Meet Singapore's Lincoln Lim before he plays BIGSOUND this September

While BIGSOUND is definitely a showcase of the best Australian music has to offer, there's usually a couple of other countries which get to showcase - and we're not just talking about New Zealand. Singapore's music scene, for example, have been showcasing at BIGSOUND for a while now, and as we found out with last year's Hear65 showcase, they're occasionally able to steal the show: "The Hear65 Showcase at this year's BIGSOUND proved that despite the geographical and cultural barriers, Singaporean music is strong enough to push through these, introducing our industry to the vastness of Singapore's music scene and just how versatile and dynamic it is, even if it was only through small, bite-sized pieces."

After hosting Charlie Lim, Linying, Intriguant and The Steve McQueens last year, BIGSOUND 2019 is similarly set to showcase some golden nuggets amongst Singapore's growing music scene, with Lincoln Lim stepping forward as the first act performing that we're stoked to introduce you to. His new single Losing - the third in a series of five releases scheduled - is a glistening indie-folk ballad that draws comparisons to names like Ben Howard and James Vincent McMorrow; his vocal swirling amongst subtle melodies and softness. "Losing is an exploration, a re-emphasis of the quiet moments that exist between the bigger, life-defining ones," he says on the track. "Personally, songs tend to feel like an endless cycle of incredibly definitive moments, like an infinite loop of breaking up and getting together, all while ignoring the realities of the one, two, five or even fifty years of trying to feel normal again between them. Losing is my way of delving into those periods, a story about someone who travels the world trying to forget someone but ends up still feeling their presence in every amazing sight they come across."

Catch him at BIGSOUND and Sydney's Good Intent First Birthday this September, but in the meantime, dive into Losing below and introduce yourself to Lincoln while you're at it:

Tell us about yourself?

I’m a Singaporean singer-songwriter and producer with an unhealthy obsession with finding the perfect burger (Sharky’s in Yangon is the current top pick). Give me a solid, life-changing burger and I’ll write you a song, that’s a promise.

What’s the vibe music-wise?

Close your eyes and imagine an island.

An island with waves that massage your feet, fields that stroke your skin and forests that filter light through its leaves in a multitude of colours. And in the middle of the island is a huge, leather-bound book, filled with tall tales and unlikely adventures, where every story touches your spirit the same way the island gently caressed your soul. That is what my music aims to feel like, in every song that I release.

What are your production and writing processes like?

Usually, it starts with the story for me, with the concept stewing for a while till I find the right words and the right melodies to express that idea. After that, I take it to the studio and then it becomes all about the vibe, the sonic ambience that really delivers a scene to your ears. And yeah, I’ve been known to stand in the street recording a weird animal sound at 3AM for a sample. It happens!

Can you tell us about your new single, Losing?

YES! So, Losing is about a person who does the “Eat, Pray, Love” thing and skips town to travel around the world to try to forget someone, but ends up being reminded of that person in every single amazing place he goes to. It’s about the inevitability of ghosts in our lives, of how places and memories are marred by whatever trauma you go through, even when we try to forget it. I’m so happy to release that song and I think musically it’s probably one of the truest expressions of what I want my sound to be so far, so I hope you guys enjoy it!

You’re playing the Singapore Showcase at BIGSOUND this year. Can you tell us a little bit about your space in the Singapore music scene, and how it feels to come over to Australia to showcase?

I am, and it’s an absolute honour to be selected and I’m unbelievably excited! I’ve been performing in the Singaporean scene for a long time, so I’ve seen the days where this opportunity was honestly too much to hope for and I’m super proud of how far we’ve come. We’ve still got a long way to go to be honest, but I think showcases like these are one of the best ways to show all the talent that our tiny island has to offer, so I’m really grateful to be included! I’ve toured in Australia before and it was and always is an absolute treat, so I’m really excited to come and meet you guys!

What does 2019 have in store for you?

2019 (or the rest of it, where did the time go?) looks to be pretty busy, with a music video release and a bunch of singles coming up. Besides that, I’m hoping to wrangle another few dates over in Melbourne, so I think it’s safe to say BIGSOUND is not the last you’ll see of me.

Where can we find more of your music?

You can find my music on Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer and most of my little ramblings on Instagram. Stay tuned because there’s going to be a lot more music coming out really, really soon!

Follow Lincoln Lim: FACEBOOK