Electrico speaks to us on what’s next
By Cheryl Chia
It has been about ten years since home-grown band Electrico started making waves in the music scene. Since then, they have won a number of accolades and even performed in the National Day Parade, in 2009.
We speak to them to find out what they’ve been up to, and what we can next expect.
Since you started in 2003, how has the local indie music scene changed?
Des: The government is providing monetary assistance, which is a good sign. It’s still a young industry with lots of areas for expansion and a need for infrastructure to assist all the bands out there.
Dave: The demographics and people who have the power to make things better are still very ignorant about the scene, and people still don’t put their money where their mouth is.
You’ve performed in the US as well, in 2007. What is the difference between a US crowd and a local one?
Des: The Americans are more open to new music and they show it when they enjoy the music. Singaporeans are still more reserved.
William: Sometimes I feel like they don’t hesitate to cheer, applaud and dance. But Singaporean crowds are great too! I think it is more about the venue and the kind of show you are doing too.
What is next for Electrico? A new album perhaps?
Dave: Definitely more straightforward, punkish music and, as usual, some off-tangent stuff for the new album.
Des: The only spoiler is that we have been listening to a lot of The Strokes, The Black Keys and The Datsun; the kind of stuff that makes us tick. We’re happy to have done Baybeats as well.
What is your most memorable moment as a band?
Dave: The Australian tour, playing SXSW in Texas, Baybeats, MTV Asia Awards, playing to 100,000 people in Taiwan and playing for NDP 2009 were all very memorable… but I’m sure I’m missing tons more.
Funny moment: We had a show where Desmond was jumping around, slowly coiling his guitar cable around his body, ‘til it popped out of the amp, leaving us with no bass…
William: All the music festivals, travelling and the fans! It’s these things that also drive us to keep going because every now and then there are great moments!
If you could perform with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Des: Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, because he plays with so much energy and passion all the time.
Do you have any advice for budding local bands?
Dave: You have to have true passion for the craft. Always push your boundaries because if you don’t, you won’t last. The demographics and small original music culture in Singapore does make it a tough place for any artist trying to push original music but the Internet has made it easier for our stuff to get heard.
In terms of actual tangible support, it’s always an uphill task. Singapore is still a very young country, so as long as people keep working hard to keep the scene alive, I’m hopeful that it will eventually mature to a thriving one in the future.
What would you say to Singaporeans about the local music scene?
Des: Listen and be open to the music. There will be at least one act out there that will speak to you.
William: Try catching some local shows, give them a chance to present their music and perform a good show for you! Whether you like it or not, always try to give local performers a shot.
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