I remembered refreshing the screen first thing in the morning two months ago when the tickets were first released for purchases on Sistic’s website. How could I miss the one chance I might have to see Broken Social Scene in Singapore live? Yesterday, I found myself waiting outside the Esplanade Concert Hall in silent anticipation. I was a little disappointed that Feist, Amy Millan, Emily Haines are absent from the gig even though I know that there is almost zero chance of having all three of them appear on the same stage unless it was manipulated by Providence’s very own hands.



But it was an awesome two hours. Propelled by the band members who did come, we stood on our ground, rocking to their music. There were times we lost ourselves to the flow and forgot everything around us. At that moment, I gave my whole, undivided attention to the guitars that were waved in the air, the drums that resonated their sullen thoughts,  the performers who leaped through the air to shake the earth and the one strong voice in the midst who broke through my defense. I could listen forever to that voice that sings to me.So we wondered after the gig, what it feels like to be in a band. How does it feel like to know you have the power to influence people in that way – to lead the crowds, to break new grounds, to connect the differences? Is that why people become groupies? To share a part of the fame that could be addictive? To unravel the mystery of the charismatic performers who seem to transit between a god-like status on stage and adopt a humanly form off it? 

The beauty of this band or at least its greatest appeal to me is that it is made up of successful individuals who are parts of other projects and yet care enough to come together in a fun manner to form a collective cognition we know as the “Broken Social Scene“. It does not restrict the band members from experimenting new grounds and going forth in different directions. It encourages free expression but does not expect you to return. But when you do, it will be there.

Plugging Mosaic Music Festival for bringing some of my favourite artistes to Singapore