This round’s on … Sarah Cheng-De Winne

SINGAPORE — You’ll recognise singer-songwriter Sarah Cheng-De Winne from her music videos playing on television these days.

Two of Sarah’s songs — Happy Ever After and Love-Shape Void — from her latest album, Brand New, have landed on the soundtrack of Toggle’s telemovie Love … And Other Bad Habits, a drama starring Zoe Tay and Chen Han Wei as a divorced couple on the verge of reconciliation.

“The movie’s themes resonate strongly with the musicality and lyrics of my songs,” she said.

While both songs are in English, film producers have licensed a Mandarin version of Happy Ever After, realising a dream of Sarah’s.

“Recording a Chinese version of Happy Ever After was something I was hoping to work on … I had previously worked on a Mandarin demo of Happy Ever After (and) when Toggle asked if I had a Chinese version, it was just waiting to be recorded. The result was Tong Wang Xing Fu De Lu,” said the 25-year-old.

According to the singer, she’s working towards a Chinese EP release “later this year”. But her current priority is her gig at Hood Bar & Cafe on March 5. This showcase is open to anyone who brings a physical copy of the album or buys one at the venue. KOK XING HUI

Do you have a go-to meal before performances and what’s your favourite drink to pair it with and why?

Sarah Cheng-De Winne: I try to eat a late lunch where possible, so that I don’t have to eat until after my performance. I usually bring some butter rolls and dried cranberries to snack on during make-up or sound check. I used to really like having fish soup with milk, but I realised it’s phlegm-inducing and not advisable right before a performance. I only drink water before performances and will bring a flask of hot water to get moisture into my nose and throat.

What drink would pair best with a sit-down to your entire album?

Something with Frangelico hazelnut liquer.

What’s the funniest moment to happen to you involving drinks?

I don’t drink alcohol often, but one time I had two cocktails and had turned so red that after stepping out of the bar, the people who were with me thought I was having an allergic reaction!

Where is your favourite place to go for a drink and why?

Maison Ikkoku at Kandahar Street. My good friend Ethan Leslie Leong is the chief mixologist there and he always manages to pleasantly surprise me with interesting cocktails that suit my mood. It’s also a really nice place to chill out with a small group of friends.

Fill in the blanks: I drink manuka honey water for inspiration to get a melody; avocado milkshake to get rid of writer’s block; and cookies and cream ice-cream Sprite float to celebrate finally putting a song down.

What’s your favourite liquid perk-me-up and why?

Prune juice. It never fails to jolt my senses when it’s midnight and I still have work to do.

Sarah Cheng-De Winne performs on March 5, 7.30pm at Hood Bar & Cafe (Bugis+, Level 4). Entry: Show your physical copy of Brand New, or purchase it at the venue. Brand New is available from HMV, Gramophone and That CD Shop.