IGNITE! Music Festival Special: 53A

ESTIMATED 

One of Singapore's prominent cover bands, 53A have long brought about their infectious cheer and fun-filled sets to many venues in Singapore. Now returning to the grounds of Republic Polytechnic to play for IGNITE! Music Festival 2014 alongside other exciting acts, you can definitely count on this fun bunch to churn some upbeat and groovy tunes, and even ones you can sing along to. They take a break from their packed schedules to have a chat with us about their upcoming show at IGNITE! and other things. 

Hey 53A! What have guys been up to these days?

We’re just about to head to Bali to play a wedding over the weekend! Other than that, we’re just playing at our weekly gigs at Wala Wala and Timbre while preparing for IGNITE!

How does it feel to be playing IGNITE! Festival once again this year?

BANDWAGON TV

We’re very honoured and extremely excited. We’ll be playing our new songs for the first time ever!

Tell us about your experience playing IGNITE! for the first time in 2009.

It was nerve-wracking to say the least. They scheduled us between Caracal and A Vacant Affair, so by the time we came on after Caracal, we had to scrap our original setlist and play to the crowd’s energy. Haha!


With a diverse array of musical talents and a wide variety of musical influences across the board, how does the band agree upon a style that is distinctly '53A'? And how exactly would you guys describe the 53A brand of sound?

I don’t think there is a sound that’s distinctly us. If you’re asking for a specific genre, it’s almost impossible to give you just one answer. Our first album was Pop/Rock and the second one is headed in a more upbeat and groovy direction. If we had to decide on something that’s distinctly “53A”, it would be the type of chord progressions we have in our songs.

Come September, it will be four years since the release of Settle The Kettle! Tell us what's in store for your upcoming record.

Settle The Kettle was very much just a collection of songs that Alvin, Bani and I had written individually, some even before we were playing together. The new album is mostly written by both Bani and I with the intention of making “feel good” music.

Looking back at all the 53A gigs at Timbre, Wala Wala and more, what are your favourite songs to cover? 

We have a couple of favourites like “Suit and Tie” by Justin Timberlake, "Virtual Insanity" by Jamiroquai, “Waterfalls” by TLC and “Love Never Felt So Good” by Michael Jackson. We all grew up on music like that.


What can folks expect in your upcoming show at IGNITE! Music Festival 2014?

A lot of sweat and a lot of smiles.

Last question: what ignites you?

Chilli gives us asses of fire.


IGNITE! MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014