The Road Ahead of 2021 (Happy National Day!)

We are past the half-year mark of 2021; it has been another gruelling year for our front-liners, and a trying one for the rest of us attempting to reclaim some normalcy in our lives since the eruption of Covid-19. Hope keeps us going, and it is with hope that we draw strength to push past these current hardship.

So it is for our theme for National Day this year: Celebrating 56 years of our togetherness, our unity, and our can-do spirit. In recognition of our front-line workers and community volunteers for their help and effort in the fight against the pandemic, this year’s NDP parade tickets are extended to them. TV viewers will still get to enjoy the experience safely from home, with televised live and virtual performances, and mini celebrations at various heartland sites.

For me, all of the best NDP experiences are the music. It hits all the right spots, and tugs at your heartstrings. It makes me feel so proud of our creativity and talent as the people of Singapore. Amidst the humming along to patriotic tunes, is reminiscing the joy of the good times. The road ahead is not necessarily bleak, as expressed in this year’s National Day theme song.

With a pleasant, upbeat tune, and an easy-to-sing melody, The Road Ahead is performed by homegrown musicians representing each of the four main racial groups in Singapore: singer-songwriters Linying, Sezairi Sezali, Shabir Tabare Alam, and budding musician Shye-Anne Brown. This uplifting and refreshing anthem is written by Linying, and music producer Evan Low. At the helm of this year’s, and the past few years’ National Day Parade is music director Dr Sydney Tan.

The accompanying MV is a visual feat by the team at Finding Pictures, and directed by acclaimed filmmakers Huang Junxiang and Jerrold Chong. Shot at many familiar and iconic locations about Singapore, the music video, which blends live scenes with animations (every brushstroke and frame laboriously and meticulously woven together!), takes viewers through a journey that recalls Singapore’s growth, and prompts us to reflect on our nation’s shared values. Press play to enjoy this audio and visual masterpiece since 2008’s Home by Kit Chan!

It seems that I am not the only one who loves this song! Some local musicians have taken the effort to transcribe the song, and reproduce their own renditions—from song covers, to a cappella, to piano covers, to violin covers, to guitar covers, to lofi remixes, and even EDM (electronic dance music)! Here is a simple version if you would like to try it on the piano or keyboard:

NDP 2021 Theme Song – The Road Ahead by AndewMole

Other fans have requested for the chords, and songwriter Evan then shared it on Instagram.

If you would like to try playing this song on the guitar, here are the chord charts:

Take a video of yourself performing, and tag us on our Instagram (@bloomschoolsg)! We would love to share it with everyone, and cheer you on in your musical journey!

If you haven’t started on your music journey, now is the time!
Fill up our Online Enquiry Form to find out more about the music classes we offer, and for our class schedules. We look forward to seeing you for lessons, and blooming with you!

 

Whether or not it is the month of August when we celebrate all things Singaporean, let us acknowledge, appreciate, and support all things local, every day! Yes, I’m talking about your neighbourhood coffee shop stall, your friend’s business, that fresh vegetables seller at the wet market, the small business selling your favourite handmade soaps, and all the good music you hear accompanying your locally-produced TV programmes. It is now more important than ever to be kind, so that we can all live through these tough times together.
Let me leave you with this beautiful piece of art by local artist Chris Chew.
From all of us at Bloom School of Music & Arts,
here’s wishing everyone, a Happy National Day!

artof.chris To celebrate Singapore’s 56th birthday: THE GIVEAWAY! 🇸🇬
Stand a chance to win 01/56 of this 12″ x 12″ print. Edition of 56, individually signed and numbered!
It’s now available for pre-order too! DM (direct message) me for more information.

Here’s how:
1. Like this post and follow @artof.chris
2. Tag your family or friends (as many times as you wish!)
3. Write about the most memorable moment that happened to you in Singapore!

*Multiple entries allowed. Giveaway ends 9th August 2021, 2359 (SGT)