Ally Kerr was the remedy for the madness of Day 1 of Baybeats

7.30pm. It was the first day of Baybeats 2009 at the Esplanade in Singapore and the Powerhouse stage was gearing up for its first act, Baybeats audition band Barricade. A smattering of fans were already raising their hands and banging heads to the band's songs, but it took 'Operation Gabrielle'-Barricade's stadium anthem (and the only song on their MySpace)­-to get the strongest reaction. The band worked the crowd, turning the mic over saying, "Here's your favourite part," while cueing the crowd to chant "O-pe-ra-tion Ga-bri-elle!"

At the Arena (Outdoor Theatre), Baybeats audition band ExDee were playing next. (Fact: ExDee is actually the spelt-out version of a smiley face emoticon, i.e. XD.) Jumping energetically with their guitars and stumbling excitedly around the stage, the boys-with their wire-frame specs and baggy jeans-resembled puppies injected with multiple doses of caffeine. Their pop punk tunes were definite favourites with the young girls pressed up against the railing near the stage, who screamed "I love you!" What ExDee lacked in experience (lead singer Maa-Kus kept going off-key when hitting the high notes), they made up for in youthful enthusiasm.

At 8.30pm, I made the pilgrimage back to the Powerhouse stage with the milling crowd, this time for Calerway. The Australian emocore band definitely have a following in Singapore, having performed here before in recent years. Hardcore fans started their moshing early on in the set. Compared to the audition bands, Calerway sounded polished and tight with strong, soaring vocals. Later, fans jostled and raised their hands to catch merchandise Frisbee-d by the Calerway band members in between songs.

Indonesian export Homogenic spun whimsical tunes at the Arena right after as soft, airy vocals over synthetic rhythms pervaded the air. Lead singer Rissa Saraswati and synth player Deena Dellyana were gowned in flowy dresses that suited the almost-ethereal music they were playing. The most interesting part of their set was their sampling of The Cure's 'Trust'.

The Arena was now primed for Scottish singer-songwriter Ally Kerr. With his brand of jangly guitar pop and brogue-tinged singing, he got the crowd swaying gently to his melodies. His soft strumming and soothing vocals were a far cry from the big noise from the other bands at the Powerhouse. He fit the indie stereotype too with his checked shirt, jeans and sneakers coupled with shaggy hair.

It was a great night of performances, but Baybeats 2009 had barely begun.

WORDS SARIWATI PHOTOS BRYAN SOON, HOONG WEI LONG & RYAN CHANG

Further reading:
Baybeats Day 2
Baybeats Day 3

Check our gallery for more pics from Baybeats!