J.M3: “I am always working to make my next music better than my last”

Singapore’s local music scene is as diverse as its population. In this series, four homegrown musicians open up about their personal journeys, revealing their inspirations, challenges, and the unique cultural fusion that shapes their music.

J.M3 (pronounced as Jamie) is a versatile singer-rapper fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese. She embraces a fluid approach when it comes to her musical genre, blending diverse elements and styles to challenge stereotypes about female rappers.

What inspired you to start venturing into music?

I’ve always loved performing and creating. Expressing myself through music is the most cathartic to me, and it allows me to say things I would not normally say. Growing up, I came to realize quickly that I didn’t want to live a predictable and ordinary life – I wanted to do something different, have extraordinary experiences, and challenge myself constantly. It’s been a decision that’s been both cool and painful!

What was the first song you ever wrote, and what was it about?

Pretty sure I wrote some songs that didn’t make sense as a kid when I first got my guitar, but I don’t remember those anymore.

The first complete song I remembered was titled Let Go - pain is a great inspiration indeed.

What’s a personal goal you’ve set for yourself this year?

To constantly be better at my work! I am always working to make my next music better than my last, and to feel that I got to express what I intended wholly.

I’ve also made a lot of effort promoting overseas, but I want to introduce myself to Singapore more. I haven’t had the chance to perform a show overseas yet, so I hope to get to do that before the year ends.

Can you tell us how your song Tap Out! came to be featured in the Hollywood movie Joy Ride (2023)?

Tap Out! was originally a song planned for my EP. The opportunity to have the song featured in the movie came, and the music supervisor found it to be such a good fit, so we decided to have it released for the movie and the OST.

I also eventually met the movie director and writer Adele Lim in Singapore, and she told me she loves the track too. In hindsight, we couldn’t have found a better place for it, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions?

I used to drink red wine before a show, because someone told me it would help warm up my body and throat, but I didn’t feel any different... so I’ve abandoned that! Now, if I’m not performing alone, I just do a little huddle, or say a quick prayer to get into the zone before I head up on stage.

Do you think there’s still a stigma against local music in Singapore? If so, why do you think that is?

Can’t say we totally got rid of the stigma, but Rome doesn’t get built in a day, and I think the same goes, so we’ll need to do the time for culture to change. But we’ve gotten better and progressed a lot as we go along. Local music isn’t just mostly underground or niche anymore. We are billed in festivals both local and abroad, our music is heard everywhere and people are starting to recognize that. We’re representing in all ways we can.

What do you think is unique about the Singapore music scene compared to other countries?

We may not have one singular identity, but we are an amalgamation of so much and that makes us way more colorful. We are young, but that also means we have so many possibilities.

Are there any initiatives or changes you think would significantly benefit the local music scene?

People will not get to love what they don’t know. But shoving “support local” feels like a plea more than a validation that we are as good as any other.

Put us more on prominent stages and let us represent. When people get to see us, they will know that we do have good music. Slowly but surely, we can change minds.

What’s your favorite song to perform live and why?

“Tap Out!” - It’s one that really gets both myself and the audience hyped, so I love it!

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Ironically or not, I rarely go to karaoke, and I don’t really enjoy it either. I think it’s something about having to sing and follow the original version exactly that doesn’t excite me.

A local artist that you think people should know more about, and why?

A duo called Midnight Blu. I love their vibe, and the female singer Aisha has a killer voice.

How do you see the fusion of different languages and cultures shaping the future of your music?

I do write and perform in a mix of English and Mandarin. I truly find it the most fun and natural thing. And maybe that’s what makes Singaporean musicians unique – we have such adaptability when it comes to the fusion of languages and cultures.

The top song on your playlist most recently?

“Sex Tape” by Ozi & Sunset Rollercoaster

PHOTOGRAPHY CLEMENT GOH
ART DIRECTION RAY TICSAY
STYLING NEO LIRONG, ASSISTED BY SABRINA KONG
HAIR CALVIN GAN (HAIRLOOM SCOTTS SQUARE)
MAKEUP NICOLE ANG (THE SUBURBS STUDIO), USING NARS