in promoting local music to the masses. Hopefully, through my songs, people will be able to relate to issues or different situations in their lives.”

Tee, meanwhile, was fairly tongue-in-cheek. “After years of being told that I should have more upbeat songs, add some catchy lyrics, move into the Chinese market or even wear a dress to make my music more sellable, I decided to make my goal simple: If there’s someone out there who has listened to my song and enjoyed it, then my job is done.”

For Tan, the biggest challenge is “getting my music out there”. “It’s not often that we get to play our originals at gigs ... People tend to stick to songs they are familiar with — mostly what’s trending or what they hear on the radio,” he said.

Tee has a somewhat different perspective. “I play at live music venues five nights a week and, while it’s lots of fun, it takes a toll on the music side of your brain. When you’re playing hits from the greatest bands of all time, most riffs and lyrics you write after that just seem to pale in comparison. It took me a couple of years to get past that thinking,” she said.

Nevertheless, Tan said the love of making music is paramount, notwithstanding the difficulties. “I feel my original music plays a big part of my life. I love playing music, but I love making music even more. Nothing gives me more joy then performing a song that I wrote or hearing someone doing a version of my work.”

Tee concurred, but added that it was also about being in complete control. “I’ve got used to taking full rein of the entire project: From the songwriting to being the recording and mixing engineer, producer, arranger and even designing the EP,” she said.

A definite way to achieve these goals is to tap each other’s fan base, not only by doing the joint launch but also by collaborating with each other.

“I’ve always wanted to write male-female duets, but I never really got down to it,” Tan elaborated. “I’ve been performing with Amanda for quite a while now, so I decided to ask her if she would like to sing on a duet that I’ve written for the EP.”

“It was the most random conversation ever,” Tee said. “I realised it was about time I sat down to release another publication and he had a few English songs lying around waiting to be used.

“We both know releasing an EP independently takes a whole lot of work and coordination, and two heads definitely seemed better than one.”

The joint launch will be held on Aug 9, 8pm, at Hood Bar & Cafe.

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