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The Pinholes

“…the band has an impeccable command of irresistible hooks and fetching melodies.” – The Straits Times

The Pinholes started life in 2002 and its members were brought together by their mutual interest in the music of the 60s and 70s by way of international acts like The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, and The J.B.’s. Further inspired by local groups such as The Stoned Revivals, Force Vomit and Boredphucks, which showed there is a willing, enthusiastic audience for local music, the members decided to turn their passion into reality by organizing gigs and releasing demos, EPs and albums, and they never looked back since. Through the years, The Pinholes have been making strides in the Singapore music scene as a band that lives and breathes Rock ’n Roll. They stay true to their philosophy of modern classic music roots. Roots that go way back to the rhythm and blues, soul and, of course, rock and roll. Their performances exude the electric energy that never fails to bring the house down: a testament to their undying promise to bring fun and joy to each performance. The group released two English singles in 2021 and 2020, respectively, “ Don’t Bother Me “ and “ Bring Back The Vibe ” after a few years of touring intensively in Malaysia to promote their debut Malay album D’Antara Kita (2017) which got them nominated in Mediacorp Suria’s Anugerah Planet Muzik (APM) in 2018 regional award show for Most Popular Artiste (Singapore) and Most Popular Song (Singapore) for their song “ Kepala Batu. ”

Collaboration with Neonpulse and Lion City Rock Interview with The Pinholes

The Pinholes’ 60s-inspired rock is unique—what led to this retro direction?Did Big O recognize or support your vintage sound?How challenging was it to bring a classic sound into a modern era?

Fam: I’m into British music, and they always have some romantics in their yesteryear bands, artists and sounds. N I blend in with our homegrown touch from Straydogs, Malay pop yeah yeah, P Ramlee and a handful of RnB Motown music like Ismail Haron.

TBH, I have no idea if BIG O ever wrote anything about us.

But if they do, perhaps we would love to read them.

When we started, the music engineers, producers didn’t understand the sound that we wanted to achieve since it’s not “their era kind of music” Especially when we want to have that era sounded modern and fresh at the same time.

What’s been the most memorable show or experience for The Pinholes?

Dd: For me it was Nusafest at Kuala Lumpur, as we were the only Singaporean band that play on that festival, met few big artist that played on that festival as well, we feel honoured and the crowd energy was spectacular… playing overseas is a whole new different level, an eye opener and a new experience… we wanna play again overseas.

Fam: American Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2014 representing Singapore in a festival named Asean Pride Festival. Performing in front of 5000 pax, mostly local, and we were glad they enjoyed our performances.

How do you see your influence on today’s younger Singaporean rock bands?

Fam: I guess we don’t follow what is “ in ” trends with bands and music. And we always have this mentality of the “show must go on” type and we encouraged new homegrown young bands to write their original composition.

Do you feel the local scene still embraces live rock ‘n’ roll energy today?

Dd: yeah it still does, I’m amazed now a lot of younger generations love coming to gigs and their rock n roll energy level is awesome!

I’ve thought the local scene was dead haha, but I’ve got it wrong, I can see that now people more appreciate homegrown music.

How does it feel to be part of this milestone gig?

Dd: It feels great cos I get to play alongside all the OGs that inspired me during my younger days.. Now I’m in the same stage with them..

Fam: We are honoured and yet excited to be part of this crazy line up.Thanks to Muhammad of Astreal who gives us this opportunity.

If Big O were still around, how do you think it would cover today’s music?

Fam: I think by bringing in the right young people to join “BIG O” might have boosted their social media platform, they might do well on TikTok.

Any plans for new music or collaborations?

Fam: Definitely, we wanted to release new material by September this year. Either the release might be in our native language or an English single. For new collaborators, I’m still hoping to write a new song with Najib Ali, not sure if he will be up for it, but we will never know.

A message to your fans who dig your retro rock vibe?

Dd: love you all, thank you for supporting us throughout the years, don’t stop loving rock n roll

Fam: Keep listening to our music via all our streaming platforms.

Please share our music with your friends or your loved ones, locally or around the world.The more the merrier.