In the 1st part final episode of Project Zero, join host Shabir Sulthan as he sits down with two icons of Singapore's music scene: Dick Lee, the legendary singer-songwriter known for pioneering the integration of Asian elements into pop music, and Sezairi Sezali, a celebrated musician and singer-songwriter who won Singapore Idol in 2009. Together, they explore the concept of the "Singapore sound" and what it means to be a Singaporean artist.

Dick Lee shares insights from his illustrious career, discussing how his music ranges from distinctly Singaporean themes to international appeal, with hits like "The Mad Chinaman," "Home," and "Fried Rice Paradise." Sezairi reflects on his journey from reality show winner to established artist, his experience at the Java Jazz Festival, and the bilingualism in his album "Self Soothing."

The conversation also delves into the challenges and opportunities for Singaporean artists branching out into international markets. They examine the unique blend of cultural influences that shape Singaporean music and consider whether a strong cultural identity empowers artists on the global stage.

Chapters :

00:00 - Introduction
02:07 - What does it mean to be Singaporean?
05:36 - Tracing your cultural roots to form your own musical identity.
13:48 - How Sezairi brought in his Singaporeaness into his songs
17:43 - Dick's journey in creating his rendition of the Singapore Sound
23:11 - The Story behind Shabir's Singai Naadu
28:27 - Chan Mali Chan is from Indonesia ?
32:01 - How important is ha
35:20 - Bilingualism in Singapore and Its Impact on an Artist's Creative Process
39:11 - Leaning into your cultural backdrop and using that as an impetus to write new songs.
45:57 - Credits

Guest Artistes:
Follow Sezairi Sezali
Follow Dick Lee

Project Zero is a thought-provoking podcast series conceived and hosted by Shabir Sulthan, a multi-talented artist renowned as an award-winning film composer and singer-songwriter. Supported by Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth, this series delves into the unique musical landscape of Singapore, exploring the rich tapestry of sounds that define the nation's cultural identity.

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