HEAR US OUT

Singapore's local music scene is as diverse as its population. Four up-and-coming homegrown musicians open up about their personal journeys, revealing their inspirations, challenges, and the unique cultural fusion that shapes their music.

- Cheryl Lai-Lim

J. M 3
@jm3usic

The rapper who's challenging gender cliches

J.M3 (pronounced as Jamie) is a versatile singer-rapper fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese. She embraces a fluid approach when it comes to her musical genre, blending diverse elements and styles to challenge stereotypes about female rappers.

What’s a personal goal you’ve set for yourself this year?

To constantly be better at my work! I am always working to make my next music better than my last, and to feel that I got to express what I intended wholly. I’ve also made a lot of effort promoting overseas, but I want to introduce myself to Singapore more. I haven’t had the chance to perform a show overseas yet, so I hope to get to do that before the year ends.

Can you tell us how your song Tap Out! came to be featured in the Hollywood movie Joy Ride (2023)?

Tap Out! was originally a song planned for my EP. The opportunity to have the song featured in the movie came, and the music supervisor found it to be such a good fit, so we decided to have it released for the movie and the OST.

I also eventually met the movie director and writer Adele Lim in Singapore, and she told me she loves the track too. In hindsight, we couldn’t have found a better place for it, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?

I used to drink red wine before a show, because someone told me it would help warm up my body and throat, but I didn’t feel any different... so I’ve abandoned that! Now, if I’m not performing alone, I just do a little huddle, or say a quick prayer to get into the zone before I head up on stage.

A local artist that you think people should know more about, and why?

A duo called Midnight Blu. I love their vibe, and the female singer Aisha has a killer voice.