Dick Lee & Myrne

Both Lee and Myrne are redefining what it means to be a Singaporean son—albeit in different ways. Besides choreographing several National Day Parades and penning the 1998 hit, Home, Lee has always been a champion of celebrating one’s identity through his music. Myrne, meanwhile, is making inroads by spinning at music festivals worldwide. His experience on the road has given him a unique world view on what living in the Lion City truly entails.

With this digital revolution, how have things changed for music?

Dick Lee: Before, you really had to push, there was no way else. I had to knock on doors over and over. To create buzz you played in libraries, schools… you had to perform to be seen. Now, it’s too easy with the Internet—you just post something [online]. But it’s also become so flooded. Will you get seen? Before, the whole school had to come and watch you.

Myrne: There’s this thing about kids who grew up in the ’90s. The reason why there’s a sense of nostalgia is because we grew up without much technology at all. We’ve seen the brick-like handphones our parents used evolve into something that fits into our pockets. We are more adept at things because technology moves so fast. Right now, social media plays a really big part in music because it gives a very visual and very personal element to the artist or band—people see a different side than what they normally would know just by listening to the music. I think that really changed the game, especially in the electronic music scene, because people are now hiring professional photographers to follow them to shows. Even if it’s a really bad show, you just need a good picture. It’s all in exchange for social media brownie points. The emphasis has also changed from the artist’s music to more of their image.

On the topic of image, how would you describe your style?

Myrne: I’m preoccupied with monochromatic schemes. A lot of the stuff I wear is very practical. Because I travel and DJ, most of my shirts have to be able to wick sweat easily. Brightly-coloured clothes get dirtied very easily in a club environment.