Indie music heaven in Singapore

When the Yeah Yeah Yeahs performed in Singapore for the first time in 2010, many hearts were broken because tickets sold out fast.

Vocalist and pianist Karen O, seen as a goddess by fans, has occupied many lists naming her as one of the most influential women in the indie scene.

The Korean-American artist has also strayed further afield, writing the soundtrack to the movie “Where the Wild Things Are” and collaborating with Trent Reznor on the Led Zeppelin classic “Immigrant Song” for the movie “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” She also wrote the song “Strange Love” for the Tim Burton's animated film “Frankenweenie.”

Fashion icons

Karen O and keyboardist / guitarist Nick Zinner are not only mavens in the music scene, they’re fashion icons as well, well-known for their out-there stage wear.

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As a fan, I’ve always liked how the band continues to do things that inspire both music lovers and visual artists. And, despite existing for more than a decade, YYYs have managed to continue to surprise fans in both their music and their live shows.

So I was very happy to learn that the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are part of the line-up of Big Night Out 2013, scheduled on January 30 at Fort Canning Park in Singapore.

The gig follows the recent unveiling of the cover of their fourth album “Mosquito,” designed by South Korean filmmaker and animator Beomsik Shimbe Shim. A new song called “Suck Young Blood” from the album was previewed last January 11 at their gig in California and I’m betting they’ll perform it in Singapore later this month.

Formed in New York in 2000, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have recorded three studio albums, all of which have been nominated for a Grammy as best alternative album.

They’ve supported artists such as Bjork, The White Stripes, The Strokes, among others, which exposed their artsy and garage sound to a larger audience.

More indie darlings

If the YYYs weren’t enough of a come on, Big Night Out is also featuring fellow Grammy nominees Band of Horses and New York-based Vampire Weekend, which also played Singapore in 2010.

The Guardian newspaper described Band of Horses as “elemental music cleverly [combing] old-school, harmony-soaked, country-flavoured rock.” And Vampire Weekend is a critical darling, gaining attention and popularity through online buzz even before their 2008 debut of smart poppy indie gems was released.

So for one night only, the hottest indie bands will be performing on the same stage, which is quite a great deal for indie music fans.

Big Night Out will happen on January 30, 2013, 7 p.m. at Fort Canning Park in Singapore. To book tickets, go to www.sistic.com.sg.

Niña Sandejas is an award-winning music photographer whose work has appeared here and abroad. She was included in Preview magazine's 2011 Creative It List and was named in early 2012 as one of 14 Women Who Rock by Rogue magazine . Visit her blog, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram @rosarioko.