If you haven’t heard, Legacy Festival is making its debut this coming December in Siloso Beach, Sentosa. We interviewed the upcoming EDM music festival’s director Andrew T to have a better understanding on what we can expect – and find out about his thoughts on Singapore’s party scene.
Andrew T currently helms CÉ LA VI’s weekly Diamond Life as resident DJ. As one of the founders of AOS Collective, a crew of music and creative talents, he plays for clubs and important events in Singapore and around the world. He was also the music director for 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic and 2015 SEA Games & ASEAN Para Games.
Uncover Asia: How will Legacy Festival be different from ZoukOut – can partygoers expect a similar experience?
Andrew T: ZoukOut will always be ZoukOut. We don’t think any other festival has the same experience (especially to us Singaporeans). But we’ll be creating our own Legacy experience, with a first-of-its-kind staging, huge international headliners, and an army of Singapore’s best talents.
Uncover Asia: We heard Legacy Festival would be seeing the largest number of home-grown DJs! As a Singaporean-bred DJ yourself, what are the challenges that local artists face?
Andrew T: Yes, I always believe if we are doing something of this large scale —with lots of exposure—, we have to showcase our local talents. It’s the only way we can grow.
One of the biggest challenges local artists— all locals in general—face is the lack of REAL support from locals. It’s not just talking about supporting, it’s about really showing up, buying a ticket, sharing the music, and making the artists feel appreciated for the hard work they put into their craft.
People always look at artists and think that they are just playing music, or singing songs, or dancing, hence there is no need to spend money on them, because if it looks so fun, it’s probably not even work.
However, crazily long hours of compiling music, rehearsing, choreographing and practising are involved behind each performance. And even money spent on equipment, studio time, set up, venue and more, just to entertain people!
Uncover Asia: Given this year’s hiccups at Ultra Singapore & ZoukOut’s exit after 18 years, many are saying that Singapore’s party scene is dying. What are your thoughts?
Andrew T: I would say Singapore’s party scene is evolving. There are many clubs here, many festivals happening throughout the year, and a few new ones coming up.
I hope 2020 sees local nightlife establishments working together to help push and improve the scene. We are too small a city to be working against each other.
Uncover Asia: Can you share with us more about Legacy’s stage design & productions?
Andrew T: In the spirit of bringing festivalgoers a world-class experience, a first-of-its-kind stage structure was conceptualized by industry veterans with the objective of elevating senses to new highs. Attendees will be encapsulated in an atmosphere of dizzying lights and effects towering from above. Those present will be treated to a new experience never before seen here.
The X-truss structure built overhead the main crowd for 360-degree lighting will greatly enhance the participants’ experience. This is the first time this lighting is used in a music festival in Asia. It has been used in Ultra Europe.
Uncover Asia: You’ve graced the stages of now-defunct Butter Factory, CE LA VI and many international music events – which was your most memorable nightlife experience & how would you like to incorporate it into Legacy Festival?
Andrew T: Every night at Butter Factory was memorable. It was just pure fun every time and you could see it on people’s faces. It’s about creating that space where its friendly, comfortable and accommodating, throw in affordable drinks and fantastic music, and you and your friends will be in for a damn good night. That’s what we aim to achieve at Legacy, with our “largest block party on the beach”.
Uncover Asia: Any advice for aspiring DJs?
Andrew T: Never stop improving yourself. Music & the industry never stop growing, and neither should you.
Read our guide to Legacy Festival Singapore.
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