Baybeats Budding Programmes

1. The band is expected to show up at least 30mins before their allocated audition time. Being late will disqualify your band.  

2. Each band will undergo one round of audition, where they will be asked to perform up to two to three original works. 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 premises. 

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 immediate disqualification. 

8. The band is responsible for making all necessary arrangements to be excused by their employers, schools or other organisations/institutions in anticipation of their participation in all Baybeats activities. An official reference letter can be provided by Esplanade upon request. 

weish

weish is a multidisciplinary artist with a diverse range of work within the music, theatre and literary scenes, with a practice that spans performance, composition, music directing, and playwriting. She forms part of electronic duo .gif, prog band sub:shaman, audiovisual collective Syndicate, and experimental ensemble RATA Orkestra. Her compositions have taken her around the globe—from Sundance Film Festival to the Golden Melody Awards. She has performed original composition Horizon at the National Day Parade, toured Europe with grindcore stalwarts Wormrot, and presented live concept album stray gods at SIFA 2025. She is also the playwright, composer and music director of Secondary: The Musical. Following its success in 2024, Secondary is being restaged by Checkpoint Theatre in April 2026.

Cheryl Ong

Cheryl Ong is a Singaporean percussionist whose work spans the realms of contemporary music and sound. Her practice delves into the improvisational and experimental, seeking to uncover new textures and ideas. Apart from regularly performing with Singaporean band, The Observatory, her collaborations traverse disciplines and mediums ranging from ensemble work, music composition and improvisation.

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.

Rasyid Juraimi

Rasyid is the guitarist and songwriter of acclaimed grindcore band, Wormrot.

He has been heavily involved in the Europe, UK and US underground circuit since 2009, accumulating 14 years of experience in the music industry. Constant hard work and dedication has allowed Wormrot to play in many festivals worldwide, even landing a spot in Glastonbury.

From boundary-breaking songwriting and crafting of each album to the planning and executing the logistics of gruesome touring, he knows what it takes to realise a musician’s artistic vision and manage an ever-evolving band.

Rasyid is a strong proponent of pushing Singapore music overseas.

1. Bands that have not previously performed at Baybeats. 

2. Band members who do not have any existing contract with any major music label or agency (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 2026. 

4. Bands that can perform entirely original music, with most songs performed in English at Baybeats 2026. 

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 apply. 

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 channels within one week 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. For the auditions, the band must only perform original English compositions and original music. 

7. Selected bands should not have changes in their member 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 and photographed. Esplanade reserves the right to use images and 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.