Singapore Singer Sam Rui Is All About Catchy, Heartfelt Tunes
There’s no denying the appeal of the female pop chanteuse/rock star or female-fronted band. Add a dose of rebelliousness, a quirk (or a few) and an indie spirit, and the cool factor goes off the charts. We speak to seven ruling the Singapore scene, including indie artist Sam Rui.
Onitsuka Tiger x Andrea Pompilio cotton-blend cropped jacket, matching miniskirt, and cotton top, Onitsuka Tiger
Who’s that girl: Self-taught 21-year-old electronic R&B whizz who got her start in 2013 under the National Arts Council’s Noise Music Mentorship programme. Of her music, she says: “I wouldn’t dare call it pure soul/R&B – I let myself be influenced by it, but don’t appropriate or try to recreate things that have been done before.”
Know her ’cos: She might be a newbie, but holds up against more seasoned performers with cool panache. Last July, she opened for The Sam Willows at The Coliseum to a 2,500-strong crowd. Last month, she became just one of three local acts to play at the St Jerome’s Laneway Festival here, debuting her upcoming EP. Already, Better – the first single off it – has reached #1 on Spotify’s Singapore Viral 50 charts.
What’s next for 2017: That yet-to-be-titled EP that she wrote herself (as with all of her music).
Photography Zaphs Zhang & Vee Chin Styling Imran Jalal, assisted by Sapphire Chin Hair & Makeup Sha Shamsi, Laea Hidayah, Karen H & Zoel Tee, using La Biosthetique & M.A.C
This story first appeared in Female's February 2017 issue.
Like this? Check out the coolest clubs in Singapore to party and be seen at, 5 cool parties this January and all the stylish people spotted at Laneway Festival 2017.