To the shoulders that we rode on when we were young, to the exuberant laughter that erupts when we stumbled and fell, to the rough pair of hands that cradled us when we cried uncontrollably - this one's to the fathers out there who have played an integral part of our lives since we were young.
This Father's Day, we spoke to five Singaporean musicians who are fathers themselves. Peter Huang and Goh Mingwei from MICappella, Iman and Lal from Iman's League as well as Arif from Wormrot shared with us their journeys as fathers and how music plays a role in their children's lives.
Arif (WORMROT)
Tell us about some things you discovered about yourself after becoming a dad?
The transition from being single to becoming a husband and then a father happened rather swiftly. We were blessed with our son Aqil right after the honeymoon. It was definitely a culture shock for both of us. Although things went pretty rough back in the day, we pulled through it nonetheless, with the help of our parents. Wider perspectives, rational, reflex troubleshooting towards new responsibilities, and an appreciation of the littlest, most minuscule things in life were some things I've gained. My past impulsive emotions are way more filtered now. Not utterly sure how I will be once he reaches teen status. Another phase of the 'Shock the Culture 2' Festival.
What role does music play in your children’s lives?
We listen to songs every day. My son enjoys catchy pop songs as of now. I recalled when he was about 3 years of age, he was into the Beach Boys' 'Get Around' a lot. Nothing beats seeing your child dancing and parading while enjoying upbeat music, from The Offspring to King Diamond. Now, he is five and he still keeps humming songs that he adores, especially when he is alone doing his thing.
A song you would want your children to sing along with you
'A Song For Mama' - Boyz II Men
Peter Huang (MICappella)
Tell us about some things you discovered about yourself after becoming a dad?
Patience, altruism, and a renewed appreciation for the importance of sleep.
What role does music play in your children’s lives?
We are constantly playing various types of music to keep him entertained. From kiddy songs to Chinese pop to classic '80s rock. But at this point, Jacob seems more interested in biting everything with his gums.
A song you would want your children to sing along with you
There isn’t just one. Going forward, I’m looking forward to a lifetime of singing and playing many many songs of all types. I would prefer to choose songs with him together, rather than me choosing for him all the time. He’s got to like it too!
Iman (Iman's League)
Tell us about some things you discovered about yourself after becoming a dad?
I used to be super lazy during my younger days before I was married. I stayed at my parents' house and everything was provided for me. Even my room was cleaned by my mum. Now that I am married with a child, I kind of became a “Clean Freak". Everything must be in order; the house must be clean at all times and I just can't stand things laying around the house. My guess is that probably during my child's early days as a baby, we always made sure that the house is super-duper clean so as to prevent him from falling sick. As he grew older that habit kind of stuck with me.
I also discovered that as a dad, our relationship with our children matters most especially when they are young. I did have a good relationship with my dad when I was really young, but things didn’t go so well as I grew older (normal case of teenage angst and rebellion). But because of my close relationship with him when I was younger, it somehow always reminded me that no matter what happens I shouldn’t forget all his sacrifices raising me. I am still trying my best to fix my relationship with my dad now and I think it got better when my child was born.
What role does music play in your children’s lives?
My son is 4 years old now and I’ve been trying my best to introduce him to musical instruments such as the guitar and the keyboard. Kids being kids, their attention span can only last for a short period of time.I did notice that he has an interest in singing and he is now able to pick up melodies and sing them in the correct key. I also did feature his voice on one of my solo projects single 'Bukan Seruan (Not A Calling)' that is due to be released end of June. At the end of the day, I will never force him to pick up music if he doesn’t have the passion for it.
A song you would want your children to sing along with you
1966 Ultraman Opening Theme song. He is really into this now.
Lal (Iman's League)
Tell us about some things you discovered about yourself after becoming a dad?
After becoming a dad, I discovered that sleep is for the weak and there's no such thing as waking up late on weekends. Time management is also important to me now as I have to juggle between my full- time job, doing music, and spending time with my family.
What role does music play in your children’s lives?
He enjoys listening to music and once in a while, he will start dancing to it. In the future I would like him to make music a gateway for him to have fun, enjoy, and also to express himself.
A song you would want your children to sing along with you
'Don't Let Me Down' - The Beatles
Goh Mingwei (MICappella)
Tell us about some things you discovered about yourself after becoming a dad?
I have more ability to love than I ever thought I could. Also, the love and care you develop for your kid... is unlike anything I have ever felt before. It's life-changing.
What role does music play in your children’s lives?
I realise that as humans, we all have music in our blood. I have not met an infant or kid who doesn’t like music. For my kids, both of them react to music and it looks like it's in them to be able to tell what is musical and what is not.
A song you would want your children to sing along with you
No song in particular, I'll sing any song with them!
