Spotlighting Singapore’s Next Generation of Band since 2023 Where Dreams Take The Stage
Youth Music Matters is calling on Singapore’s aspiring bands (ages 16-25) to showcase their talent. Eight finalists will perform live at the finals
🏆 YMM 2026 WINNER IS.…………
ISHBEL WARIFA!
What a night. Watching these young artists tonight reminded us why we started Youth Music Matters in the first place. Watching these young voices claim their space so fearlessly has been nothing short of inspiring.
Every band that took the stage brought something different, but the common thread was clear: this generation isn't holding back, and they showed it. We saw grit!
Huge congratulations to ISHBEL WARIFA, our Youth Music Matters 2026 champion! 🏆
A massive thank you to all the incredible bands who brought their energy, talent, and passion to the stage, every single performance made this competition what it was. 🎶 And to everyone who came down, cheered, and made this a day to remember.
Lastly to our amazing partners 🫶🏼 thank you for your support in making YMM 2026 possible. We couldn't do this without you. 🤝✨
Congratulations to the 4 Finalists!
A huge thank you to every band that took the stage today! We hope you had a great time and made some new friends who share your passion for music. We're blown away by the energy and talent on display, and truly encouraged by the passion you've all shown. 💥
After careful deliberation, our judges have selected the finalists for Youth Music Matters 2026 and since the semi-finals and finals are happening on the same day, these bands will be going head-to-head live on stage shortly!
Youth Music Matters 2026 Finalists:
Patrick M
Isbeh Warifa
Parasocials
Kinda Qualified
The winning band takes it all — with the Grand Prize of performing at the 2026 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix this October!
YOUTH MUSIC MATTERS 2026
Congratulations to the 8 Semi Finalists!
Huge thank you to everyone who applied! 🙌 We're so encouraged by the passion, creativity, and talent this year. Seeing so many young musicians pour their heart into their craft is truly heartwarming.
After a lot of listening and deliberation, we're excited to introduce the 8 finalists for Youth Music Matters 2026!
Meet the Finalists
Ishbel Warifa
Jazlynn
Kinda Qualified
Office Hours
Parasocial
Patrick M
Snoose
Tsukiyaki
These 8 bands will battle it out live on stage! One band walks away with the ultimate prize; a chance to perform at the 2026 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix this October.
Check Out the performance by
CUT THE CABBAGE
at Youth Music Matters
Formed in 2026, Singaporean band Cut The Cabbage brings together six young musicians from the Music & Drama Company (MDC), each with diverse musical backgrounds but united by a shared creative vision. Born out of their shared experience in MDC , the collective weaves diverse genre influences around vulnerable, heart-on-sleeve lyricism, creating an unforgettable sonic soundscape that is uniquely their own.
Youth Music Matters Live is free, and open to all. 🎶
Round up your friends and family, and join us for an afternoon of live music as we celebrate the next generation of musical talent.
We're also thrilled to have Music and Drama's youth band, Cut the Cabbage, joining the lineup! 🎶
📅 Date: 9 September 2026
🕒 Time: 2pm - 8:30pm
📍Venue: Timbre+ One North, 73A Ayer Rajah Cres., JTC LaunchPad @ one-north, Singapore 139957
SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS
HOMEGROWN is all about celebrating everything grown at home! From music to art to fashion, HOMEGROWN will always be the platform to showcase and spotlight all the amazing talented folks on the island! This year HOMEGROWN is at PLQ PLAZA and we’ve got brand new merch and you are going to want to snag some of these crazy goodie bags. There will be giveaways throughout the day so come join us, get comfortable and get ready as
we jump into the festival spirit. Regina Song & brb. will headline HOMEGROWN, the Music and Drama Company’s (MDC) third annual music festival celebrating the best of local music. The three-day celebration takes place at Paya Lebar Quarter Plaza from 11 to 13 September. Each day brings a new lineup and a different musical mood, with performances running 5.30pm to 9.30pm on Friday and 2pm - 9pm on Saturday & Sunday. That same spirit anchors the rest of the lineup, with MDC's own artistes front and centre across all three days. Seven acts spanning indie pop to alternative rock take the stage in their own right: the Cut The Cabbage (MDC NSF Band) opens the festival on Friday, while Dominic Chin, RINES, and Khim Ng perform on Saturday, alongside other local pop artistes like Forests, party collective Ice Cream Sundays, TP Music Vox and headliner brb. Sunday keeps the momentum going with MDC artistes Aaron Bunac, Izzathy Halil, and Gail Belmonte, performing alongside 10pm Noise Complaint, TP Music Vox and headliner Regina Song. Each brings their own distinct sound and story, with homegrown talents taking their place alongside the festival's headliners.
More information can be found on IG & TikTok - @MusicAndDramaCompany
Event Details
Dates: 11–13 September 2026 (Friday–Sunday)
Time: 5.30pm–9.30pm (Friday), 2.15pm–8.30pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Venue: Paya Lebar Quarter Plaza
Admission: Free
What Happened in 2025
LUCKYYOU performing at 2025 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix on October 3, 2025 at the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre At Esplanade
Congratulations
It was such a blast to witness the new generation stepping into their sound with so much passion, confidence and originality. There’s a real new wave rising bold, fearless and unapologetically creative. From the energy on stage to the way they connected with the crowd, you could feel that this isn’t just a moment… it’s the future of music taking shape right in front of us.
The level of talent, heart and hunger we saw was incredible. So much potential.
So much authenticity. And so much drive to push boundaries and redefine what’s next. We’re truly grateful to have had a front-row seat to this movement to see young artists owning their voices and embracing their artistry with such conviction.
With that, we’re beyond proud to announce LUCKYYOU as the winner of Youth Music Matters 2025.
Congratulations to the 8 Finalists!
Thank you to everyone who applied! 🙌 We’re thrilled with the incredible response and deeply encouraged by the passion and raw talent we’ve seen. 💥
After reviewing and shortlisting 20 entries, and much deliberation, we are excited to announce the 8 finalists for Youth Music Matters 2025!
Youth Music Matters 2025 8 Finalists
59X Divorced
Charis
Checkpoint
Luckyyou
Still Archive
Tmr’s Problem
The Rip Curls
The 8 finalists will go head-to-head live on stage at Timbre+ One North on 7th Sep 2025 (Sunday). The winning band takes it all — with the Grand Prize of performing at the 2025 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix this October.
This free event is open to the public, so bring your friends and family down for an unforgettable day of music and celebration.
Special thanks to
Official Venue
Co-Organisers
Official Partner
Supported By
