In the heart of Singapore’s burgeoning music scene, a group of young musicians is redefining what it means to be a jazz ensemble in the modern era.
The Jazzlings, a collective of passionate and talented youth, are not just playing the same old tune – they’re showing the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and perseverance that characterises Singapore’s emerging workforce.
A Diverse Ensemble
The Jazzlings started as a small group of jazz enthusiasts from the National University of Singapore (NUS) seeking more opportunities to practice and perform.
“Our common love for jazz brought us together, and we started The Jazzlings,” said Bian Tong, 24, one of the founders who is also their saxophonist and flutist.
What began as a handful of NUS jazz band members has now blossomed into a diverse community of over 40 musicians from various institutions and backgrounds.
Aside from Bian, they include Tristan Seow, 21, on drums; Timothy Mok, 21, on piano; Lee Wan Xin, 22, as vocalist; Arthur Wiyono Chen, 31, on bass; Lam Weng Chung, 23, on guitar; Rhyhan Asda, 27, as vocalist, and many other like-minded talents.
Their differences in age and musical backgrounds contribute to their unique sound and approach to jazz.
Navigating Hurdles with Resolve
The group’s journey reflects the challenges and opportunities many young Singaporeans face in pursuing their interests alongside career aspirations.
Wan Xin highlighted these challenges: “Because some of us are still in school, jazz instruments and stuff can be pretty expensive. And in terms of venues for practice, a lot of regular jamming studios are set up more for pop and other genres and not really for jazz.”
Financial constraints and limited resources are just the beginning. The lack of an established jazz scene for young musicians in Singapore also poses a unique challenge.
“I feel like the jazz scene in Singapore is small, but the barrier to entry is insanely high. And there are many older musicians who are very, very good. Some, I would even argue, are like world-class talent.
“So it feels, as a young musician, you feel kind of small, and you feel you’re not good enough for jazz, so it’s hard to step into it properly,” Wan Xin said.
Despite these hurdles, The Jazzlings’ commitment to their craft serves as an inspiration to young people navigating their own hurdles.
“I always feel like it’s a work in progress, and music is something we’re still learning.
“I still go and do lessons. At some point, all my gig money will just go into lessons, so it’s like a circular economy of nothing. But I still want to learn and grow,” said Wan Xin.
This dedication to continuous learning and improvement, even in tough times, exemplifies the mindset driving The Jazzlings forward.
A Supportive Community
Through these roadblocks, the Jazzlings have found strength in their unity, creating a nurturing environment for each member to grow.
The collaborative culture within their group mirrors the supportive workplaces that many young workers seek, encouraging growth, exploration, and skill development.
The bassist, Arthur, said: “Being in The Jazzlings helps me to express myself in different ways, with different instruments.”
The group’s approach to jazz also reflects the youths’ fresh perspective on traditional fields.
Rhyhan, a vocalist, explained, “As a young person, I feel like I want to learn more about the world, and learning about how people see the world through the songs they make has been very inspiring for me.”
Music as a Catalyst for Change
Pianist Timothy emphasised the influence of their art: “This music historically has been a catalyst for social change. Even in Singapore, it has the power to impact people by sharing our emotions and concepts through our music.”
For The Jazzlings, jazz’s transformative potential resonates deeply, driving their commitment to both their music and their broader aspirations for personal and societal growth.
Bian envisions a future where “half of us are not full-time musicians, but we continue to perform and practice music to a high level, not just in skill, but also passion.”
This balance of career aspirations and artistic pursuits echoes many young Singaporeans’ holistic approach towards their careers and personal development.
Drummer Tristan advised fellow young artists: “Remember to take risks as the higher the risk you take, the higher the rewards and that’s one good way to progress in your career as an artist.”
Showcasing Young Talent
As The Jazzlings prepare to perform at the upcoming NTUC x NDP Bay Celebrations on 3 and 9 August 2024 at The Promontory @ Marina Bay, they’re excited to share their music with a wider audience.
Bian said, “We are celebrating our nation. And more so, this carnival is for youths.
“It’s good to see that a lot of young people are coming together and striving in their own respective fields.”
Their participation in this event is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to showcasing and supporting fresh talent. It’s an opportunity for these young musicians to shine on a national stage, demonstrating the potential of the country’s youth.
As Singapore continues to invest in this generation, groups like The Jazzlings are striking a chord with young Singaporeans, serving as a powerful reminder of the nation’s vibrant future.
Learn more about the NTUC x NDP Bay Celebrations here.