SG IS IN THE AIR

Can't get enough of Singaporean music and musicians? Then get ready for a double dose of your local fix in not just one, but two languages as SAFRA Radio brings PowerSG to Power 98FM and 883 Jia FM!

Been suffering from withdrawal symptoms since PowerSG ended its first run? Fret not, the popular weekly hour-long radio show dedicated to showcasing local musical talent is back on air.

Since December 2014, SAFRA Radio has been bringing listeners closer to home-grown talents with the second series of PowerSG. Holding the reins this time round is Power 98FM DJ Michael (Mike) Tan. Meanwhile, 883 Jia FM's Ben Lee helms Lunch Live House, a brand new segment on the bilingual station that also showcases MDC artistes and other Singaporean musicians. Ben, a singer himself, also performs with his guests live in the studio.

With them are their respective co-hosts, Singapore Armed Forces Music & Drama Company (MDC) full-time National Servicemen Private (PTE) Samuel Driscoll and PTE Chen Ge.

If those names ring a bell, that's because these youngsters have already made splashes in the local entertainment circle: PTE Chen, 20, was a top-16 semi-finalist in a radio DJ hunt competition. PTE Driscoll, 21, on the other hand, is a YouTube sensation best known for writing and singing his own songs.

PIONEER talks to the four hosts to find out more about the new shows and pair-ups.

WELCOME ON BOARD, SAM AND CHEN GE! IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME ON RADIO?

SD: I've been invited on radio before, but this is my first time on the other side of the panel.

CG: I was a trainee DJ on Y.E.S. 93.3FM for about a month in 2013, and I got to go on air twice.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: WHY BRING BACK POWERSG?

MT: Local music deserves a place on local radio. There are still so many people out there to be discovered, and I feel we have a duty and responsibility to put their work out there.

BL: There's also a lot of musical talent in MDC and we want to showcase them. And one of the best ways is through hearing their voices and listening to their live performances.

CG: There's a lot of exchange across the various disciplines, which helps us become even better in our own fields.

HOW ARE THE NEW SHOWS DIFFERENT FROM POWERSG SERIES ONE?

MT: This time around, we wanted to change things up with new hosts, including someone who's in the scene, namely Sam. He brings the artiste's perspective, which is what we are all about.

SD: I'll be able to contribute my knowledge and experience… and how best to draw in the crowds since I've tried out the channels myself.

BL: Very rarely would you find a male-male DJ pairing on Mandarin language radio. Even for me, this is my first time co-hosting with a guy!

So I’m looking forward to seeing how listeners will take to us. The show also has an interactive element in that listeners can call in to vote for the themes and music they want to hear each week.

MIKE AND BEN, WHAT ADVICE DID YOU HAVE FOR SAM AND CHEN GE?

BL: Anyone would be nervous going on air, especially live. So I guided him along to help him get the hang of things quickly.

MT: I told Sam that it’s OK to feel like he wants to pee himself and black out, because I’ve got his back. Just have a good time because the listeners will feel it as well!

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE SHOWS CAN DO FOR SINGAPOREAN MUSICIANS?

CG: We have very talented people in the local music scene. They work very hard to find ways to put their music out there even when opportunities do not seem readily available.

SD: Recently, the local music scene has been exploding and people are really getting into it. Music is being presented in a way that is fresh and yet relatable to Singaporeans. If we just give them a chance they may surprise us.

MT: (That’s why) there needs to be something like this on national radio for Singaporeans to find out who’s up-and-coming right now, who’s been working very hard to get their music out. We want to cultivate a passion for local music.

BL: Likewise for the talents in MDC. If you did not serve NS (National Service), you might not be familiar with MDC. But through its alumni, which include singers and directors, you can see that it produces very good talent. Hence, we hope that more people will know about MDC artistes through their music.