The Singapore rock music scene : being in an ‘underground’ rock band.

Abstract

This paper examines the Rock music scene in Singapore. In particular, it seeks to understand the reasons behind individuals’ participation in rock bands, and the evolving meanings that characterise their participation over time. I approach this subject from the frameworks proposed by traditional subculture and more recent neo-tribe theories. Through the use of in-depth interviews and ethnographic research, I show that the neo-tribe concept is more useful in understanding this particular cultural group. I argue however, that while the concept of neo-tribe is useful in illuminating some reasons and aspects of rock band membership, its failure to note the evolving meanings and thereby commitment levels of membership hampers its overall usefulness. I propose that neo-tribes should not be characterised as simply ‘fluid’. Rather individuals’ participation should be seen as having differential levels of fluidity and commitment driven in part by, or the lack of, other commitments, how much they identify with being in a band, and the need for authenticity in practice.