Enter ÆTHER: The Atmospheric Gig Series That Wants You To “Lepak”, Not Mosh
At this gig series, chilling out is encouraged (Credit: Terrix Lin)
If you grew up chasing rock gigs with abandon, you’ve probably had your fair share of scrapes and tumbles in tumultuous mosh pits, often rife with squirming body-surfers and that one dude who’s Hulk Smashing into others a tad excessively. Adolescence could not have been more awesome.
But as you grow older, like me, you’ll likely find that pogo-ing hurts your joints more, and the sound of a “Circle pit!” rally cry makes you flee. I’ve nothing against the sometimes-vicious nature of rock gigs, but age does catch up relentlessly. Sometimes, you just wanna watch a rock gig while chilling in a corner, not unlike listening to your favourite shoegaze record intimately on your bed. Like many other genres, rock can induce a meditative state, whether it’s through driving motorik rhythms or distorted wall-of-sound dynamics.
Scenes from the ÆTHER launch show in August 2019 (Credit: Terrix Lin)
Echoing this sentiment is ÆTHER, a gig series formerly known as ÆTHER Sessions. Now based in Singapore and helmed by Jayni Wong, ÆTHER started out as a live music concept in Brisbane in 2016. Its objective? To craft an atmospheric series where rock bands whip up ambient experiences for punters in a cosy, tranquil environment. Not to be confused with electronic ambient music, the soundtrack here is organic and live, pulling bands from a melange of genres that include post-rock, math-rock, and even hardcore and emo. Guests are encouraged to remain seated and zenned-out, relaxed in a setting adorned with ambient lighting, beanbags and other homey elements.
Intimate elements create a cushy environment at ÆTHER gigs (Credit: Terrix Lin)
Officially launched in Singapore in August 2019, ÆTHER has already made headway in the scene with a couple of these offbeat gigs, roping in an array of local bands – from veterans like sub:shaman and ANECHOIS to up-and-comers like Woes and cues. And given its successful track record in Brisbane, I foresee that this is a concept that’s set to become a mainstay in due time.
I chat with Jayni about the birth of ÆTHER, her motivations, and whether Singapore is ready for a curveball concept like this. And yes, you may remain seated for this interview.
Their launch show took place at SLED Productions x Decline (Credit: Terrix Lin)
Hi Jayni. ÆTHER started out as an endeavour in Brisbane before moving to Singapore. Is this because you were based Down Under for a while?
Yes, I lived in Brisbane for five years. Did a degree in Music Technology at Griffith University for three years, worked several casual odd jobs at a post office/toy store/bar (minimum wage is the shit), and ran ÆTHER (called ÆTHER Sessions then) with two other friends for the next two years. I played in two different post-rock/post-punk bands with them as well. I really did enjoy my time there, but my visa expired so I technically got forced back to Singapore.
Bummer. What differences are there between running ÆTHER in Brisbane and here in Singapore?
Where do I even begin! Most venues in Australia profit from bar sales, so venue rental is usually way more financially viable for organisers and promoters. We had a venue in Brisbane (Woolly Mammoth) that was willing to work with us on a regular basis so we didn’t have to constantly look for a different space each time. There were no arts licenses to apply for, for small shows, at least. Many venues in Australia (and even practice spaces) don’t provide backline, so bands usually bring their own and share amongst each other. We’d usually see a number of familiar faces at each ÆTHER show in Brisbane. They seemed to be receptive to the concept regardless of the lineup. There’s also a significant difference in music preferences in general.
Past acts that’ve played at ÆTHER include sub:shaman (Credit: Terrix Lin)
We used to project original visual art at our shows, which was a prominent aspect of ÆTHER, but I had to scrap that in Singapore because I simply cannot afford anymore overhead expenses as much as I’d really love to. It’s also a little more difficult as I’m doing this alone now, but I still enjoy it heaps.
Many DIY organisers in Singapore struggle to break even due to high costs in venue and backline rentals and the lack of ticket sales; we really try our best to make them as affordable as possible!. Sadly, it is very rare for local artistes, bands and crew to get paid at these shows (some receive a small token fee), despite most being fine with it. Ultimately, simply going to shows (and paying for a ticket!) really does help the scene tremendously. Cool tip: Buying merch also helps support bands and collectives directly!
ÆTHER gigs are perfect if you don’t like standing for too long (Credit: Terrix Lin)
What inspired you to start ÆTHER? Was it a case of growing out of rowdy mosh pits and standing for too long?
Haha, I still definitely enjoy mosh pits (whether or not I participate is a separate thing), but yes, standing for too long is real. The idea was sparked in 2015 while seeing This Will Destroy You in Brisbane. They were amazing, but all I could think of was how I just heckin’ wanted to sit down. Body aches exist, unfortunately. But I also did wonder how post-rock and ambient live gigs could be best enjoyed. The idea of relaxing on a beanbag with a glass of wine in hand, amidst some warm ambient lighting and trippy visuals while absorbing everything music has to offer seemed like absolute bliss. Many of my friends had a similar sentiment, so why not create that platform?
Have punters been receptive to the concept of ÆTHER? I suppose it can’t be too hard to get a bunch of people to sit down and chill?
In Brisbane, yes. They were very receptive to it; they knew what they were in for and wanted to be there regardless of the lineup. But it’s still a relatively new concept to most in Singapore. Bands here may potentially find it strange to play a full-band set to a seated audience, which is fair. People like dancing. I guess it depends on the type of music so we’ll see how this eventually pans out; Singaporeans need an outlet to lepak, la.
Our next show [on 16 November] will be guaranteed to have way more space compared to the last, so everyone’s more than welcome to stand and have a boogie, of course, provided that no one intentionally hurts another and our props don't get trashed or mistreated – move them to the sides, perhaps.
From post-rock to hardcore, most genres of rock are welcome (Credit: Terrix Lin)
What would you say is the relationship between experimental rock music and achieving a state of meditation and relaxation?
I guess it depends what kind of “experimental rock music” you’re referring to, and it also depends on an individual’s perception of what they hear. Personally, music like ambient, post-rock and math-rock really resonates with my soul and emotions almost on a spiritual level. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way, though [makes shifty eyes at fellow post-/math-rock collective and record label, An ATMOS Initiative and their followers]. Some react the same – they get goosebumps and start crying, and some just don’t. It’s not something tangible. Everyone has their own individual experience with music, as with meditation and relaxation.
For example, have a listen to Caspian’s “Gone in Bloom and Bough” and get on board the feels-train because this will wreck you.
ÆTHER pursues lineups that are balanced (Credit: Terrix Lin)
How do you pick the bands that play at these sessions? And are they encouraged to adapt their style to the relaxed setting of the gig?
Ideally, a healthy ratio of male to female/non-binary members on each lineup would be sweet. We’re always looking for more acts with female/non-binary members, so come forth!
Of course, we’d like to have bands and artistes with music that fit the general vibe and concept, and we prefer a diverse mix of acts from different scenes. We also like to have a mix of both new and established bands. As we all know, the curation of the lineup plays a huge part in a punter’s decision to attend. There are also no headliners at our shows.
Bands aren’t always encouraged to adapt their styles to our setting per se, however, Tides will be doing that for our next session and we’re really excited. Other bands have also expressed interest in playing a reimagined or toned down set, specifically for ÆTHER, so keep a lookout for that!
Have a seat, and zen out (Credit: Terrix Lin)
And lastly, what do you hope to achieve with ÆTHER in the scene?
We simply want to create a fun, safe and inclusive space in a unique gig environment and make live niche shows more accessible. We want to lepak, and really think you could use that, too.
For more information on ÆTHER and its upcoming events, visit its official website. The next session happens on 16 November at *SCAPE, #04-01, 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978. Slated to perform are Tides, cues, ANECHOIS and Naedr. Event link here.
