"BigO, or Before I Get Old. Because it's that moment of youth when we still have the will and energy for change. To write their own songs and to play their own music. We're not afraid of getting old!" - founder, Philip Cheah.
There is perhaps no publication more influential in the local music scene than BigO. Begun in 1985 as a black-and-white zine, before evolving into a full-fledged magazine, the pioneering outlet was the staunchest champion for homegrown indie and alternative music for decades. It quality coverage and undeground ethos most certainly inspired generations of Singaporean musicians, writers, artists and creatives to come (incuding us).
This year marks BigO's 40th anniversary, and to commemorate that historic milestone, newly minted promoters Neonpulse are planning a massive music festival celebrating "40 Years of Counter Culture". Taking place on 12 and 13th April at The Blackbird, Gillman Barracks (purchase tickets here), the event is set to feature some of the most prominent underground and alternative bands to have come out of Singapore's independent music scene over the last four decades.
Ahead of this exciting weekender, we spoke to Neonpulse's Muhammad Alkhatib (also of Astreal) to learn more about how grand celebration came together.
What was the genesis of Neonpulse?
Philip Cheah (BigO founder) and I caught up over lunch last year, and he mentioned that 2025 would mark BigO’s 40th anniversary. I asked if there was a gig or event planned, and when he said no, I just went, “Alright, let me organize one.” He agreed, and that was that—simple as that.
As for the name, it was totally random. I happened to be listening to MGMT’s Oracular Spectacular and Weyes Blood’s And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow—both with striking neon-themed cover art. I’ve always had a thing for well-designed album covers. Neonpulse was really just a working title at first, but somehow, it stuck.
Who makes up Neonpulse and what are its goals?
Neonpulse is just the three of us—Samantha Chew, Leon Guertler, and me. There’s no grand plan or long-term goal—this might just be a one-off. But even before this gig is wrapped up, people have already been asking for more. So, who knows? We’ll see where things go.
You guys are organising BigO’s 40th anniversary show. What does BigO mean to the Neonpulse team personally?
BigO means a lot to us, both personally and as part of the scene. For me, playing in Astreal, we’ve been featured in the magazine multiple times and even had a track on their Singles Club compilation. Thanks to them, our music made it to BBC’s John Peel, which was huge.
But beyond all that, it’s really about the connections. BigO brought together writers, labels, bands, and so many others in the Singapore music scene. The friendships that came out of it—that’s the real legacy.
How did the idea for this big two-day event come about?
It all kind of fell into place on its own—one of those things that just worked out serendipitously. Originally, it was meant to be a one-day event with about four to six bands. I chose Blackbird because I love the space and the people behind it. But as we started talking, the idea naturally grew, and before we knew it, it became a two-day event.
I sent out a bunch of texts, and almost everyone said yes—some even before I could give them the details. It was pretty magical!
The lineup is stacked with Singaporean music legends. What considerations went into the programming?
I’m familiar with most of these bands—some I’ve shared the stage with, others I’ve partied with. Of course, some are no longer around.
At the core, I’m still a fan. I wanted a lineup that captures different eras while spanning various genres.
This gig is both a time capsule, reflecting the rich history behind these bands, and a kind of rebirth—especially for those releasing new material, which is sounding better than ever.
What has been the most fulfilling and most challenging aspect of putting this event together?
The most fulfilling part of organizing this event has been seeing everything come together—the bands, the venue, and the incredible team working behind the scenes. It’s the energy, connection, and creativity that make all the effort worthwhile.
The biggest challenge has been juggling all the moving pieces—coordinating schedules, managing logistics, and making sure everything runs seamlessly so there are no last-minute hiccups on the day.
Could you tell us more about the band and event merch Neonpulse has on sale…
Oh, that kind of just came together naturally. I figured—if we’re putting on a gig, why not go all in and get some merch too? Some of the bands already have their own, but Neonpulse also ended up designing some exclusive pieces for them.
So, alongside the event’s official T-shirts, there are also custom band tees, making it a bit more special for everyone.
You’ve also linked up with Lion City Rock as the official podcast for this event…
Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh are great folks—total naturals at what they do. Talking to them feels like catching up with an old friend, even if you’ve never met before. And they really know their music, so having them on board is an absolute win.
This event is certainly a welcome celebration of Singapore’s independent and alternative music legacy. But how do you feel about its present and future?
Singapore’s independent and alternative music scene has come a long way, and it’s more alive than ever. Right now, there’s a growing sense of community—bands, organizers, and fans are all pushing boundaries and supporting each other in a way that keeps the scene thriving. There’s no shortage of talent, and with more platforms emerging for artists to showcase their work, the future looks promising.
Of course, there are still challenges, like securing venues and getting wider recognition, but the passion and creativity here are undeniable. As long as that spirit stays strong, the scene will keep evolving in exciting ways.
Finally, what’s next for Neonpulse?
Neonpulse has a few things brewing—we’re keeping it under wraps for now, but let’s just say this might only be the beginning. There could be another gig or two, some unexpected collaborations—maybe even overseas. And there are a couple of exciting projects on the horizon. We’ll see where it all leads. As they say, Before I Get Old!
