Ever wonder what the Singapore music scene was like before the internet? Back in the day, when cassettes ruled and indie meant really indie, there was this legendary magazine called BigO. Yeah, short for "Before I Get Old," like that rebellious Who song. Pretty cool, right?
Think of BigO as the OG champion of Singapore's underground music. We're talking the 80s and 90s, when bands like The Oddfellows and Opposition Party were making waves, way before your Spotify playlists existed. This magazine wasn't just some glossy spread; it was a gritty, black-and-white zine, photocopied and packed with raw passion. It was the voice of the scene, the place where local bands got their first shout-outs.
BigO wasn't just about writing about music. They made things happen. They threw gigs, released compilation CDs, and basically built the community from the ground up. Imagine a time when music was discovered through passionate writers and shared at live shows, not just algorithms.
Why should you care? Because BigO's story is Singapore's music history. It’s about the DIY spirit, the raw energy, and the passion that fueled a scene. It's about a time when music felt real, and community was everything.
And guess what? To celebrate 40 years of BigO, there's a huge music festival happening in April 2025: BigO: 40 Years of Counter Culture. It's gonna be a blast, with tons of the bands BigO supported. It's your chance to dive into the roots of Singapore's indie music scene and see where it all began. Seriously, if you're into music, this is something you don't want to miss. Come see what all the fuss was about and discover a part of Singapore's culture you never knew existed!
Get your tickets now!