Viva La Merdeka

By Geraldine Tan

 

                  Merdekarya, a local arts and event venue that is a little tricky to get to, but thankfully someone had linked the Merdekarya venue on “Waze”, so it’s searchable on the GPS application. Decorated with discarded wooden panels and crates, some light bulbs and cardboards, this is the place for artists of all sorts to pour their hearts out.

 

But how exactly does one get a slot to perform? I got to speak to 2 ex-Taylorians who have moved from making music in their bedrooms, posting covers on Youtube to belting it out live on stage.

 

“Merdekarya is probably the easiest platform to start,” singer, songwriter and musician Nicholas Ng, 21, said.  Having performed there three times since 2013, he said it’s easy because all one has to do is “Just sign up on the website, attend the open slot and you’ve got yourself some exposure.”

 

 

Frontman Nicholas Ng (second from left) singing his heart out while his bandmates back him up on vocals. (Photo Credits: Chui Ying)

 

Owners Mel and Brian Gomez will offer you a full set as a featured artist if you impress them enough. Of course, it’s up to you to let the momentum carry you through. Places like The Bee at Publika and Laundry Bar at The Curve, are slightly on the premium side in terms of these open-mic shows. Merdekarya however, offers daily shows starting from 8pm till the owners decide it’s late enough to close.

 

Songwriter and musician Blake Kee, 23, who has performed at Merdekarya seven times, said it’s more of a stepping-stone.

 

Kee at his recent performance as lead-guitarist for his band.

 

“The owners are always giving opportunities for aspiring artists to start somewhere,” he added.

 

Merdekarya isn’t just a place for local musicians but writers as well; get your book(s) published and sell them here.

 

One main reason why Ng and Kee kept going back to Merdekarya was because of the casual vibes. They could laugh, joke and be themselves on stage and even make mistakes. But at the end of the day, all they ever aim for is a good show where people feel the chemistry between them and their band mates and enjoy the music played.

 

“You basically need to give a good show,” Ng said insistently, “and that doesn’t mean a good voice and four chords; you need showmanship and chemistry.”

 

Merdekarya also opened doors for Ng to launch “The Nicholas Ng Project” late August this year where he did a full set. That night itself, the house was packed and a number of people in the audience had to stand throughout the show. The owners applauded Ng for being able to garner that many people and help spread the spirit of Merdekarya all over. It had been a while since they’ve seen the house so filled with eager hearts.

 

 

Introducing The Nicholas Ng Project where the band are all ex-Taylorians who are on semester break and had come together for a good performance. (Photo Credits: Nicholas Ng)

 

Opportunity grew for Ng and Kee after having performed at Merdekarya. Ng was offered to perform at The Bee and also for the No Black Tie event. Daniel Wong, lead singer from Wanted Symphony, offered Kee and his bandmates to perform a huge gig at Publika. So, do expect some big shows from these young and talented former Taylorians in late September and October!

 

For those interested in following their footsteps, Ng and Kee said to take advantage of opportunities and be brilliant but also humble. Kee knows what it’s like to strive in the music scene as he’s been performing since the age of 15.

 

“It’s not easy,” he admitted, “but keep trying and you’ll get there. Know the right people, work hard and all the cliché stuff.”

 

So now that you know how and where to get started, it's time to get practicing and who knows, the next feature on successful artists from Taylor’s could just be you!