Singapore

[Robobo1]

I have the possibility of moving to Singapore over the next few months and taking a job in a new very high-end recording facility there.

I would like to know more about the recording/music industry scene in that area. From what I have read so far, piracy is rampant. Any other thoughts?

[Stizz]

Can't help you with the industry angle, but I was over there recently, and really liked the place - just make sure you don't break any laws... they do not fool around!

[Tom VDH]

Hi,

I was there in February and visited Lion Studio, previously owned by Polygram and since owned by their ex-manager, John Herbert. Very nice studio, all analog, beautiful acoustics. I asked John about the market in Singapore and he replied that it was pretty slow because regarding chinese pop music (the 3 main communities in Singapore are Chinese, Tamuls and Malays) most local acts have to make it in Taiwan or Hong-Kong first to be able to hit the singaporean market, so most of the work is done in those places. Tamuls have their music mainly produced in India, and Malays, who are more into Rock, can't sell their music in Malaysia because it's prohibited...
Fortunately, there are still Indonesians willing to record good sounding Jazz albums in Singapore, and international artists, attracted by the good acoustics, good food of the region and cheap prices...
It's possible that thanks to (sigh) Pop Idol, a new breed of artists has emerged from a society where artistic carreers are not very common...

Just my opinion and point of view, I don't pretend to be an expert of the singaporean musical scene, ymmv!

The other problem with having a studio in Singapore is the very high percentage of humidity in the air+ Hi temperatures...hard to maintain equipment without a very good isolation and AC.
I'm sure you'll love the food though...

What's the name of this new place?

Tom VDH

[Zarathustra]

Ahhh Singapore -- I can still smell the burning flesh of a good caning...

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/attac...tid=9512&stc=1
3695es.jpg

[Robobo1]

Yeah, I'm definitely aware of the strict laws Thanks for that, Zarathustra! Hah!

[gonzoh1]

I lived in Singapore for a year as Service manager for SSL. I had a fantastic year and loved every second of it. Great place to live as it is reasonibly sane but a great base to then travel to the rest of SE Asia.

Things to know about Singapore:

It has a huge economy but is relatively small so the market for local music (production) is small.
A lot of the Cantonese Pop and Mandarian pop is produced in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
It is really expensive to live in Singapore. Don't expect to be able to afford a car but public transport is good.
It is always hot and Humid.
Food is amazing and the people friendly.

If I had a good opportunity to go back I would consider it.

good luck with the decision.