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S’pore singer-songwriter Nicholas Chim wants to pay it forward

SINGAPORE — The typical shelf life of a music artiste in Singapore is sometimes hampered by commitments of work and family that become priorities over the art and craft. However, singer-songwriter Nicholas Chim could be an exception to that particular rule.

Musician Nick Chim says he wants help other up-and-coming singer-songwriters along their musical journey. Photo: Marilyn Yun Jin

Musician Nick Chim says he wants help other up-and-coming singer-songwriters along their musical journey. Photo: Marilyn Yun Jin

SINGAPORE — The typical shelf life of a music artiste in Singapore is sometimes hampered by commitments of work and family that become priorities over the art and craft.

However, singer-songwriter Nicholas Chim could be an exception to that particular rule. After his obligatory stint in National Service, Chim decided to forgo his place in the Film Sound and Video course at Ngee Ann Polytechnic and made the decision to study at LaSalle College of the Arts.

“Somehow, I felt my soul pull me towards music instead,” Chim recalled, “Naturally my friends and family didn’t exactly support my decision at first; but once they saw how committed I was to my passion, everyone became more at ease with it.”

Chim committed himself to his music and he has never looked back. It was his involvement in two bands — Vertical Rush and Winterhalter, under the now defunct WakeMeUpMusic label — which first exposed him to public attention at the beginning of the 2000s.

“The experience of playing in these two bands was like two sides of the same coin. Vertical Rush was very slick and tight, while Winterhalter was loose and chaotic expression. But to me, it was always about making music with friends and having fun while doing it. I would never do something that I didn’t enjoy,” he said.

“Vertical Rush had the pleasure of playing almost every show there was in Singapore at the time. The most memorable ones for me would be performing on live national television, opening for Manic Street Preachers and our album launch for Of Real Dreams,” he added. “With Winterhalter, I was given a lot of creative freedom to express myself. I chased an MC off the stage with a sword, wrote fan fiction for the hell of it, even had wrestling matches in the middle of the set. I believe we even were sort of blacklisted by Home Club for using too many confetti cannons!”

But as fond as the memories were, being a local band in the 2000s had its own challenges, whether it was finding a platform to perform or having limited marketing avenues. “Back then, it wasn’t that easy getting your music out for people to discover. You took whatever show you could get and just ground away,” said Chim. “Budget airlines hadn’t started yet, so the only viable touring option was going Kuala Lumpur. Making a music video was just a dream for many.

“Even when MySpace came along, many of us took a while to adapt to using technology to create awareness for our music. Honestly, I still feel slightly uncomfortable using social media.

“Time management is key to handling the work. Most importantly, I’ve learnt that I must set aside time every day to work on my craft. Nothing can happen before the music is made. At the end of the day, you alone get to reap the rewards from your hard work, so put your back into it!”

But of course, these lessons have informed Chim’s own approach to his solo career, which some might say has been more successful than his time with Vertical Rush or Winterhalter.

The man may not be a celebrity as such, but he is seen by many celebrated artistes within the Singapore indie music scene as a living inspiration, thanks to his heartfelt songwriting — an approach that traverses folk and emo rock influences — which has been praised by eminent Canadian rock producer Bob Ezrin. Chim has also found an appreciative audience in Germany; all of which has led to festival appearances and fairly extensive touring.

Speaking of touring, Chim recently released The Greatest Enemy, his latest EP, and is about to embark on another tour of Germany. But even more important, perhaps, is that Chim has not kept these life lessons to himself — but has committed himself to mentor the next generation of aspiring singer-songwriters, such as Jaime Wong, for example.

“I believe strongly in paying it forward. I remember all the people who gave me a chance when I was younger and didn’t know much about music. I want to do the same for Jaime. If everyone helped each other out more, I think the world will be a much better place.”

The Greatest Enemy EP is now available on all digital platforms.

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