During a recent visit to Singapore, Grammy-nominated band OneRepublic found creative inspiration in the city’s blend of history and modernity, capturing this experience in their new track, “Singapore,” from their album Artificial Paradise.
The song was written in collaboration with Universal Music Singapore (UMSG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), who invited the band to explore the city’s unique landscapes and culture.
Lead singer Ryan Tedder described how Singapore’s distinctive character left an impression on the band, saying, “This island is both eclectic and modern. When we wrote the track in Singapore, we were inspired by the colourful juxtaposition of the modern and heritage buildings set in this cultural melting pot.
OneRepublic's creative process included visits to key sites, where they observed Singapore’s architectural diversity firsthand. Locations like Marina One, the Peranakan Museum, Armenian Street, and the Old Hill Street Police Station are featured in the track’s behind-the-scenes video, showcasing the vibrant and historic sides of the city.
Brian Willett, keyboardist and primary songwriter of “Singapore,” explained that the track is “an external portrayal of creativity,” illustrating the artistic influence Singapore had on the band. Tedder added, “The first time I heard Singapore fully mixed, I could see buildings shooting up from the ocean, the streets, the tapestry of creativity.”
Choo Huei Miin, executive director of brand at STB, highlighted the song’s role in showcasing Singapore’s “harmonious blend of heritage and modernity,” inviting global audiences to experience the city through OneRepublic’s artistic journey.
The video, which was filmed during the band’s visit for the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2024, is now available on the social media platforms of OneRepublic, UMSG, and STB. “Singapore” is streaming on all major music platforms.