MUSIC FOR EVERYONE
Ahead of the installation of his artwork in the Singapore Pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale, artist SONG‑MING ANG shares his deep‑rooted connections to music and its role in his art practice. As told to Sonia Kolesnikov‑jessop
“Music is important for me because I connect with it so easily and in many different ways – emotionally, intellectually and physically. Good music can make me dance, cry or laugh; it can be entertaining or provocative; and it can help me relax or work. I often say that my art practice revolves around thinking about music, because I derive so much joy from this process.
When I was in my early twenties, I played in an experimental rock band called Hearing Hill, influenced by avant-garde music, improvisation and noise. When we performed live, it was mostly confusing to the audience. It was difficult to find an audience for our music, and our first gig was actually at Mountbatten Community Centre with hardcore and punk musicians – lots of Malays, Indians and self-proclaimed ‘anarchists’ who were welcoming of us.
Another time, we performed at * Scape Youth Park, and the audience didn’t clap at the end because they thought we were just doing a sound check. And then there was the time when we played at The Substation and later got flamed in an online music forum. Good times.
Ultimately, I became an artist because it allows me to synthesise what I know from music and my interest in contemporary art, especially conceptual art, minimalism and Fluxus – art that attempts to go beyond its own boundaries. As an artist, I still work with music in many ways and across various media. I find it helpful that the field of contemporary art is open and receptive to my approach of working.