[ARH Learns] SOUNDCHECK: Real Talk for the Realistic Music Creative

Takeaways from the panel sessions, in case you missed it

Last updated on 21 September 2026

SOUNDCHECK is created by Evan Low (opens in new tab) collaboration with the Arts Resource Hub (ARH).

ARH supports arts Self-employed Persons (SEPs) by providing opportunities to connect, collaborate and grow. Through SOUNDCHECK, ARH provides independent music creatives with access to industry expertise, professional networks and career guidance essential for building sustainable careers.

If you would like find out more, check out our feature article on SOUNDCHECK on Bandwagon (opens in new tab)!

Session 1: Gigging and Building A Local Community

Community matters

"Like Krysta said, you can't do this alone".

Making your mark

Start small, be patient

Speakers: Tim De Cotta (opens in new tab), Aarika Lee (opens in new tab), Krysta Joy (opens in new tab)

I think the artists who have had the most longevity are people who are talented, but they also just continue to learn throughout their careers

— Aarika Lee. Creative consultant, singer, and founder of Sing Song Social Club

Session 2: Winning on Online Platforms & In the Press

Authenticity looks different for everyone

Find the approach that feels most like you

Practical Tips for Online Platforms

"This is me revealing my secret. In my videos, I approach the camera to catch attention".

Speakers: Marian Carmel (opens in new tab), deførmed (opens in new tab), Wax Guitar Services (opens in new tab)

Session 3: Beyond The Stage - Building Sustainable Portfolio Careers

Thinking long term

Sustaining your creative and economic output matters as much as the work itself

Staying true to yourself

Validation has to come from within, not from external sources or social media

Speakers: Dru Chen (opens in new tab), Dr Samuel Wong (opens in new tab), Estelle Fly (opens in new tab)

Alignment is going to be a little bit difficult because it’s something that you will discover throughout the whole entire pace of your career.

— Dr Samuel Wong

Session 4: Making Money and Understanding Publishing, Royalties & Sync

"Longevity over virality"

Build a steady catalog of songs that can sustain your career

Speakers: Kevin Foo (opens in new tab), Gregory Tan (opens in new tab), Daina Ariffin (opens in new tab)

Session 5: Building Your Team - How To Launch Your Own Music

Finding people based on "talent" is not very useful

"Mentors and friends are also part of your team"

Build the garden first

Just create something you love, and the rest will follow.

Speakers: Jocelle Koh (opens in new tab), Ian Lee (opens in new tab), Benjamin Kheng (opens in new tab), Charlie Lim (opens in new tab)

Quickfire Professional Feedback Artists

One of the most anticipated moments of SOUNDCHECK was the Quickfire Professional Feedback segment. This cast the spotlight on selected participants for a real-time, candid feedback from our guest speakers — a rare and invaluable opportunity to hear directly from industry voices.

Thank you to everyone who submitted their demos for each session!

Selected Feedback Submissions

Featured demo artists

Lim Yan Wei Darren (opens in new tab)

Tan Pheng Heong (Tony) (opens in new tab)

Odelia Rei (opens in new tab)

Masha Nyanna (opens in new tab)

Muhammad Syarul Syadzwan (opens in new tab)

Chee Jing Lei (Julie) (opens in new tab)

Rachel Wong (Yen Océane) (opens in new tab)

Pua Wei Jun (JUNØZ) (opens in new tab)

Ming Wei Neo (opens in new tab)

Mkayshivu (opens in new tab)

Qing (opens in new tab)

Leeray (opens in new tab)

Buddha in the Balcony (opens in new tab)

Swoon! (opens in new tab)

SOUNDCHECK: Mentorship Extensions

We are happy to share the five participants that were chosen for SOUND CHECK: Mentorship Extensions, a 3-month programme offering personalised 1-on-1 guidance.

Mentorship Pairings

Session 1: Tim De Cotta & Lim Yan Wei Darren

Session 2: Marian Carmel & Chee Jing Lei (Julie)

Session 3: Dru Chen & Rachel Wong (Yen Océane)

Session 4: Gregory Tan & Qing (Tang Xue Qing)

Session 5: Jocelle Koh & Leeray (Maximus Ng)

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every single person who has been part of SOUNDCHECK!

This event is part of ARH Connects, our curated programme series for the ARH subscriber community. Not a subscriber yet? Sign up here! (opens in new tab)