Compass: Staying Aligned in a Dynamic World

I recently spoke to a few friends going through something, as we often are in Singapore. It translates to many versions of the same: overwork, burnout, non-alignment with core values; or too much alignment with values not equating to worth, monetary or otherwise (for example, perceived worth from personal satisfaction). The “solutions” aren’t really solutions. They may be, negatively, stopgaps; positively, ongoing life experimentations.

Step back from bar gigs, release music? Step back from agents, build your own brand (undiluted by greedy corporate minds)? Step back from artistry that doesn’t fulfil (no validation from the community, from establishments), dumb it down, numb yourself, and work for others? Ha.

What’s the answer? I don’t have it. Two years ago, I quit the regular gig scene. It did not align with my professional growth in teaching, education, and academia. Bar gigs, bistros; they were eating away at my soul and my energy.

Note: I did not quit performing! Not even the night scene. Just the regularity of it. I remain happy to sub once in a while: for social reasons (networking), for “de-rusting,” for fun, if the people are right. For remaining on the ground, so to speak, as an academic-practitioner.

Now, I have parted ways with an agent. Over the years, our values have taken different directions. Once a friend I considered close, his priorities shifted toward a more figures-driven approach, and our ideas about artistic and professional choices no longer aligned. It became clear we were working toward different visions. Again, note: I am not quitting event gigs, just stepping back from this particular working relationship. Many wonderful people in the industry have maintained their compass, or have other guiding forces I can relate to. People I’m still happy to collaborate with.

It’s fitting; 9 August, Singapore’s National Day. I sit in a bar in Edinburgh, Duddingston Village, writing this now. This village dates back to the 12th century, much older than my country, which is celebrating its 60th. As Singaporeans, we often can be short-sighted about our advantages, particularly in the arts. Many people complain. I used to. Before I went overseas to study in the USA, and during a short stint in Spain, I thought the grass would be greener. And while some aspects (freedom of speech, for example) can be, I increasingly see with age how blessed Singapore was for me, for us.

While it can be inspiring hiking Mount Kinabalu or Annapurna Base Camp, perhaps wandering the streets of Edinburgh Old Town and partaking of the Fringe, Singapore presents a safe place to ruminate on art, to fill our bellies, to have infrastructure in place so we can focus on craft (teaching?) and art (performing, with backline provided). It’s a system that allows the average practitioner to earn and live in relative comfort, able to afford some luxuries and all amenities.

I guess what I want to take away from all this is to remain true to our moral compasses; never to lose our way. Or rather, to fight the forces of distraction and dilution (capitalism, commercialism, nice cars, big houses, nice social media, and chasing the views for content and videos) that inevitably come our way. To seek what resonates with us. To strike a balance between what sustains us, money and soul. To navigate life smart. To be true to people, craft, and artistry, to not cut corners.

That is what I hope to coalesce from the recent life lessons and interactions with others, and to bring into AY 2025–2026, where I hope to inspire and lead with honesty, rigour, and knowledge that I continue to build.