PRE-IGNITE ADVENTURES!

Written by: Christie Foong

The highly anticipated IGNITE! Music Festival is back in its 9th year. Before we get on with the show, we’ve got a myriad of fringe events in store for you. So mark your calendars & be sure to join us! 

            
Flame on! & Radiance are 2 events you wouldn’t want to miss. Flame on! is a fringe event that showcases Jammerz Arena (JA), one of the most popular interest groups (IG) on the RP campus. Fun fact: Did you know that the members of Tell Lie Vision and Bear Culture are from JA? On the other hand, Radiance showcases Replug, an acoustic IG in RP that expresses themselves as raw as possible through unplugged music. RP’s Jammerz Arena & Replug will be performing on the 20th & 21st July respectively. 

IGNITE! Band Auditions. Our Top 8 finalists from the band auditions will be showing their stuff at the South Agora stage on the 22nd July (TGIF!). What better way to spend your Friday than discovering local talent? From metal to alternative rock to chilled, we have a blend of bands from different music genres coming to battle it out for the chance to play at #IGNITEMUSICFEST. Many have released their own EPs and you might have caught some of them playing at big local stages like Shine Festival and the Singapore Street Festival.

Time for a flash mob! Yes, IGNITE! Takes On Town is back! Continuing the tradition, our IGNITE! crew, joined with members from various IGs, will be taking the streets of Orchard by storm once again. Our crew will be decked out in red and black cheering their hearts out. Snapchat, post, tweet or Instagram us if you see us roaming around and don’t forget to use the hashtag #IGNITEMUSICFEST. We’ll also streaming the flash mob live on Twitter so keep a lookout for our social media sites. This is truly a highlight event not to be missed.
Here’s a peek at what went down at last year’s #IGNITEMUSICFEST! If you’re lucky, who knows? Maybe you’ll catch us in the act again on the 23rd July! 

In case you missed out on the fun last year, here's a quick recap! 

You might have heard their stuff during Freshman Orientation Programme (FOP), SpinCity or Raveyard. Back with “IGNITION II”, RP's very own Electronic Music Production (EMP) IG will be sure to put on a show for you to rave to on the 25th July. 

Last year, we were graced with the lovely Anise SG and Christiane Mikaela for our series of Chill @ The Reel. This year however, there's a change in venue, but with the same vibes if not better. If you’re looking to chill out and enjoy some music, grab a bite and pop by during your breaks to jive to the tunes of local artists and RP’s very own musicians. They’ll be busking at South Agora on the 7th July. Curious about who the talents are? Well, you’ll have to be there to find out!

photo credit to djsentersg

Steps on how to be a DJ: attend our DJ class 101 on the 28th July. Conducted by DJsENTER, they'll teach you the technical know-how of music production. Offering a hands-on workshop from DJing to music production, this isn't an opportunity you can grab every day. Bring your friends along to attend the workshop together!

Along with various other workshops, we have a multitude of events lined up for you. There won’t be a day in the week isn’t packed with new activities for you to experience. With all these fringe events leading up to the main show, we’re sure you’re just as pumped up for the festival as we are!

Make sure you’re following us on our IGNITE! social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the exciting events happening. Tag us in your posts and share your experiences with us! #IGNITEMUSICFEST will be held on the 29th and 30th July 2016 so be sure not to miss out. See ya there!

PAIR-UP YOUR TASTE BUDS IN MUSIC WITH FOOD @ #IGNITEMUSICFEST 2016!

Written by Maisarah Dhaniyah Bte Noorsham Affandi

What’s a festival without anything to nibble or munch on while you enjoy the awesome local music played live?

IGNITE! Music Festival is back this year with fresh flavours to satisfy your tingling taste buds. And what’s more awesome is that we have decided to pair these delicious food & drinks with the acts performing this year just for local music and food lovers like you!

THAI DRINKS

First up in our menu this year is the ever popular Soi 55! With 5 different flavours to choose from either honey or milk, these drinks are sure to quench your thirst after enjoying every performance we have in store for you! Imagine having a bottle of Thai Milk Tea with you where you can easily keep in your bag while you go crazy with the music for hours without having to worry about it spilling. Exactly. Pure convenience!

These refreshing drinks can be paired with refreshing songs by our acts, Disco Hue, Linying and These Brittle Bones!

Soi 55

https://www.facebook.com/SoiFiftyFive/
Level 5, The Cathay

BRING IT BACK

If you are born in the 90s which we’re pretty sure you are, these sweet local treats, just like the sweet local music playing live, will leave you wanting more! Ranging from those figure eight aluminium chocolates to the little sweets in a mini baby bottle you used to buy when you were still a kid, 90s Candy Society will definitely bring back memories to you & your friends. Bring your friends along so you guys can enjoy the bundle pack!

These 90’s sweet treats can be paired with songs from two of our seasoned acts like Plainsunset & THELIONCITYBOY!

90s Candy Society

http://www.90s.com.sg/

BRINGING IN THE THAI CULTURE

Of course, reading all that must have made you think about desserts. We got that covered for you! For their second year with us, Pong Gelato’s popular Coconut Gelato & Sorbets will be sure to help to cool your tonsils down from all that screaming for the awesome local acts we have lined up for you guys! Health conscious? Don’t worry! Their Coconut Gelato & Sorbets are lactose-free and are rich with vitamins and minerals to sustain you throughout the night.

Pong Gelato can be paired up with acts like The Summer State, Stopgap and Take Two since you’ll be singing along to their catchy tunes!

Pong Gelato

https://www.facebook.com/pong.gelato/ 

Scape 2 Orchard Link, #02-18C, Singapore 237978

WAFFLE YOUR WAY THROUGH THE CROWD

We not only have Churros for you at #IGNITEMUSICFEST this year but we also have one of the most popular halal waffles from ZULOS! Imagine having waffles with a generous amount of sauce & toppings of your choice while chilling out and listening to your favourite acts from this year’s line-up. We promise it will be worth it!

One act that will definitely help to make the waffles taste better than it already will, is Young!

ZULOS SG

https://www.instagram.com/zulos_sg/

612 Clementi West Street 1, Block 612, Singapore 120612

CUBAN IT UP

Never tried anything called the Cuban Sandwich or a Halal Mojito before? To put it simply, a Cuban Sandwich from Black Boys Cubanos is a sandwich filled with Pulled Beef/Chicken with lots of vegetables. On the other hand, Halal Mojito is a non-alcoholic drink that is made just as well as a normal Mojito - just without the rum!

 Not to worry because this year at #IGNITEMUSICFEST, the Black Boys Cubanos are coming in to take over the Subway of our campus especially for the Muslims because it is Muslim owned! And what would be better than having a Halal Mojito made fresh to pair it up with the Halal Cuban Sandwich?

What about having your Cuban Sandwich and Halal Mojito whilst listening to power packed performances from acts like Iman’s League & Bear Culture? We get that, mhmm!

Black Boys Cubanos

https://www.facebook.com/blackboyscubanos/

451 Marine Parade Singapore

THE OLD BUT GOLD

Imagine having a cup of coffee with a cup of satay. Old but Gold. Popular foods back in the day presented in a modern way. Some might be sceptical about this idea because it might lose its essence but we assure you, it tastes just like the original! The coffee is brewed to perfection using fresh coffee beans and the satay although prepared differently, tastes great - if not better than your favourite traditional dish. Trust us on this and try it for yourselves at #IGNITEMUSICFEST!

One act that you can definitely pair this up with will be Tell Lie Vision where their songs have a familiar tune that can get you hyped up and pumped up after a good caffeine fix!

The ChiefSG

https://www.facebook.com/chiefcoffee.sg/

We’re pretty sure you would want to know more about all these tantalizing treats. So mark your calendars for the 29^th and 30^th of July, Friday and Saturday to grab them all at #IGNITEMUSICFEST 2016!

See you there! 

What should be in YOUR bag at IGNITE! Music Festival!

By Kristel Joy WIlliam

IGNITE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2016 is just around the corner! Is this your first music festival? Unsure on what to bring? Well this is the article for you. Here is a list of things on what should be in your bag for the festival! 

Shades & Cap

IGNITE MUSIC FESTIVAL is an outdoor event. Chances are it will get a little sunny. The first band kicks off around 4-5ish in the afternoon so it can be a little hot. It’s always good to have a pair of shades in your bag so that you don’t have to squint your eyes to watch the bands. A cap would be good as well.
Water bottle & Wet wipes
Being thirsty in warm weather is not what you want. Beat the heat with a bottle of water in your bag! Always remember to keep yourself hydrated. And if you’re getting a little too sticky and sweaty, just pull out a pack of wet wipes to keep yourself refreshed! If carrying a bottle all the way from home is a hassle, you can always patronize the F&B stalls lined up for you at IGNITE!’s very own festival village! 


Poncho or Umbrella

The weather may or may not be in our favour so it’s always good to be prepared! Just in case there is a slight downpour or drizzle, it’s handy to have a poncho in your bag so that you can still enjoy the festival! An umbrella will do the job as well but let’s try not to block other festival attendees and affect their experience of the festival. A poncho would also mean hands free enjoyment!

Snacks & Cash

Enjoy the music while snacking! Bring a bag of chips or chocolate bars with your friends to share. It’s okay if you don't bring any though. There will be plenty of stalls at the IGNITE! Festival Village where you can purchase them! Just remember to bring extra cash! There will also be other interesting items for you to purchase as well, such band merchandise and locally designed apparel and accessories! 

Mats or Newspapers

It’s a music festival! Were you expecting chairs? Unless you enjoy nature and sitting on grass, which is perfectly fine, bring something like a mat or newspapers that you can sit on! It may get a little prickly sitting on the grass itself, you have been warned.

Portable charger

For the social media addict. As the festival will go on for hours, you will probably find the battery life of your phone depleting as time goes by, especially after your constant updates on Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter, Facebook, you name it. Have a fully charged portable charger to keep your battery life from dwindling throughout the night! 

Plastic bag

Why on earth should you bring a plastic bag? So that you can easily dispose of any rubbish you may have, such as your snack wrappers, tissues and newspapers. Rather than risking missing a song by having to walk to the bin while your favourite band is performing! Don’t forget to throw the bag away in the designated bins after the show. Let’s all be a responsible audience and not litter!


And there you have it folks! A list of things that you most definitely should have in your bag at IGNITE! Music Festival 2016. But! It is nothing to fret over. Most importantly, stay hydrated and enjoy the awesome music and atmosphere as much as you can! See you there!

Don’t Forget To IGNITE! Your Style

By Afiq Naqiuddin

IGNITE! Music Festival 2016 is just around the corner and we’re almost ready to bring you an amazing show. But with all the excitement from our side, we thought it’d be pretty cool to know if you’re ready for us too. One of the most difficult decisions to make, especially here in Singapore, is what to actually wear to an outdoor event. Are you willing to forgo your style for comfort? Or is your inner fashionista raring to go? Well whichever you decide, we’ve got some go-to tips for you!

FOR THE ‘LEPAK’ CLAN 

Hey, who said you can’t look good AND feel comfortable? Simply throw on a cotton tank top or a graphic Tee and match it with a pair of your favourite denim shorts and slip on your most comfortable pair of kicks. Bring along your Penny board not only to complete your look, but to quickly ‘Chope!’ a table at the Al-Ameen’s nearby! 

FOR THE PUNK-ROCK HIPPIES 

You want to look cool without really trying. We get it. So how about you match up your favourite band T-shirt with a pair of skinny or even ripped jeans and some cool trippy sneakers from Superga? Finish your look with your favourite baseball cap and some accessories and you’ve got yourself a bomb outfit. You know what? We’ll even help you out with that last part. Come on over to our village to get yourself some cool temporary tattoos from Dottinghill or a new phone case from Shopcasers.

FOR THE DRESSED TO KILL 

This is for you folks who truly follow the mantra: No pain, No gain. But since it’s a festival, let’s tone it down a bit with one of Avarice Apparel’s super cool t-shirts, a pair of skinny-ripped jeans and your favourite pair of high-cut sneakers or creepers. Adding a simple plaid flannel tied around your waist or a long-line cardigan and some accessories would surely increase your chances of ending up being mentioned in someone’s tweet. 

Worried that no one’s going to notice your little get-up at our events? Don’t fret, because all the effort you put into dressing up isn’t going to go to waste! Just post your “OOTD” accompanied by #IGNITEYOURSTYLE on Twitter or Instagram and you might find yourself being featured on our social media platforms!

With all that said, you have to remember that you are attending one of the biggest local music festivals in Singapore! So remember to dress comfortably because what’s the point of looking good if you’re not going to be able to have fun?

Republic Polytechnic: Back at it again with the amazing IGNITE! Music Fest!

By Judith Ann Kumar

Grab your gear and get ready everyone, for IGNITE! Music Festival is back for 2016!

This year happens to be IGNITE’s 9^th year running at Republic Polytechnic (RP)’s lawn. The entire festival is put together through the collaborated efforts of The Republic Cultural Centre (TRCC), RP and roughly 400 students and alumni alike. With the scale of the student-driven festival reaching new heights, IGNITE! aims to continuously promote youth volunteerism through local music acts with its ever-spirited theme of Passion & Compassion. Icing on the cake? – Wait for it - It’s absolutely free! No sign ups, no payment, no hassle. Just plain good free-and-easy music catered just for you.

To kick start the festival proper, IGNITE! boasts an impressive series of fringe events and workshops leading right up to the main festival days.

You don’t want to miss these free workshops and sessions that will give you relevant exposure you would otherwise not have, as well as a good time to unwind and chill. You’ll be able to learn more about breaking into the local music industry as well as enjoy the fruit of local artists in the best possible setting. It’s a win-win situation, ultimately.

A Bustling End To IGNITE!: Day 2 Highlights

by Fasiha Nazren

After an awesome night for day one of IGNITE! Music Festival, day two was bound to be a good show. We had punk rock bands such as Attention! The New Portsdown, alternative rock bands with the likes of Take Two and even winner of Singapore Idol, Sezairi.

Unparalleled Gratitude: Runner-up of IGNITE! Band Auditions, were thankful for the support given from both the fans and the crew. PHOTO BY: FASIHA NAZREN

Opening up the second day was runner-up for IGNITE! Band Auditions 2015, Vessel. They were definitely the perfect choice as the opening act since they got the crowd excited from the very beginning. Performing hits such as What Will You Defend and Calibri, the flock of fans came closer to the stage so they wouldn’t miss out on their set. The alternative rock quintet ended their stage by showing their gratitude to the fans and crew for giving an unparalleled hospitality.

The band who got the crowd eager for them to perform as they handled some technical difficulties was none other than Iman’s League. Fortunately, the winner for IGNITE! Band Auditions 2015 were quick to entertain the crowd with their witty and hilarious conversations with the crowd. Playing songs such as Lisa, it was no wonder that they won the 3^rd edition of IGNITE! Band Auditions.

  

Taking the stage next was none other than 6-piece pop punk rock band, Attention! The New Portsdown (ATNP). A growing name in the music industry, ATNP got the audience hot on their feet as they performed tracks such as Circles. They got the crowd wanting more as they ended their set.

Singing His Lungs Out: Vocalist of Take Two took the hearts of the crowd away as he sang some original songs as well as a cover of Peter, Bjorn & John's Young Folks. PHOTO BY: FASIHA NAZREN

The charming boys of Take Two crooned their way to the audience’s hearts. The five-piece indie rock band performed both originals such as Luna and a cover of Peter, Bjorn & John’s Young Folks. Making their set more personal, they got the crowd to clap along with them as they sang Always Been Right Here. It goes without saying that the band left the stage satisfied.

The crowd went insane the moment The Full Pledge Munkees took the stage. The ska punk quintet energised the crowd with Malay songs such as Mimpi and Positif as well as an English song titled Come Back Home. The audience bade farewell to the band with a heavy heart.

Rocking On: The lineup for the second day of IGNITE! obviously left this music lover impressed as he continued to head bang to the singing of every act. PHOTO BY: FASIHA NAZREN

Instrumental post-rock band, In Each Hand A Cutlass, made the crowd head bang from the very beginning of their set. Playing a 30-minute set, the band gave the audience what they wanted for the last song – a heavy metal one. At the end of the set, the crowd became more energetic due to the electrifying performance.

Singapore Idol sweetheart, Sezairi, made both the fangirls and the fanboys scream their lungs away as he took on the stage. Opening with a top favourite titled, Sayang. He even teased the crowd with a couple of songs that will be featured in his soon-to-be released EP. The finale item bonded the crowd as they sang along with him.

Wickedly Awesome: The headline act ended IGNITE! on a resounding note and made the crowd go crazy. PHOTO BY: RACHEL NG

The crowd chorused “Wicked Aura” as the veteran punk rock batucada band prepared for the stage. They satisfied the audience with hits like No Sleep Tonight, Lullaby and My Aura Is Wicked And My Soul's On Fiyah! Indeed, they did left the crowd's soul on fire as they draw IGNITE! to a close. 

Unsung Heroes: The festival went absolutely well mostly because of the never-ending efforts of the IGNITE! team. PHOTO BY: FASIHA NAZREN

To conclude IGNITE! Music Festival 2015, the festival wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts from the planning committee all the way down to the event crew. Five months have passed and we’re glad it ended on a high note. We’ll see you again next year!

IGNITE! Is Back With A Bigger Bang: Day 1 Highlights

by Fasiha Nazren 

IGNITE! Music Festival is finally back for its 8^th year running at Republic Polytechnic (RP). The first day of IGNITE! was nothing but a myriad of great local music accompanied with a relaxing ambience at the festival village. Performing for the first day were 8 local acts such as renowned hip hop artist, ShiGGa Shay, as well as RP’s very own Jammerz Arena.

Put Your Hands Up: The crowd was impressed with the blazing line-up for Day 1 of  IGNITE! Music Festival. PHOTO BY: FASIHA NAZREN

Warming up the stage was none other than alternative rock quintet, Cadence. As they took the stage right after classes have ended, many students were eager to get home - but Cadence got the crowd stopping to watch them perform a 20-minute set. Some even sat down to watch the rest of the festival after watching their performance.

After being part of IGNITE! Your Senses back in 2013, Arson is back again this year. This time, they're performing on the main stage. They got the crowd pumped up as they were playing their rocking set. Arson performed a total of 4 songs including an original from their debut EP, Spaceships, as well as a cover of MUSE’s Stockholm Syndrome.

Next to take the stage was RP’s Jammerz Arena (JA). Being a prominent band in RP, the crowd wasn’t shy to sing along with them as they sang covers of popular songs such as Paramore’s My Heart as well as Adele’s Set Fire To The Rain. As the vocalist was engaging between songs, the audience became more comfortable to move forward and cheer for JA. JA closed their set on an emotional note with their rendition of Citizen’s How Does It Feel. Nonetheless, they left the crowd impressed.

Stepping on the IGNITE! main stage for their first time was The Good Life Project (GLP). The crowd began to settle down and sat on the grass as the alternative soul band started their performance. Performing a total of 5 original songs, the seven-piece band got the audience to groove and get in the mood to their laidback music.

Causing A Riot: The band Riot !n Magenta gave a relaxing vibe to the crowd with their soulful melodies. PHOTO BY: FASIHA NAZREN

The next act to continue the relaxing ambience for the crowd was none other than Riot !n Magenta. Starting the set off with the alarm of a siren, the electronic pop band certainly got all eyes and ears on them. They then continued on to perform a total of 5 songs including the title track for their latest EP, Voices. The soulful melodies of Riot! In Magenta left some of the crowd to be in a euphoric state.

Making his presence felt next was up and coming hip hop artist, THELIONCITYBOY, also known as Kevin Lester. THELIONCITYBOY and his hypeman took the stage with energising hits such as She Wild. He was slated to perform a 30-minute stint. However, due to the overwhelming and enthusiastic response of the crowd, he decided to perform one more song just for the fans. They went wild as his hypeman went off stage to get closer to them.

Up next was instrumental rock band, This Is Atlantis. Being a fresh face at IGNITE! Music Festival, the four-piece band got the attention of the crowd as they performed songs such as Pillars & Portals. Their rock hits proved to be a hit among the audience as they began to bob their heads and tap their feet to the songs.

You Got It Dru: Though he felt nervous before performing, it was evident that he shook off all his anxiety with an amazing set. PHOTO BY: RUSHIQAH DAHLAN

Dru Chen charmed the crowd as he took on the stage. He performed a total of 6 songs including the crowd-pleasing You Got It Babe and Love of My Life. It was evident that Dru was having the time of his life on the main stage as he ended his set with everyone wanting more.

The crowd began to chant the name of the final act, ShiGGa Shay, even before he went on stage. Blazing the stage away with songs such as the catchy LimPeh and Moon Talk, the crowd continued to be impressed by ShiGGa’s charismatic stage presence. As he went down to the stage to get closer to the fans, it is a given that day one of IGNITE! Music Festival ended with a bang.

Regret not coming for the first day of IGNITE! Music Festival? Not to worry, as the second and final day of IGNITE! will be held at RP at 5pm on the 22^nd of August tomorrow. Come on down to see local acts such as Sezairi, Wicked Aura and Take Two, along with an equally as amazing lineup. 

The IGNITE! Takes on Town Tradition

by Carlissia Kew

Drop The Bass: They say the brightest flame burns the quickest, but the IGNITE! Takes on Town team were merely having a short nap
before they continued to ignite the streets of town. PHOTO BY: AZMI ATHNI/PHOTO REPUBLIC IG

A mass of people decked out in red and black were marching down the streets of Orchard last Saturday morning in fits of excitement and synchronized cheers – no, it was not a post-celebration for SG50 – it was Republic Polytechnic’s IGNITE! Takes on Town. The tradition of conquering the streets by storm to generate hype for the school’s annual IGNITE! Music Festival was ignited 2 years ago back in 2013 when it had its first run and is still burning as bright as ever this year.

IGNITE! Takes on Town is one of the many fringe events that fall under IGNITE! Music Festival, a student driven annual music festival organized by and held in Republic Polytechnic that provides a platform for rising and established home brewed acts to showcase their passion for music. This year’s take on town which fell on the 15th of August conquered the route of ION Orchard all the way to Marina Bay Sands, having started from as early as 10am and lasting all the way till 4.30pm.

The 100 over people strong student body was made up of members and crew under IGNITE! Music Festival along with the participation of various Interest Groups (IGs). This year saw both fresh and familiar faces from last year, with the return of Jammerz Arena, Beats Encore, Rhapsody, Replug, Drama, Capoeira and the Student Council, followed by new turn ups such as Campus Arts Production and Gamelan Naga Kencana.

“Despite it being tiring having to walk from Orchard all the way to Marina Bay Sands, it was fun to be able to make new friends and promote IGNITE! Music Festival by accomplishing something we don’t get to see every day,” chimed Neng Fadhilah Bte Zulkarnaen, a second year School of Technology for the Arts (STA) student from Gamelan Naga Kencana.

Amidst all the cheering, the activities of this year’s IGNITE! Takes on Town were the ‘honk if you want us to dance’ segment carried down from last year, where students held up boards at traffic lights in hopes that drivers were game enough to join in on the fun, the ‘free hugs’ segments where warm embraces were given out to unsuspecting passerbys on the street and ‘stop the motion’ where the students froze in the middle of town. The highlight however, was ‘drop the bass’, where the whole 100 over strong student body literally dropped on the ground which granted curious stares and even camera opportunities from onlookers.

“Drop The Bass really caught the attention of the people around us, and it felt really special to be seen doing something different like this in public,” Said Nicole Ho Mei En, a third year Centre for Enterprise and Communication (CEC) student from the IGNITE! Music Festival Marketing Team.

Despite the fast paced nature of the event and the scorching sun, it did not stop some of the students from showing passion and compassion, one of the values of IGNITE! Music Festival, by purchasing tissues from an old uncle on the streets.

The idea of strutting down the streets and cheering your heart out might sound like a simple enough thing to accomplish, but behind the scenes of this large scale event comes meticulous planning of no small feat; preparation for the event dated back to as early as 4 months before.

“It was insanely busy for us having to manage our studies and prepare for IGNITE! Takes on Town at the same time and we faced many obstacles planning out the route along the way but despite all that, I am glad that my teammates and I managed to push through by not giving up till the very end,” said Amelia Wong Lee Teng, a second year Centre for Enterprise and Communication (CEC) student from the IGNITE! Takes on Town Campaigns Team.

Despite the difficulty of pulling such an event off, IGNITE! Music Festival hopes to continue keeping the tradition of taking over town by storm alive in the next few years to come.

IGNITE! Music Festival happens this Friday and Saturday on the 21st and 22nd of August starting from 4PM at Republic Polytechnic’s Lawn.