Gen Neo Interview: To Return To Singapore For Hometown Show

Gen Neo is returning to his hometown, Singapore, for a show at the Esplanade Annexe Studio. With the release of his new EP Push&Pull, and upcoming show, we caught up with the artist. It has been seven years since we interviewed him and a lot has happened for Gen Neo since then. His music now gains wide-spread attention from fans all around the world, including the USA and Singapore.

Through our interview with Gen Neo, he speaks about the mixed emotions he feels returning home for the show. He states, “It feels surreal and scary at the same time.” Neo makes sure to tell us how important this show is to him. “Singapore will always be my home and although I have been overseas for a long time, the goal is to always keep connected to my roots and to bring my music and this time, an exciting show using all my experiences I have collected over the years.”

Also, his EP delves into the complexities of relationships through his signature blend of contemporary and 2000s-inspired R&B. His entire interview is found below and if you’re in Singapore, this is a show you do not want to miss. Get your tickets here.

Interview with Gen Neo

Hello again! Please re-introduce yourself to the HypnoticAsia readers.

Hi guys this is Gen, known as Gen Neo, happy to be back home.

This is your first-ever headline show in Singapore. How does it feel to be returning to perform in your hometown?

It feels surreal and scary at the same time because this is a self organized show. I haven’t been promoting here in a bit but I’m super excited to reconnect with many people here and to meet fans of my music here back home. 

What can fans expect from your performance at the Esplanade Annexe Studio? Will there be any surprises or special moments during the show?

Fans can expect songs that they’ve heard on the streaming platforms especially fan favorites like Stay and Losing Game but these will be presented with a new and dynamic live band arrangement. We think that they’ll be pleasantly surprised. Also very excited to be performing at this space, I feel that it gives us such a great opportunity to present my music the way that I have envisioned.

What does performing in Singapore mean to you, considering you’ve built such a strong following internationally?

Singapore will always be my home and although I have been overseas for a long time, the goal is to always keep connected to my roots and to bring my music and this time, an exciting show using all my experiences I have collected over the years.

This event is long-awaited by your fans in Singapore. How have you been preparing for this special show?

A lot of work has been put into the presentation and the new arrangements and of course I’m nervously practicing and refining it everyday. This is also my first headline show as you know. 

Your music blends R&B with various influences, creating a unique sound. Can you share a bit about your creative process?

It is true that I have had various influences, I was trained classically as a kid but was exposed to different types of genres early through pop culture. You know, Singapore being such a multicultural hub has allowed me to absorb all these different influences. R&B is a genre that I feel passionate about and I try to maintain the branding of course while trying to write songs that people can connect with emotionally. 

How do you balance staying true to your Singaporean roots while also incorporating influences from your experiences abroad, especially in Seoul?

I think it comes naturally being born here and even having attended NS here. There is so much that Singapore has done for me and it will always be a part of me wherever I go. 

Can we expect any new material at this concert, or will you be focusing on your previous releases? Fans are excited to see your new track, Push&Pull live.

Yes, I’ve just released a new EP titled PUSH&PULL. Everyone at the show will be able to hear these songs being performed live for the first time. And like I mentioned before, it will be a dynamic and exciting package presented to you by my team, my band, and myself. 

Do you find that your music resonates differently with audiences in Singapore compared to other countries you’ve performed in?

Yes, I think that’s a beautiful thing as music is subjective after all. I think it’s amazing that everyone can share these different emotions through my music. 

You’ve had a journey that spans multiple cultures. How has your multicultural background shaped your identity as an artist?

Being Singaporean has allowed me to be adaptable everywhere I go. From Berklee to Kpop, coming out as a mandopop artist and then now the evolution into English music. All these experiences and decisions have a reason behind them but I won’t go into too much detail right now. 

You’ve experienced a lot of success in Korea and internationally, how does it feel to have the opportunity to showcase your music in Singapore at this stage of your career?

I’m very thankful for that even two months ago when I first received the COMPASS wings of excellence award, it gave me more reason to try to organize a show for everyone back home. I’m grateful for the recognition and also the road ahead is still very long and we are putting a lot of hard work into this to try to showcase my music to more audiences. 

What’s next for you after this headline show in Singapore? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations we should look out for?

I’ll keep the suspense for a little bit but I do have a collaboration with some UK artists coming along, and definitely new music incoming as well. Also looking forward and excited to collaborate with local artists as well. 

As an artist, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind with your music?

My hope is that some of my songs resonate so much with some listeners that they make it a part of them, and that’s honestly enough for me. 

Is there anything you would like to say to your fans in Singapore who have been supporting you throughout the years?

Thank you for all the support and you guys are the reason I keep pushing forward although there have been very hard times. 

Fans in the US have also been waiting for you. Is there any US city you’d like to visit for a concert?

Yes, and I’m very thankful for that. Basically any city where fans love and listen to my music, I have plans underway to be there.