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The Toughest Beat: Composing Singapore’s NDP Theme Song
When the National Day Parade hits the airwaves, the music gets more attention than the marching band and the fireworks. I’ve been a critic for years—wearing the “critical hat” before even realizing my own opinions counted. Guess what? I’ve gone from being a net‑positive fan to an official review squad member.
Why the Music Directors Should Welcome A “Whey‑En” Tough Experience
Picture this: you’ve just had every single one of your wisdom teeth pulled out in a single day. Painless? The universe calls that a white‑knuckle nightmare. Now, put that on a scale and flip it around to compose an NDP theme song. Talk about a different kind of pain.
It’s no wonder the comments on any National Day theme song hit the internet about as often as hallucinogenic euphoria at a rave. Some of those comments hit harder than a Zambri–type punch. That’s the reality we live in.
Don Richmond: The King of the Parade
Time to give a to Don Richmond, the seasoned producer, singer, songwriter, and composer who’s being asked to don the Music Director hat for the fifth time (he also led the 2016 parade, BTW).
Beyond the “horror” of critics, Richmond proved his mettle by writing Stronger Together—the 2022 NDP theme song performed by Taufik Batisah and The Island Voices.
At 46, he’s no stranger to tackling multilanguage projects. He wrote the entire Ah Boys To Men The Musical in English, Mandarin, and Hokkien in 2014 and later scored several TV series. Now, he’s on a mission to celebrate 55 years of National Service (NS55).
From COVID to Stronger Together
“I’ve had Covid come to me in 2020 and one of my touring plans turned into a virtual thing. That, in a sense, forced me to write something that reflected this “co‑operation during distance” vibe. “Strong like a herd of elephants” I guess embodies that idea.”
When it comes to creativity, the latest incarnation of this veteran says the “creative well” expanded rather than ran dry — all because it was inspired by the local chorus that came together during lockdown. The chorus gave the 2022 theme almost a “community crest” feel. The reflected first month in the Public Works context was harassing.
What the Next Parade Will Sound Like?
Expect more drama. Expect a soundtrack that’s more of a team effort than just an observer. Expect nothing but ever‑going breath that still allows investors in a vital ways, such as the swirl with the wall of audio and the iron backing at night. In a lighter, yet deep depth that entertainment might have more decisions about this group.
NYI only have an an overall $311 million turing‑wiring where investors will be most forward in context. Its impact on the best potential of fans. They have the same significant, meaning that a “listen” themed cruise will always have a full effect. The roughly crisp about it…
In short: Don Richmond has the NDP under his belt and his next version continues with his incredibly wide scope. If you’re going to be a relevant ‘fifty‑year’ of National Service pinning record and big the best, you’re very grateful to
As Music Director, what’s the most challenging part about capturing Singapore’s multicultural nature, so that it’s a “tasty rojak” rather than a “chapalang stew”?
A Fresh Spin on National Dance Party Songs
Why Boring Old Hits Won’t Cut It
Boredom is the big‑bad villain in any music lineup.
When I chat with folks from all walks of life, the usual reply is always:
“What? The NDP playlist is just the same old tune from the same culture?”That’s the motivation behind doing a deep‑dive into the real cultural preferences of everyone in town.
Martin Luther, Racy Stages & Digital Beads
Among them was the Malay angle.
All‑Stars for the Chinese Community
Another spotlight was thrown on Chinese music.
With this, there’s one extra must‑see.
Lu Liu‑Ling—the national treasure—had never been invited before.We decided to give her a chance and it paid off big time:
Bottom Line:
By stepping out of the comfort zone and combining classic and rare hits, the National Dance Party shows everyone that the celebration truly belongs to everyone—no matter what culture they come from.
You’re no stranger to NDP nor writing NDP songs (you also composed Tomorrow’s Here Today in 2016). Touch wood, but does the well ever run dry for such material?
The Never‑Ending Well of Creativity
“No, I don’t think the well ever truly runs dry.” It’s a line that rings true for anyone who’s ever sat cross‑legged in front of a blank page and wondered if the flood of ideas might ever cease.
How I Treat Each Writing Session
- Write as if it’s your last – I make a mental note that I’m writing the most important line right now. That fresh burst of urgency spills into the words.
- Expect the “call” again – It’s as if the cosmos has a rhythm, and when it strikes, I’m ready to respond.
- One month of self‑doubt – I give myself that space. It’s like breathing before I jump off a cliff. Pause, feel the tension.
- Take it bite‑by‑bite – Once the doubt loosens, I tackle the piece step by step, like solving a puzzle, piecemeal.
Why the Well Is Never Dry
Every session reminds me that the well stays overflowing because:
- Idea loops back on itself – Yes, the creative reservoir is self‑sustaining; great seeds often sprout from old growth.
- Curiosity is a perennial flow – When you ask “What if?” the stream of possibilities grows.
- Writing itself writes back – The act of writing births new thoughts, which we then revisit.
Takeaway: Your Next Theme Song Is Just Around the Corner
If you feel you might be the one writing the theme song next year, don’t wait for a perfect moment. Start now, write wildly, and trust that the well will feed you. The key is to keep dipping your pen in—every drop helps keep the reservoir full and the release ready.
How did your experience with the Covid-19 sitch play a part in the writing of Stronger Together?
Post‑Pandemic Playlist: Let the Music Celebrate, Not Dictate
After the dust of lockdown has finally settled, the last kind of song you’re craving isn’t a pep‑talk anthem telling you how to behave. We’re in a time when the soundtrack should lift us up, chat about friendships, family, and the little victories of everyday life. Think of the old classics – “Recognise you can play a part, let it come right from your heart, be prepared to give a little more” – those tunes grew on us like a childhood cartoon. But the vibes we want now are sweeter, a bit more personal, and undeniably genuine.
Why I’m Writing About Gratitude (and Still Feeling Grumpy)
- Gratitude + Grace: No matter how rough the world gets, we’re choosing to thank and stay poised.
- 2020 was a hard reset: I once thought the writing universe had buried me forever.
- Gym (yes, the iron kind) sold me short: closed doors and a sudden sense of hopelessness.
- Friend’s restaurant: the culinary side of life taught me that we’re more than the jobs we hold.
I discovered that a job is just a chapter, not the entire book, and that realization set me free. I’m sure you’ve felt the same: the sense that “you are not what you do for work; it doesn’t define you.” This shift was a real eye‑opener.
The Song We Need
- Lift‑off vibes: The chorus should encourage everyone to pull each other higher.
- Better than your fears: Outta doubt, it’s a reminder that we can exceed our initial expectations.
- Feel the spark together: From friends to family, from neighbors to the entire community.
The next time your favorite show starts, let it remind you that even though we’ve all faced some rough patches, we’re still capable of cheering one another on. And if the music’s got a catchy beat that makes you smile “you’re doing great” – that’s exactly the kind of song that will stick with us after the pandemic. If you’re not ready to give a cheer, the next lyric will ask you: “What’s a super‑solid thing to share with a friend?” And in that moment, you’ll feel you’re never alone again.
Not many people have the chance to use their passion and their talents for national events on such a big scale. How does it feel being able to contribute your talent as the Music Director of NDP to celebrate the nation’s birthday?
Feeling the Beat of a New Chapter
Honestly, there was this moment when I started thinking I’d never get another chance to score a show again. So, landing this gig felt more like a bonus than a new job. I’m genuinely excited to dive into the blend of music, visuals, and dance.
Why I’m Loving the Collaboration
- Working with choreographers and visual artists brings a fresh spark to every rehearsal.
- It’s like a big, living collage—each piece is so much more than just the sum of its parts.
- The instant rapport between the music and the movement keeps my creative juices flowing.
Mood in the Crowd
Weekly sighting: Watching the audience jump, grin, and snap their phones just feels wild. They upload the clips, the energy dances out into the world—wonderful to know I’m part of something that’s genuinely larger than life.
You Know What I Mean?
All these moments remind me that this isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to craft sound that sticks, that’s felt, that’s shared. And hey, if I can add even a tiny beat to that collective excitement, I’m all in.
This year, you also had the privilege of writing the NS55 theme song, Back in the Day. What was the most inspiring part of your NS, well, back in the day?
Getting Through the Grit
Picture yourself stepping onto the dusty runway of Basic Military Training (BMT), a smile plastered on your face, boots clicking hard on the floor. I was there, smack in the middle of the Field Defence Squadron, with a new squadron of buddies who’d probably still be singing “Sega input test” by the time I retired.
A Soldier’s Wisdom
During the grueling days, a seasoned sergeant — the sort who’d seen more desert dust than actual sand — lingered near me and dropped a golden nugget of bunker‑grade advice: “Pain is only temporary. Tough times don’t last forever.” Those words marched into the armory of my mind, echoing each time I felt a knot in my stomach or a bump on my knee.
- Pain – the little ticks that haunt the muscle and the mind.
- Temporary – like a bad joke presented for a second before it lands.
- Life’s Bumpy Road – a winding path that comes with its own soundtrack of grunts and grunts.
Why It Still Resonates
The mantra doesn’t just float around my thoughts in the quiet hours of the night; it’s a living soundtrack that jumps off the battlefield and onto everyday life. When the world decides it’s raining on my parade, I stare down at the words on that old BMT poster and remind myself that the storm is only passing wind.
From the Field to the Frontstage
Fast forward to today, my mornings are no longer filled with drumbeats and whistles. Instead they’re occupied by coffee, deadlines, and the occasional “don’t let the Wi‑Fi drop.” While those moments don’t feature sand, the same verse pops up whenever I’m juggling impossible tasks or contemplating a vacation that might not reach my destination.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
Every time I hear an option for a hospital ward or a new dev project deadline, I wrap my shoulders around the mantra like a classic Military Uniform and adopt the mindset of a relentless soldier on a mission. If you’re a friend or a pal that’s perhaps roped into a project that feels as challenging as a jungle trek, play it: “Pain is temporary, tough times are just a pause button.”
And That’s How I Find My Bunker Of Motivation
With each day that passes, I keep that quote humming in my head, flexing it when the workload gets overwhelming or when a sleeping team needs a rallying cry. Something about the words feels both like a quiet lullaby and a roar from the trenches — aptly suited to the vibrating rhythm of daily challenges.
To sum it up, BMT taught me that when the world feels like it’s launching a thousand rockets at me, the sky’s not the limit; it’s just the beginning of things getting better. If you ever feel like you’re stuck in a digital drain, try that mantra and let the inspiration surface like a sunrise over the combat sky.
