Singing worse after taking lessons?

You started taking singing lessons and after a few lessons, you felt you sounded worse. What's wrong?

This is something that we called 'Conscious Incompetence'. This is applicable to all kinds of learning. 

Don't get demoralised when you hear yourself sounding bad, just like - don't beat yourself up when you get the wrong answers during a test. Every wrong answers give you the opportunity to know the right answer. Most importantly is that you don't commit the mistake again.

Now, let us share with you "The 4 Phases of Learning":

Phase 1: Unconscious Incompetence

This is when you are not completely unaware on areas you are not good in. Example, before taking singing lessons, you do not know what the poor habits you are committing. 

• What you will feel: Blissful Ignorance.
• What you need to do to move to next phase:
  Find your purpose.
  Ask yourself - why do you want to take up lessons? What do you wish to achieve?

Phase 2: Conscious Incompetence

After taking a few singing sessions, you start to gain the awareness of how you sound or do.

As your techniques take some time to build, you will start to 'catch yourself' committing them.

This is, in fact, a good thing! That means your acumen has improved. You are now able to correct yourself when self-training. Acknowledge that you will start feeling "clumsy" executing the techniques. 

• What you will feel: Awkward, Frustrated, Dejected
• What you need to do to move to next phase:
  Practice and constant conditioning on daily basis

Phase 3: Conscious Competence

Suddenly, you felt something different! You start to enjoy the new voice you have!

• What you will feel: Accomplished, Happy of the new experience
• What you need to do to move to next phase:
  Program it in!

Phase 4: Unconscious Competence

Eventually, you want to be able to execute the techniques with unconsciousness. This would mean you are free to express, without reminding yourself. This is what we call, sing from your heart, not your mind. You are ready to sing with conviction!

• What you will feel: TRUE ENJOYMENT!

>> Know more about our Vocal EXPRESSWAY™ Programme here!

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3 Real Reasons Why You Aren't Improving!

There are stages to learning anything new and learning to sing or play an instrument is no different. There are three distinctive cycles that we all go through when learning something new:

1. Peaks: Where we can immediately understand and begin putting into practice everything that we are learning.
   
2. Valleys: Where we struggle with each and every new concept and we have difficulty putting things into practice. At this stage it’s a challenge to understand anything new because it feels that we just don’t “get it”.
   
3. Plateaus: This part of the cycle is very frustrating. We’ve been disciplined about our practice routine, we understand the concept, we’re putting it into practice, but, we’re not progressing.
   

We understand the frustration which is why we want to address the final two points. Although they feel very different when we’re experiencing them, the solutions are the same.



I. You’re not receiving the proper guidance.
Just like when a doctor is not giving you the right medicine, your music teacher might be not providing you the right solution too!
How to get to the right solution, you ask. Well, simply to do a thorough and details diagnosis!

Example:
Whether you’re having trouble singing a certain note, coordinating a particular rhythm, or performing a certain phrase, there is always a root issue. Understanding the root of the problem will allow you to create a practice routine that will keep you improving effectively and efficiently. As people say:
“If we name it, we can tame it!”

We impart and diagnose using this model – S.K.T.™

1. Sense: In areas of pitch and rhythm.
Are you connecting to the music in you?
2. Knowledge: In areas of understanding the theories behind of what you are singing/playing.
Do you know what you are doing?
3. Technicality: In areas of muscles, practical coordination.
Are you muscles agile enough to execute the instrument?

Once we can identify your plateau is resulting in either of the above areas, we will be able to provide you the solution, so that you can get pass to your next advancement in the shortest time!



II. Singing/Playing is not fun anymore.
Why do we decide to try something new? Because, we thought that it would be fun. And, whether we are a child, teenager or an adult; we are motivated by enjoying what we’re doing.

Playing an instrument or singing a song is fun. Learning to play the instrument or learning to sing the song can be fun but it does take work. For some of us, it’s work that we want to do. But, even the most motivated student has his moments of self doubt, laziness and disappointment.

Work, is not a bad word. It’s how we get better and then feel the enjoyment and satisfaction of accomplishment. The challenge here is to make the work fun.

How do we turn “working” into a fun activity?

1. Have a backing track for your scalings: Singing/playing the scales all by yourself is boring. Have a backing track to sing/play along with your scales makes it much more enjoyable!
   
2. Practice together with a group of like-minded: Just like exercising, it is much more motivating if you do so with an exercise buddy. You should do the same with your music practices! Learn with friends and practice together.
   
3. Be an active music listener and not passive:
   You are listening to songs every day, but many are just doing so passively. Be an active listener! This means, you tap the rhythm along, practice your fingerings along, hum along with MINDFULNESS. This way, you improve your music senses, little muscles (finger, vocal cords) by doing these little things alongside with your daily activities!
   

Be creative – You can turn your practice session into something enjoyable that you look forward to rather than a chore that you need to get out of the way.



III. What are your goals?
Practice sessions and teaching sessions need to be goal oriented. Unfortunately, practice sessions are time oriented. For example; the teacher, your parents, or friends may ask you some version of the following questions:

• Did you practice?
• How much time did you practice?
• How often did you practice?

These questions are geared towards how much time you put in rather than what you actually accomplished.
The goal may be to sing well. But, that is not the goal of the practice session. Singing well is the result. 
We need to focus on the specifics of the lesson, the practice session, etc. in order to sing well.

We can begin by focusing on a clearer, more specific goal: “I want to sing my favourite song”.

What will it take to accomplish that?

Let’s break that down into smaller goals. I want to sing my favourite song:
• In pitch
• With control
• In front of an audience
• On stage
• In a competition

Then, you can break it down further. What would it take to sing in pitch? Our goal for this practice session can be to sing the opening line in pitch. Then work on the first verse, then the first verse in pitch with control, etc. 

You get the idea. By accomplishing the smaller goals, you achieve the bigger goal of becoming a better singer.

At Hark Music, we take into consideration every aspect of the learning process, that’s why we offer:

• A standardised syllabus and proven program called the S.K.T.™model that prepares our coaches to better work with students.
  
• We create backing tracks and offer creative methods for students to work on lessons and techniques.
  
• We offer many events for students to maintain their motivation by achieving specific milestones. For example, our monthly OpenStage event and annual intramural singing contest offer students the opportunity to participate in a significant performance within an encouraging setting.

WE PROVIDE A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

IN ORDER TO OFFER THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY

THAT CREATES THE FASTEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE. 

>> Know more about our Vocal EXPRESSWAY™ Programme here!

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Sing Better in just 3 Simple Tips!

Whether you sing in the shower, on the commute to work, at a karaoke bar or in front of friends and family at parties and get-togethers, you sing because you enjoy it. After all, singing is fun and one of the oldest forms of musical expression. But, some of us weren’t born with the natural talent to sing. And, although that may be true, even the most beautiful voices need some coaching and we can all use a couple of recommendations to help us improve.


So, to help you in your journey, we’ve put together three real-life lessons that every singer uses.




Lesson 1: Say, “Ahhh!”


You have to open your mouth in order for the sound to come out; however, most people make the mistake of opening up, not opening wide. The best way to develop your natural tone is by opening wide — vertically, not horizontally. To accomplish this, use your tongue to block the oral cavity. Begin by simply being conscious of where the tongue is resting (and, it should rest in it’s bed). You’ll lose tone if your tongue pushes against the lower row of teeth. Be aware, not only of the notes being in pitch, but also of the sound that you create. The way your voice resonates is important... Very important.

Also, have you noticed the way your voice sounds from room to room? For example, if you talk in a church, bathroom, stairwell, coffee shop, etc. it sounds different. The echo (or reverb) that each of these environments creates is different. You’ll need to learn how to adapt to each different environment and control the resonance of your voice.


How do you do that? “Mirror, mirror on the wall...”

Keep the above tips in mind as you practice singing in front of a mirror: • Mouth open vertically
• Tongue resting in it’s bed
• Being aware of the sound that you’re creating

• And, imagining yourself as your favourite singer.



Lesson 2: Stand up straight!

Posture is so often overlooked and especially important when it comes to singing. Singing is much more physically demanding than people think — your body is your instrument. If you’re tired and begin to slouch, or are used to slouching, your notes will have a tendency to go flat. For most singers, a simple improvement of posture will improve their pitch. Also, improved posture will help with breathing, breath control and your ability to project. Stand up straight and feel the energy of each note as it flows through your entire body.


How do you improve your posture?

Focus on your core (the abdominal muscles). If you keep yourself aware that your overall sound is generate from your core you will immediately notice the difference. You can use a mirror as well to practice this; but, if you still have difficulty, you can practice by laying down on your back, folding your hands over your belly, and focusing on your core. If you’re moving your hands up and down while you’re singing then your core is doing it’s job.



Lesson 3: Take a deep breath!

Breathing is life. And, it’s the lifeblood of every singer. Short, shallow breaths create small, weak sounds; subsequently, long, deep breaths produce large, strong sounds. Which would you rather have?


Again, awareness is the key: Where is the air sitting when you breath? If it’s in your chest you’ll have short, shallow breaths. But, if it’s sitting at the bottom of your lungs then you’ll be able to hold your air better while you’re singing. You will need to learn how to measure the amount of air you use while singing to make the best use of each breath.


Here are a few tricks:

1. First, empty your lungs. Exhale all of the remaining air from your lungs. 
2. Second, breath in. The same way that you would drink from a straw, through your mouth. 
3. Third, yawn. Yawning begins with the core. This will reinforce lesson 2. 

Be mindful of the physical changes that result from breathing deep:


• Your ribcage opens more sideways
• Your belly moves slightly
• Your shoulders and chest remain calm



Final Thoughts

You will immediately improve by being aware of these tips. They will not become second nature over night, but, with consistent practice (just a few minutes each day) you’ll begin to notice the difference and in a few weeks they’ll become solid habits.


You’ll also enjoy singing a whole lot more. Good luck!

>> Know more about our Vocal EXPRESSWAY™ Programme here!

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Interview with our Vocal ExpressWay Graduate - Jolene Tan!

Sometimes, all it takes is a leap of faith to realise your potential. Meet Jolene Tan, a teacher by profession, a musician at heart, and a realist for passion. Learn from our very own graduate from the Vocal ExpressWay™! 

1. What is the main reason for joining the Vocal ExpressWay™? 

I wanted to learn how to sing better with the right techniques. Joining the Vocal Expressway enabled me to achieve that within a shorter time of 2 days.

2. Describe your experience in the programme in 1 statement. 

Empowering: You never know you can until you try.

3. Describe the change you felt in all aspects before and after the programme. 

I learnt singing techniques that enhanced my singing abilities which I never knew before. I also felt more confident in my singing abilities. Before the programme, I never had the confidence to sing in front of an audience, but the programme boosted my confidence by challenging me to do that.

5. How has this experience helped you in other aspects of your life?

It increased my self-confidence and it made me believe in myself more, that we have the ability to achieve more than we think we can.

6. What is the next song you wish to conquer with your new-found skills?

Titanium by Sia.

7. Who in Hark Music inspired you the most?

All the coaches - Amos, Xin Yun, Leonard and Trixie, who taught or guided me during the programme inspired me in many different ways.

8. What do you enjoy most being part of the Hark Music family?  

The opportunity to be inspired and in turn, inspire others.

9. What would you like to share with others about Hark Music?

Hark Music is a conducive place to learn more about music and singing. The coaches are all very approachable and knowledgeable. They are able to tailor the lesson to your needs and abilities. Learning singing here is a fun and enriching experience.

We welcome you to be part of Hark Music, and like Jolene, we hope to inspire all of you out there~ 

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Sing Sharp, Learn to Sing - "See your Voice!"

“What you see is what you sing!”

You can gauge your own pitch accuracy from singing using this app – Sing Sharp, Learn to Sing!

This app is useful for identifying your vocal range, strengthening your vocal control, and training your musical sense in terms of rhythm and pitch.

Sing Sharp App Features:

1. Vocal Range - check and practice your lowest and highest pitches 
2. Warm Up - basic to advanced levels of vocal exercises 
3. Sing Songs - Practice, Record, Playback, Save, Share and Customize your singing
4. Training Program - 10 levels, 1000+ ear training and vocal control exercises to help build your musical sense and pitch accuracy 

What we like about this app?

• It's FREE! You can practice on getting your pitch accurate and sing like in karaoke sessions! Practice this everyday and we believe you’re on your way to hitting the right notes for every song! 

• User-Friendly. This app has a very good user interface and provides clear and easy navigation on how the several features work. It is responsive and intuitive in a way that can be naturally and instinctively understood and comprehended. What’s more, the design of the app is great! 

• Track and Train. Track and keep records of your singing scores (progress)! Not only can you see if you’re improving from every song challenge by looking at the scores, you’re able to save these recordings and constantly seek perfection! 

• Database of Songs! This app has got an available database of songs all ready for you to practice on! To get access to a larger database, all you need is to be a member which cost only $12.98 per year! Well affordable! 

What we don't like about this app? 

Just like every unpaid app, advertisements appear every once in a while. Other than that, we really don’t see why people should not download this app.

So… I would strongly ‘pitch’ to everyone to start pitching now!

To download this app, click here.
Images credited to iTunes. 

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SingTrue: The app to help you become pitch perfect!

Have you ever received comments from your karaoke buddies that you are not singing on pitch? What is pitch, you wonder? And most importantly...why does it bother them that much?!

Here's the definition of Pitch. It is an auditory sensation in which a listener assigns musical tones to relative positions on a musical scale based primarily on the frequency of vibration. What listeners want to hear is the beautiful blend when 2 or more tones are produced. Without a doubt, it can only be beautiful if either the tones match or blends(Harmonizing) well! 

And so we recommend you this app called 'SingTrue' which will help you in the area of pitching. :) Enjoy!

SingTrue
(Available only on iOS)

App Features:

• 3 main areas of training: Ears, Voice and Mind. 
• More levels will be unlocked upon accumulating sufficient points.

What we like about this app?

It's FREE!

There are many free apps around, but not all are useful. This one? Happens to be extremely useful and it's free! :)

User-Friendly
Has great big fonts. It is very user-friendly and easy to navigate around. 

Unlocking new levels!
It is as addictive as games! You gain experience points when you complete certain levels and then unlock new and more challenging levels! 

It's effective!
We have tried it in a handful of students who are less sensitive to pitching and after a few sessions, their pitching indeed improved!


What we don't like about this app?
It's so awesome so far. However, if more advanced levels are added to work on relative pitching, it would be good for singers training on harmony. 

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He turned his passion into a career!

In his teens, Leonard Tang realised singing provided him a space of joy he never felt before. He was hooked though he knew he was not good enough!
He felt he was off-pitch and sounded horrible. But he persevered.  He worked on his singing every single day. Feeling frustrated at times then, now he was glad he worked at it!

All was rewarded a decade later when he finally made singing his career.
If he gave up and never started improving himself, he wouldn't have gotten his dream job!

As usual, this journey was not easy. Born in a traditional family, pursuing music full-time was not something that was easily excepted by his parents who wanted him to get a degree and 'proper job'.

At which age did you decide that you wanted to pursue music professionally? What made you decide to do so?
I started singing since 8 years old. But it was only until Secondary 2 when I really started dreaming of being a singer and doing music full-time. That's where I formed a rock band with my friends at school! I've also participated in many singing competitions and that was where I picked up my performing experiences.

I believe it all starts out as a dream for everyone irregardless the profession you want to venture in. At least, that was how I started. In fact, I never really thought of pursuing singing professionally. It was just something I loved doing and I strongly believe that it was the passion and drive that has given me the opportunity to do what I love as a living!



Has anyone discouraged your decision of pursuing music as a profession as an impractical one?
My parents were concerned about my choice to pursue music. They wanted me to focus on my studies and then settle for a stable job. They did not stop me from joining singing competitions as they knew that it was what I enjoyed doing. What they did though was never failing to remind me not to treat each competition too seriously. Which of course I did not! Haha!

I was not fortunate to have professional vocal classes when I was younger and therefore I joined competitions to gain experience. 

I am thankful for my parents for their constant guidance in ensuring that I did not neglect my studies. Yet I am also proud of myself for not giving up and continuing to strive towards what I love to do!


What do you enjoy most about being a Vocal Coach?
I enjoy everything about being a vocal coach! Helping my students to understand how they can better their singing and eventually hearing their improvements week after week is just simply an awesome feeling! 


After coaching for years, in your opinion, what is the most valuable principle/pointer that you would give to a singing enthusiast?
“Be an active learner rather than a passive one."
An active learner will take the opportunities in lessons to ask clarifying questions when they are in doubt. This way, they will be able to understand why they need to do certain things and how they should be doing it which is key to bringing them to the next level! :)

Can you describe a proudest moment in your journey of a Vocal Coach? 
I definitely will remember my first students when I started coaching! As a novice, I did have fears that I was not good enough to be their coach, but when they started showing tremendous improvements in just months, I started gaining confidence and was sure that I had the ability to impart and inspire! And of course, during their breakthrough performances, listening to them sing is just an amazing feeling!

What else do you do in Hark Music besides coaching?
Using the experience that I have gained in my previous job, I currently handles school's events too. We usually have external engagements to do public, corporate workshops and performances, on top of monthly internal events, such as Student Breakthrough Performance (SBP), 3-hour Music Workshops and our Signature ExpressWay programmes!

How did you find out about Hark Music?
Wow! This is going to be a long story! Haha! I first got to know Hark Music about 7-8 years ago... Back when they had a cafe on level 1. Then, I visited the cafe to support some of my friends who were students of Hark Music. I then got 'sabo-ed'(invited) on stage to perform a song and later was invited to join their monthly singing competition (I received an 英雄帖！It was quite fun then...)

About a year later, I then joined as Hark Music's first batch of A.I.P. (Artiste-in-progress) Development course! After the course, as I have to serve my national service, I stopped music temporary but am glad that I am now pursuing it again! :)

What do you love most being a part of the Hark Music family?
Every moment spent with my fellow coaches as well as students is really enjoyable! I believe it's simply because everyone shares the same passion for music and we simply just 'Click'!

Besides singing, what other “secret” talents do you have?
On my off days, I love to cook. There isn't a particular dish that I cook often cause it is usually cooked based 'feel'. For example, I may start off thinking of cooking fried chicken...but it ends up being braised... HAHA! I consider this talent cause every dish still tastes edible even without much planning!

What would you like to share with others out there who want to pursue music full time?
I think it's very important that you enjoy your job. It's much more than just monetary rewards.
It will makes you spring out of bed every morning to look forward to, rather than dragging yourself daily. If you are passionate about music and wish to be part of your career, one of the way is to get a job in a music school, at least there will be more relevant opportunities that would pop by your way. 

Same thing goes to those who want to pursue other things, get a job in the relevant industry, well...it doesn't guarantee you the immediate dream job, but at least it's a start!

Choose a song that represent you best. And why.
The song that represents me the most is definitely 陶喆 David Tao - I Believe. I think I have probably known this song for more than 10 years! haha! This song is simply all about believing in yourself and not giving up no matter what. 
Hope it inspires you too! Here's the video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aeu8yqq6kkw

Check out this music video of Leonard as he performs a Bruno Mars medley with Coaches David Chong & Wendy Ong!

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Find Your Passion!

As children, do you recall the moment where your primary school teacher asked you that golden question...'What do you want to be when you grow up?' 

Our answers were all different yet passionate and genuine to ourselves.

As we started to grow up, routinely taught the harsh reality of money-centered thinking to survive in our society. It started to be so overwhelming that we were all brainwashed into the urgency to get a real job and whatever passion you have, cannot feed you. 

Since then, we started to stereotype jobs into 2 categories, 'The Practical' and 'The Impractical'.

The Practical

1) Pays well with great bonuses

2) Standard working hours

3) Don't really like doing but I can manage as long as I get paid

The Impractical

1) Poorly paid, probably not even on time. Don't even talk of yearly bonuses.

2) Erratic working hours

3) Love doing it but who's going to support my family?

This scenario is like being forced into an arranged marriage, instead of marrying for love. Except that over time, you seldom "learn to love" your job. Instead, you suffer through it and tolerate whatever comes along.

Here, we want to inspire you into taking that first step to follow your passion! 

You ask why? Well, as a matter of fact, as musicians, we know it all too well because we were told that music is an impractical job. We did what was categorized as impractical and made it practical! So, hope this article ignites something in you.

How to find your passion?
Don't you agree that with that feeling of enthusiasm and energy about that special 'something', you never feel tired doing it? In fact, it is your motivation to get up early everyday. 
That enthusiasm is so powerful that when we combine it with your work, you are setting yourself up well for achieving true success!

Caution - In extreme cases, you might even be told to stop and rest for awhile!  :)

We know many has this question in mind "But I don't know what I'm passionate about!"  Here's a chart we have found from the net that asks you some questions. Do it. At the end of the little quiz, you might see some light!

(Click to enlarge image)

Once, you've found your passion, go work at it! Make that skill even better, do more learning and research. Think of ways how you can offer value-add services/products through your passion. Do it small first and keep going on. Never be afraid to make mistakes and constantly do corrections.
Inevitably, the path will appear slowly. Yes, you can!



What is success?
The true meaning of success is in the achieving of something desired. Once you focus and put your energy in the right places, money will flow naturally. You might not earn as much as people in financial sector, but you gain beyond monetary gains. It's other area of satisfaction that money can't buy. 

We have heard of stories where people work their butts off to earn tons of money. End of the day, they inadvertently spent tons of money to satisfy their empty heart. Then, they need to add in more time to earn even more to purse their level of lifestyle. It's a vicious cycle that never seems to end!

But think about it... 

Things has to stop at a certain age. Then, it might be too late and health could be very much compensated.
Deep in our hearts, what we desire the most is to be proud of what we do with our lives. Money shouldn't be the primary definition of success! The thing is, if we're truly passionate about the work we do and put in all our energy to it, there's a high chance that money will follow. 

If you keep having a back-up plan to your dream, passionate career, you will never have a 'make it or break it' attitude to push yourself to the highest limit possible!

Here's the famous quote from Steve Jobs. Hope it inspires you more.

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K歌达人 - Not just any ordinary Karaoke App!

Have you always been very shy of joining a karaoke session with your friends? Probably because you are not confident of your own voice? Or afraid that your friends might criticize your singing?

Well, here's an application called 'K歌达人' which is really not your average karaoke app! It has a special function that allows you to join a virtual karaoke room (like a open hall in karaoke) filled with other singers from all over the world. 

The best thing about this function? It does not require you to show your face! ;)

K歌达人

(Available on both iOS and Android platforms)

App Features:

• An updated and wide database of popular songs to select from. 
• It has an in-build smart scoring system 
• Virtual Karaoke room which allows you to join other singers from all around. 
• Be a Judge! You can compliment or feedback on other singers while they sing.
• Personal karaoke session - do it at the comfort of your own room!

What we like about this app?

It's FREE!
With the rising costs of karaoke sessions, why not have your own at the comfort of your home?

User-Friendly
This app is very user-friendly and easy to navigate around. 

Virtual Karaoke Room

We have not come across another karaoke app that has this function. It really is a good way to practice singing without the need to face a live audience. Gather feedbacks from others. It's an awesome way to improve through constructive comments!

Wide Song Database

This app has got the latest songs. Both English and Mandarin Pop songs!



What we don't like about this app?
So far none... We think there's nothing to complain about it! :D
Except that you need to be able to read Mandarin to navigate around this app.

Let your karaoke trainings begin now!

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Exclusive! The insider story: 陈泂江 Desmond Tan's Love song to SG

Every year during August, Singaporeans tend to feel a lot more patriotism for our country! Most often, we feel this connection most, through the songs.

If you have been tuning in to Channel 8, Channel U, as well as radio stations, Y.E.S. 93.3FM, LOVE 97.2FM,  you might have chanced upon a new-released song titled '将爱延续 - Love song to SG' which was sang by multi-talented Mediacorp artiste Desmond Tan, 陈泂江! 

But did you know that the song was a collaboration with Hark Music and it was composed by our music director & founder - Mr. Amos Teo?

Well, here's the insider story of how the song actually came about! 

How it all started:
Earlier this year, we got to know Desmond when he took up a mentorship in music from our directors, Mr. Amos Teo and Ms. Yoong Xin Yun. From the success of 'Keep Running', which was launched for last year’s National Day, Hark Music decided to produce 1 every year. So this year, we have chosen Desmond to present it!

On the other hand, Desmond wanted to challenge himself and bring his performing skills to another level! The song was also a platform for him to showcase his talent in music. As most people might know him for acting through TV dramas, did you know that he also has an immerse talent in music too? 

So instead of just singing the song, Amos encouraged him to write the lyrics since he was the one who came up with the theme “Love song to SG”.


The challenges faced:

First Challenge
The first challenge was to come up with a really catchy title! '将爱延续' which means “Let the love continue” was created as we strongly believe that whatever we do, we do it because of our love for the country. At the same time, to subtly create a link of the song to Desmond, the word '将' which has the same pronunciation as '江' (Desmond’s Chinese name) was used.



Second Challenge
The lyrics. Writing lyrics for a love song might be easy for many, but writing one that's dedicated to our country would require a wider and open perspective. For example, at the beginning of the song, it’s about the difficulties our leaders faced in the 60s. Followed by knowing they did everything, all because of the LOVE for Singapore. Then in the pre-chorus, it’s actually about the current scene where people from various walks, sharing their conflicting views.


Third Challenge
Time and budget. This entire production, including the music and video were are all done in less than a month. And it was done without any funding from the government or big sponsors! But we are thankful for the help from people who support this initiative and also playing their part for this year’s National Day.

In the absence of decorative elements in the song and video like the official ones, we hope our sincerity and effort can be felt by the audience. And we present to you a love song that is written for our dear country, Singapore, to celebrate her 50th birthday!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SINGAPORE!

Watch the short music video of <将爱延续 - Love Song to SG> below:

Listen to the full song (with national anthem) <将爱延续 - Love Song to SG> here:

Produced by Amos Teo 张安文 & Xin Yun 熊欣韵

Sung by Desmond Tan 陈泂江 - Mediacorp Artiste

Lyrics by Desmond Tan

Music by Amos Teo

将爱延续 - Love song to SG

词： 陈泂江 曲： Amos Teo (Hark Music)

全世界都说我们没有明天

As the rest of the world says we have no future

未开始的梦想是否会幻灭

Will our dreams die even before they begin?

纠结的心情扰乱未来视线

Dilemmas might impair my vision of the future

但我对你的爱 始终不会变

But nothing will ever change my love for you

将爱延续 永远都不放弃

Let our love last forever with tenacity

多少艰难 无法阻挡我们前进

No amount of hardships will hamper our way forward

将爱延续 心连心不分离

Let our love last with our hearts as one

一起守护 我们的约定

Together we will guard our promises

只要用爱经营 未来是无限美景

With love, our future will be an endless beauty

要坚定 不管多少 流言蜚语

We will stand strong no matter what they say

要相信 无论多少 纷争来袭

We will keep faith no matter the disputes

坚持守护你

We will keep you safe till the end

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