The SG:SW I Write The Songs 2024 Finale Concert, hosted by the Composers & Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS), the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC), and Ocean Butterflies Music, captivated an audience at the SCCC Far East Organisation Auditorium. Featuring outstanding performances by Singaporean artists Sherman Zhuo and Boon Hui Lu, the event celebrated the creative accomplishments of local songwriting talent.
This eighth edition of the annual songwriting festival saw record participation, with 277 song entries from 244 songwriters. Notably, the number of young songwriters aged 30 and below surged, including many participants under 20. The festival's live showcase, held at Bugis+ Atrium, attracted 22,050 attendees, who watched the top 24 songwriters present their work. The top 10 finalists, aged between 16 and 60 from varied professions, competed across seven prestigious award categories, presenting songs that ranged from ballads to urban pop.
Sixteen-year-old Ho Mei Xuan, the competition's youngest finalist, won the Melody (Merit) Award and Popularity Award for her song 'Be Free', a fusion of R&B and city pop. The heartfelt tribute 'Grandma' by Mirasole won the Best Song Award, its moving lyrics and melody reflecting the artist’s love for her grandmother and earning high praise from the judges.
Lim Shy Yunn’s 'One Step Short of Happiness' captivated listeners with its poignant exploration of heartbreak and regret. The song's repetitive melody and haunting lyrics, especially in the chorus, evoked the feeling of being "just a step away" from happiness, perfectly capturing the lingering ache of a relationship that almost made it. Lim’s emotional, first-person performance added depth to the song, resonating strongly with the audience. This heartfelt interpretation and vocal delivery earned her the Best Vocal Performance Award, solidifying her as a powerful storyteller in Singapore's music scene.
In addition to celebrating individual achievements, SG:SW 2024 highlighted cultural diversity. Mohammad Ridzwan, Debbie Tan and Gresilda Tan’s 'Waiting in the Darkness', which included Malay lyrics and traditional instruments, won the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Xchange Award, symbolizing the festival's support for cross-cultural creativity.
Libertas, a standout band at this year’s finale, captured attention with their empowering anthem, 'Libertas,' inspired by the Roman goddess of freedom. The band, featuring lyricists Stephanie Teo and Mirasole alongside composer Wong Kay Aik, showcased a spirited, catchy rhythm and an energetic beat. Their performance, enriched by powerful vocals from two female singers, celebrated the theme of women’s independence and resonated strongly with the audience. This blend of modern empowerment with a mythological reference earned Libertas the Best Performing Band Award, highlighting the group’s innovative approach and unique musical chemistry.
The dynamic team behind 'Ain’t Falling For It'—Jody, Katie, See Kit, and Soh Jun Xian—brought a refreshing mix of rock flair and lyrical depth to the stage. Ranging in age from 28 to 60, this unique group crafted a song that combined an edgy rock arrangement with expressive vocals, delivering a bold message that resonated with the audience. The track's catchy title and unapologetic theme showcased the group's versatility and storytelling prowess, earning them the Lyrics (Merit) Award. Their collaboration reflected a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, making their performance one of the concert's most memorable.
