Baybeats Budding Programmes

All band participants will be judged on the following criteria:

• Musicianship 

• Band dynamics 

• Composition 

• Showmanship 

• Overall impression 

The judges’ decision in all matters is final and no correspondence from then on will not be entertained. 

1. The band is expected to show up at least 30mins before their allocated time and be ready to load in, set up and play at their appointed time. Being late will disqualify your band. 

2. Each band will undergo two rounds of auditions whereby they will be asked to perform up to two original works at the first audition, and up to three original works at the second audition. Each band will only have 15 mins onstage to set up, perform and strike. 

3. All auditioning bands are required to bring their own instruments, effects and cables unless otherwise stated. 

4. The band will be held liable should their actions result in any damages and/or loss of equipment and property provided. 

5. There is zero tolerance for the use of illegal drugs and substances/alcohol. Violation will result in immediate disqualification and the band will be escorted from the premise. 

6. The band must be decently dressed during the audition. 

7. The band must keep good conduct at all times throughout the event. Spitting, offensive/obscene behaviour, damaging of equipment or encouraging violent behaviour will result in instant disqualification. 

8. The band is responsible for making all necessary arrangements to be excused by their employers, schools or other relevant organisation/institution in anticipation of their participations in all Baybeats activities. An official reference letter can be furnished by Esplanade upon request. 

Joseph Chian 

Joseph Chian is a multifaceted musician, sound designer, and educator driven by a passion for creating immersive sonic experiences. With a strong background in music performance, sound design, and music technology, Joseph has had the privilege of working on various projects that showcase his technical expertise and creative flair. 

As a drummer, Joseph plays for local shoegaze pioneer Astreal. Additionally, he is the percussionist and drummer for Kulcha, a Singapore-based cultural ethnic group, where he explores the rich musical heritage of diverse cultures. 

As part of the sound designer duo Stan X Soap, Joseph collaborates on sound design for theatre and interactive sound projects, crafting unique sonic landscapes that enhance the narrative and emotional impact of each production. 

Pursuing an MSc in Sound Design, Joseph is committed to advancing his expertise in sound design and audio production. As a mentor, he is dedicated to sharing his expertise with the next generation of musicians, sound designers, and audio producers. He is excited to collaborate with like-minded professionals who share his passion for sound and music, and looks forward to inspiring and guiding aspiring musicians in their creative journeys. 

Isa Ong 

Isa Ong is a musician who lives in several projects, including the bands Pleasantry, Amateur Takes Control and sub:shaman, spanning the genres of indie pop/rock, math rock, progressive rock and post-metal.

Independently, Isa also produces electronic music under the name Claude Glass, releasing his debut EP, Isekai in late-2020 under Syndicate as well as for audio-visual experiences.

When apart from his bands, he’s a creative and music supervisor at the audio post house Fuse, crafting all things audio for the advertising industry. 

Saiful Idris 

Saiful Idris is the songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist of The Great Spy Experiment, an indie-rock band widely regarded as one of the leading lights of Singapore’s independent music scene. Their sound fuses the best of indie, rock, and dance—guitar-driven yet rhythmically dynamic, with indie riffs juxtaposing irresistible pop hooks and melodies that tug the heartstrings. The band has performed at internationally renowned festivals, including Baybeats, One Movement, Singfest, ZoukOut, MIDEM, and South by Southwest, bringing their music to audiences in London, New York, Perth, Cannes, and Taipei. Saiful is also a producer and the founder of SRNDR Records, with a repertoire of releases that reflect an appreciation of the structure and aesthetics of early yet timeless electronic dance music – a tribute to the old but original school.

Martin Kong 

Martin Kong is the drummer for Caracal and Naedr. His band Caracal has released two albums and two EPs, performing at festivals such as Baybeats, Summersonic, MIDI Festival, Spring Scream Festival, and more. His bands have toured globally, playing in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, China, and Southeast Asia, and opened for major acts like Anberlin, Funeral For a Friend, Underoath, and The Used. Their LP, Welcome The Ironists, hit #1 on iTunes Singapore upon its release in December 2014. Their latest album, Effigies, was released in August 2024. Additionally, he has filled in for acts like Amateur Takes Control, Monster Cat, Sherene’s Closet, West Grand Boulevard, and Tomgirl. 

Beyond drumming, Martin is a recording engineer and mixer at Snakeweed Studios, working alongside his mentor Leonard Soosay. He has worked on recordings for bands such as Caracal, Naedr, Marijannah, Amateur Takes Control, Amterible, Supersect, Tell Lie Vision, and HRVST. 

With nearly 15 years of teaching experience, Martin always strives to bring out the best in each of his students while remaining a lifelong student of music himself. 

1. Bands that have not previously performed at Baybeats. 

2. Band members that do not have any existing contract with any major music label or agency (to be evaluated and verified at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s sole discretion). 

3. Bands that can perform a set for a minimum of 30mins at Baybeats 2025. 

4. Bands that can perform entirely original music, with most songs performed in English at Baybeats 2025. 

5. All band members must be residing in Singapore. There is no age limit.

6. Bands that have previously applied for past editions but have not been successful are welcome to submit applications. 

1. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 

2. Applications are to be submitted using the provided platform. Should you submit more than one entry, only the latest one submitted before the entry closing date will be considered. 

3. Results of the applications will be posted on the Baybeats website and social media within three weeks after the open call closes. Only shortlisted bands with successful applications will receive an email notification of their scheduled audition timeslots, via their given email address. 

4. All music and vocals must be performed live without heavy reliance on backing tracks.  

5. Use of vulgar, sexually explicit, sacrilegious or violent language and/or lyrics is prohibited. 

6. The band must only perform original English compositions during the audition(s). 

7. Selected bands should not have changes in their line-up from what they submit in their application form. Bands will be required to perform in Baybeats with the members whom they auditioned with. 

8. Bands must give at least 72 hours’ notice should they choose to withdraw from the auditions. 

9. All bands agree to have their names, voices, likenesses, sound materials and photographs used by The Esplanade Co Ltd (Esplanade) and sponsors for the purpose of publicity, broadcasting, advertising and or trade without further compensation or notice. 

10. The band agrees to participate in promotional activities, including but not limited to media interviews, promotional appearances and events arranged by Esplanade for publicity and promotional purposes for which no additional fees shall be paid to the band. 

11. The auditions will be filmed. Esplanade reserves the right to use footage for promotions and other non-commercial purposes. 

12. Esplanade reserves the right to amend the audition rules and guidelines without prior notice. 

13. Esplanade will not be held responsible should there be any loss or damage of the band’s personal equipment. 

14. By participating in this audition, the band agrees to abide by the rules and regulations, terms and conditions, and all decisions made by Esplanade. 

Aloysius Lim 

Having honed his skills by shooting gigs in Singapore since 2003, Aloysius Lim has built an impressive portfolio photographing the tastemakers of today’s music scene, from the likes of Coldplay and Jason Mraz to The Police and Green Day. He has also captured unforgettable moments at renowned festivals like Laneway Festival, Timbre Rock & Roots, Rockaway Festival, Good Vibes Festival, Urbanscapes and Esplanade’s Baybeats. Aloysius has had several honourable mentions at the International Photo Awards (IPA). In recent years, he has worked closely with international musicians such as Celine Dion, Michael Learns To Rock and Westlife for their shows in Singapore. 

Ryan Chang 

With over a decade of global experience, Ryan Chang is a seasoned photographer and video director whose works have appeared in numerous international publications across multiple continents. Passionate about fostering long-term collaborative relationships, he builds creative partnerships grounded in trust and open dialogue.  Ryan has made a name for himself by touring full-time for some of the biggest names in hard rock and metal, including GRAMMY-winning acts such as Bullet For My Valentine, Ghost and Megadeth. The music videos he has directed include the viral hit Mary On A Cross by Ghost, Piece of Me by Bullet For My Valentine, as well as Steal The Sun by While She Sleeps. Ryan was part of the Baybeats Budding Photographer cohort of 2009. 

1. This programme is open to all Singaporeans, PRs and foreign nationals residing in Singapore who are between 18 and 30 years old. 

2. Applications are to be submitted using the provided platform. Should you submit more than one entry, only the latest one submitted before the entry closing date will be considered. 

3. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 

4. The programme is open to amateur photographers only. No prior experience or training is required. 

5. All participants are required to bring and use their own digital camera and equipment for this programme. 

6. All participants must agree to have their photographs used by The Esplanade Co Ltd (Esplanade) for the purpose of publicity, broadcasting, advertising and/or trade without further compensation or notice, in relation to the programme. 

7. Selected participants are required to commit fully to the workshops and training sessions listed above and all the programmes at Baybeats 2025. 

8. Selected participants must agree that Esplanade may obtain, reproduce and broadcast images taken during festivals presented by Esplanade by any electronic, digital or other means, provided that these images are used solely for the purpose of promoting the artists, the said event, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and its venues, or the arts in Singapore in general, which may include free screenings of such images in their entirety either at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay or at any venue which Esplanade is using for the said promotion. 

9. Due credit will be given to photographers whose works are selected and used by Esplanade. There will be no monetary reward for the use of the images. 

10. Participants will agree to abide by the rules and regulations, terms and conditions, and all decisions made by Esplanade. 

11. Esplanade reserves the right to amend the rules and guidelines without prior notice. 

Ilyas Sholihyn 

Ilyas Sholihyn is a media veteran with over a decade in digital journalism, specialising in investigative reporting, cultural commentary, and human-interest stories. He has led teams in top online news and lifestyle publications, and his expertise in media innovation is sought in universities, industry podcasts, conferences, and boardrooms. He currently runs RICE Media as Editor-in-Chief.  

Eddino Abdul Hadi 

Eddino Abdul Hadi is a seasoned music correspondent for The Straits Times, where he has been covering the music scene since 2007. Before his tenure at the newspaper, he was a key writer for BigO, Singapore's only independent music magazine, from 1999 to 2003. Throughout his career, Eddino has been deeply involved in nurturing the next generation of music writers, serving as a mentor for the Baybeats Budding Writers programme since 2014. 

1. This programme is open to all Singaporeans, PRs and foreign nationals residing in Singapore who are between 18 and 30 years old. 

2. Applications are to be submitted using the provided platform. Should you submit more than one entry, only the latest one submitted before the entry closing date will be considered. 

3. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 

4. The programme is open to amateur writers only. No prior experience or training is required. 

5. Selected participants are required to commit fully to the workshops, training sessions listed above and all the programmes at Baybeats 2025. 

6. Use of vulgar, sexually explicit, violent, or socially inappropriate language and/or content is strictly prohibited. 

7. All participants agree to have their written works, created during the course of this programme, used by The Esplanade Co Ltd (Esplanade) and its entities such as Esplanade Offstage, for the purposes of publicity, broadcasting, advertising and/or trade, in relation to the programme, without further compensation or notice. 

8. Participants agree to abide by the rules and regulations, terms and conditions, and all decisions made by Esplanade. 

9. Esplanade reserves the right to amend the rules and guidelines without prior notice. 

Gordon Khoo 

Gordon has been a part of Baybeats since its inception in 2002, lending his skills to the festival as, most notably, one of its longest-standing emcees. A former performer himself, he brings a deep understanding of the stage to his role, and for over two decades, he has mentored and coached aspiring emcees, passing on his unique insights and extensive experience to the next generation.  

1. Application is open to all Singaporeans, PRs and foreign nationals residing in Singapore who are between 18 and 35 years old. 

2. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.  

3. The programme is open to emcees with some prior experience.  

4. Selected participants are required to commit fully to the workshops, training sessions listed above and all the programmes at Baybeats 2025. 

5. Use of vulgar, sexually explicit, violent, or socially inappropriate language and/or content is strictly prohibited.

6. Participants agree to abide by the rules and regulations, terms and conditions, and all decisions made by Esplanade. 

7. Esplanade reserves the right to amend the rules and guidelines without prior notice.