My Perfect Weekend with singer-songwriter Owen Li
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Singaporean singer-songwriter Owen Li is the founder of vocal group The Island Voices.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF OWEN LI
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Who: Owen Li, 24, is a local singer-songwriter, producer and vocal director. He has performed at the Esplanade Concert Hall, Sands Theatre and the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix. He was the vocal director for the National Day Parade in 2022, working alongside singer-songwriter and producer Don Richmond to direct the musical line-up. In his role, he suggested different musical approaches, riffs, melodies and harmonies to enhance the final production.
He is the founder and vocal director of The Island Voices, a vocal group that won second place in competitions in Taiwan and Austria in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Li will be performing at the World Expo in Osaka with The Island Voices in April for the grand opening of the Singapore Pavilion. The set will feature a mix of original creations and familiar tunes from Singapore.
“A perfect weekend for me is all about balance – spending time on creative work, while also making space to unwind.
Beyond music, I make time for other things I enjoy, like hitting the gym, grabbing dinner with my dad, and falling down the rabbit hole of YouTube commentary videos. I especially love deep dives into topics on music, storytelling and childhood cartoons. There is something about watching thoughtful discussions on these topics that helps me unwind, while also fuelling my creativity.
I am also a big fan of sitcoms and animated shows. Right now, I’m keeping up with Invincible (2021 to present), an animated superhero show that just dropped its third season. I look forward to catching a new episode every weekend. Schitt’s Creek (2015 to 2020) is another go-to when I want something light-hearted and funny.
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a solid plate of Hokkien mee. The savoury, umami-packed flavour hits the spot every time. I love sharing it with my dad when we spend time together on the weekends. I particularly enjoy the one at Yi Ji Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee in Upper Serangoon Road.
Social connection is very important to me and it does not always have to be an elaborate plan. Sometimes, it is as simple as catching up over a meal, recording and rehearsing in the studio, or just spending time together after rehearsals.
One of my favourite hang-out spots with my friends is Lau Pa Sat. It has such a fun, vibrant energy and it holds a bit of sentimental value for me and my a cappella group. We were commissioned to create a special arrangement of Dick Lee’s Song Of Lau Pa Sat for its 130th anniversary in 2024.
One of the most memorable weekends I had recently was when I got to meet my musical hero Ben Bram, the music arranger for American a cappella group Pentatonix. A few friends and I had the chance to take him around Singapore for a day to spots like Lau Pa Sat and Sentosa.
Owen Li (foreground) with Ben Bram, the music arranger for American a cappella group Pentatonix, at Lau Pa Sat.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF OWEN LI
Having conversations with him about music, arrangement and the creative process was a total pinch-me moment. It reminded me how lucky I am to be doing what I love.
I do not have any strict weekend traditions, but I always try to make time for little things that help me recharge – whether it is a quiet tea session, some solo downtime or just being around good company. Of course, dinner with my dad is always a must. It is the perfect way to wrap up the week.”
