The anticipation is killing me...

[dogma]

Hi there. I'm planning on moving to Singapore in a few months and in anticipation of the move, I figured I'd start making friends here. I'm currently living* in the midwest US, 28m and work in education. I'm interested in finding folks with mutual interests, who are fun/nice etc., so that I'm not completely isolated on arrival. Skype? Gchat? What are you up to this weekend? What did you do last weekend? Introductions all around! I'll start: I'm currently in NYC travelling to Chicago to visit friends before I return to small-town midwest US to work on a few writing projects. What are you up to?

[Easternlady]

Hey dogma!

I'm 26f and currently working as an educator in a local primary school. Local Chinese but have lived in Australia for the past 10 years and just returned to Singapore.

Stuff I loved to do in Oz - catch up with friends over dinner and beer, game/ poker nights, photography and exploring Perth on foot! Nowadays in Sing I'm into the occasional gym sessions, exploring Singapore by stomach (which sometimes seem to be the only thing to do here!), checking out live music bars and reading.

Next weekend - I have a girlfriend coming to Singapore from the UK, so will be taking her around to visit the local tourist haunts.

Do PM me if you have any questions about Singapore in general!

[dogma]

Hi! Thanks! I've emailed you!

Also, an open question for others to answer as well: Live music in SG - what's it like? What are the 'kids' listening to these days? (good and bad) What's hip?

[tjspence]

Hey!

I'm a 32 year old American guy from NorCal/OR. I've lived in East Asia about 5 years, but I just moved to SG about 4 months ago. I'm also a teacher, at an international primary school. This is a great idea trying to meet people before you arrive.

I've been keeping busy with work (I arrived the day before the term started and basically played catch up all term.) I've also been doing more of the touristy jazz here, sight seeing and what not, but Singapore is so small and those options are rapidly dwindling.

So now that I'm settled in I think I should expand my social circle more.

There's actually a thread on here for a teacher's social group, but it hasn't seen any activity for over a year. Since there's like minded people I think I'll give it a bump.

[dogma]

hi tjspence - cool yeah i'll have to check out the teacher's thread. i know the feeling of catch up as the semester flies by. best of luck with that! I'll be sure to hit you up once i get there for a drink or something. any interest in clubs/sports? also, i've heard the micro-brew scene is rapidly expanding..

[the lynx]

Hi! Thanks! I've emailed you!

Also, an open question for others to answer as well: Live music in SG - what's it like? What are the 'kids' listening to these days? (good and bad) What's hip?

Live music scene in Singapore is pathetic on the surface but I have seen a couple of exceptionally good ones popping up in every hundreds I've seen. International concerts are a pain in the wallet. If you're familiar with Leeds Music Festival and the like, enjoy them while you can. To catch early birds deals for such concerts, it pays to keep your eyes peeled on sistic.com.sg as it is the only one ticketing agent for every music event.

As for music taste in general, it is pretty diverse although you can never go wrong with pop, R&B, dance/techno and the likes. Rock, jazz and classical music are not typical Singaporean cup of tea but still enjoyable when found nonetheless.

Do pay attention to this forum for concerts, music festivals and gigs. There are some threads dedicated to discuss music in general (and other genres). You will find me under rock/concerts threads. Another regular here is an insider in Singapore's music scene, Angel Joy, you can check out her posts.

[tjspence]

I have to agree with the lynx here. It's this whole scene separating wheat from chaff here. There is a lot on offer here which is cool, but 99% gets blown the freak away by stuff me and my buddies played in a garage in high school. (And this is for 50+ bucks cover and drink. If you dig classical or opera it's not different...overpriced and limited...IME you must be very picky with live music in SG...lots on offer but rarely worth the price. (but gems are to be found! that's the challenge!)

[the lynx]

Talking about microbrewery, it is a pretty okay over here. Not as big as you would find in your home countries but fanciful enough.

Some places you ought to check out: Brewerks, Tawandang, Thirsty, Archipelago, among many others. I've even been to one of their facilities - quite an eye-opening for beginners like me.

[dogma]

@thelynx @tjspence
Thanks, good tips on the music. I'm definitely thinking more in terms of small local acts rather than the big 50$+ shows, as I'm more inclined to support the garage-band folks than to hit up a big named international concert. I'm happy to hear that though rare, they exist. Headed over to the music forums now...

Also thanks on the microbrew tips.

[AngelJoy]

wow live music and midwest and chicago?!


I'm a freelance music journalist who's also promoting a music project called Chicago Mixtape, so you definitely can get some info through me!

Feel free to PM:D

[Qream7]

greetings,
I'm not entirely sure if youre in Singapore already but I'd love for the chance to be acquainted with you.
I'm a local Singaporean and enjoy meeting people abroad. Hmu via email or gtalk at Qilahbabe@Gmail.com

Regards.