The Usual Place
Podcast: What makes a National Day song a classic? Tell us your favourites
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In this new episode of The Usual Place podcast, host Natasha Ann Zachariah takes her show onto the streets of Singapore, to ask members of the public what their favourite National Day theme song is, and what makes these songs so special.
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SINGAPORE - With National Day around the corner, Singapore has been rolling out the red (and white) carpet.
In the weeks leading up to the nation’s 59th birthday, the city has been emblazoned in flags and other patriotic memorabilia, with the final touches for the National Day Parade (NDP) being put in place.
And for those who have not seen the signs, they most certainly would have heard them.
Over the radio, in shopping malls, on social media, National Day music heralds the upcoming festivities. From old-but-gold classics like Reach Out For The Skies (2005), and Stand Up For Singapore (1984), to newer music like Shine Your Light (2023), past NDP theme songs are experiencing their annual resurgence.
Not to be beaten of course, this year’s theme song, Not Alone - performed by local artiste Benjamin Kheng and written with producer Evan Low - has hit 1.5 million views on YouTube since it was released in May.
But what gives a NDP theme song real staying power? Is it catchy lyrics, a snappy beat, or is there something else that captures the Singaporean heart? Why do some songs, basking under the golden glow of nostalgia, come back year after year, and why do others fade from the public consciousness once their time has passed?
In this new episode of The Usual Place podcast, host Natasha Ann Zachariah takes her show onto the streets of Singapore, to ask members of the public what their favourite National Day theme song is, and what makes these songs so special.
Which NDP theme song do you turn to whenever you are feeling low? Write to Natasha at natashaz@sph.com.sg Instagram
Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: https://str.sg/8Wav
Host: Natasha Zachariah ( natashaz@sph.com.sg
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Edited by producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh
Executive producers: Ernest Luis and Lynda Hong
Filmed by: Hana Chen, Amirul Karim
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