Welcome to Time Out Singapore's 52 Weeks of #ExcitingSG – our commitment to showing you the best of what's going on in the city this week. Every Monday, a guest writer who's "in" with the scene shares a recommendation on what to see, eat, do or buy in the city. This week, we chat with electronic producer and singer-songwriter Ysa Yaneza. The young, up and coming artist recently debuted her single IRL (If You Really See Me) with an accompanying music video laced with 90s Britney Spears vibes. For more throwback elements, check out her latest single Max, released with a music video on August 3.
What gets you excited about Singapore?
The growing music scene and the potential it has to grow even bigger. Oh, also just how clean and green it is. Did I mention our train stations?
What's the inspiration behind your music?
Synths and bells are probably my favourite sounds at the moment, and you can find them a lot in 80s and 90s music. For Max, I was quite inspired by the producer Max Martin who created some of the biggest pop hits in the past decade.
Tell us about your single IRL (If You Really See Me).
The song is about dating in the digital age. I wrote the song because of this guy that I sort of had an online relationship with. He was my classmate but I felt so close to him just because we were texting all the time. But for the music video, I wanted to give it more purpose than just online dating. I wanted to showcase Asian beauty through chick flick tropes, and just embracing this colourful and diverse society we live in. It also focuses on the importance of friendships – friends who would stick by you, even when you make irrational decisions for love.
What do you think about Singapore's music scene?
It's lovely to see all these new artists coming out and I wonder what opportunities may come about because of this, and where all this could lead to. Pretty excited for the scene in general!
Name some local artists are you listening to right now.
Recently, I went to see Sobs live at their launch show and I've been listening to their new album. Besides that, I listen to Sam Rui, she's made some bops!
Aside from promoting your latest single Max, is there anything else planned for the future?
I'll be releasing another single this 2018.