Indie Pride

Indie Pride: Keeping the Lion City Rockin’

Indie Pride is a multi-anniversary celebration of the independent DIY spirit of music and the arts in the Lion City, co-presented by The Substation - Singapore’s first Home for the Arts - and LCR - producers of Lion City Rock, the only podcast about Singapore’s music scene.

Drawing from our city's name and the way lions gather in a pride, Indie Pride brings a collective of musicians, creatives, and producers together in a community-led production to share their craft and give support. The event brings live performances by Singapore’s longest-running underground band, Opposition Party - now on their 40th anniversary -alongside this decade’s indie music frontrunners: pop-punk band The State of Mind, emo/math rockers Forests, and alt-rock newcomers Ultra Mega Cat Attack.

In addition to the featured bands, Indie Pride is made possible with the support of indie stalwarts Patrick Chng (The Oddfellows) for show direction, Little Ong for design, The Blackbird Singapore for venue sponsorship, PatriotSG by Exfil Records for ticketing, and Subculture Productions for Opposition Party’s anniversary goodies.

As champions of all things independent, this inaugural Indie Pride gig marks 36 years of The Substation and 5 years of the Lion City Rock podcast – both with shared memories of the Substation “Garden” and Theatre spaces where it all began for Singapore indie music. Whether you're an old punter from the now legendary Substation Garden or experiencing a Singapore gig for the first time, Indie Pride invites you to join us in keeping the Lion City rockin’.

Indie Pride is an event of The Substation Gathering Ground anniversary season.

About the Co-Presenters

LCR Pte Ltd is the owner of the Lion City Rock podcast, which is dedicated to uncovering Singapore’s rich pop, indie, and alternative music history. Hosted by Kevin Mathews and Chris Toh, two veterans of the local music scene, the podcast explores the artists, bands, and industry figures who have shaped Singapore’s soundscape.

Kevin Mathews is a highly respected singer-songwriter, composer, and music journalist best known for fronting The Watchmen, whose 1993 hit My One and Only became a Singapore indie classic. He later formed Popland, has composed music for films and TV, and runs the Power of Pop blog and KAMCO Music, championing independent artists.

Chris Toh was a music journalist, musician, and broadcaster who wrote extensively for publications like TODAY. He was also a member of the band AWOL, releasing the album Midnight in June. His deep involvement in music journalism and performance made him an insightful voice in documenting Singapore’s music evolution.

The podcast features exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep dives into Singapore’s music past and present. New episodes drop weekly.

The Substation is Singapore’s first ‘Home for the Arts’, founded in 1990 by dramatist & Cultural Medallion recipient, the late Kuo Pao Kun, in the conservation site of a much beloved power substation until 2021.

As a non-profit company and registered charity, its programmes serve as platforms to support and spotlight independent artists, many of whom continue to shape our creative landscape. These include pioneering musicians who developed their sound at the old Substation Garden or Theatre such as Opposition Party, Art Fazil, Astreal, Concave Scream, Corporate Toil, Humpback Oak, Lilac Saints, Nuradee, The Oddfellows, Ordinary People, The Padres, The Pagans, Psycho Sonique, Sideshow Judy, Stompin’ Ground, and many more.

Since 2024, The Substation has showcased established and emerging artists like Leslie Low at The Esplanade (Passing - Leslie Low in Concert); Robin Chua aka DJ KidG at Vertigo26 (No Finer Time to be Alive); audio-visual artist Lynette Quek with b-l duo at Basheer Graphic Books (Gathering Ground 2024); singer-songwriter Sope at its Fundraising Dinner; and local bands The Oddfellows, Midnight Mass, Plainsunset, and Windtree at ROCKOUSTIKA by Requiem Rising in Clarke Quay.

Today, The Substation continues its founding ethos beyond physical walls—going where the art is and expanding its gathering ground in Singapore to Southeast Asia, and beyond. To give your support, visit www.substation.org/support.

Refunds & Cancellation

Tickets for this event are non-refundable. Full or partial refunds are provided only in the event of an unforeseen cancellation or rescheduling by the organisers. For ticketing enquiries or exceptional issues, please email outreach@substation.org.