Singing, songwriting and producing – these are the many passions of Lim Jing Jie (Music, Class of 2020, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music), which in turn have earned him numerous awards. During his time in NUS, Jing Jie, who also goes by the stage name KEAT, received the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal Award, and was a three-time award recipient at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Awards.
His artistic excellence has also been recognised by the National Arts Council. He received the Presentation and Participation Grant which enabled him to produce a music album in 2023. The album, from me, to me, by me, was launched with Jing Jie’s first ever ticketed headlining show in November 2023. Jing Jie is one of the three recipients of the last tranche of the Paul Abisheganaden Grant for Artistic Excellence. He tells us about how his dreams of pursuing songwriting at Musikmakarna, Songwriters Academy of Sweden, took flight with this grant.
OSA: Congratulations on receiving the grant! How did you feel when you first received the news?
Thank you so much! I was very ecstatic, it was the first news I received when I woke up. There was so much joy and I am very honoured to be presented with this opportunity.
Jing Jie (second from right) with his coursemates from the Tailored Development Program (Spring 2024).
OSA: How did you hear about the Paul Abisheganaden Grant, and how do you plan to use the grant to fulfil your goals?
As an alumnus of the NUS Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, I was aware of the grant as a couple of my peers had previously applied and received the grant. I decided to apply for it as I was about to embark on a three-month songwriting course at the prestigious Musikmakarna, Songwriters Academy of Sweden. There have been many great songwriters, producers and artistes that had been there and it was an opportunity that I could not miss. There are very few grants that supported the up-skilling of artistry over short-term courses and I could not pass up on the chance of possibly attaining this grant.
As I am now taking the course in Sweden, I am grateful that I can focus on being present here and learning as much as I can without constantly worrying about the finances.
Jing Jie and coursemate, Flo Den Hartog, talking about mandopop in the lounges of Musikmakarna.
OSA: You are accomplished in so many fields. Is there one which you enjoy or identify with the most?
In my opinion, to be an artist is to be versatile. I have never seen these fields as independent endeavours as I believe that they interact with one another. The seemingly peripheral aspects of music like art programming and teaching, is key to having a holistic understanding of creativity and entrepreneurship, which I think is essential in knowing how the music industry works.
Currently, I do very much prefer to focus on the creative side of things again so perhaps I’m enjoying the vocalist-songwriter-producer aspects a bit more at this point.
OSA: How were you introduced to music?
My family have been extremely supportive of my endeavours in music. A little fun fact is that my parents met playing classical guitar together at the Toa Payoh Guitar Club in the 80s, and I’m very lucky that I could grow up in a family which really inculcated a spirit of appreciation and openness to music as a whole. in fact, I even learnt how to harmonise from my dad. I think that’s something very rare for anyone at all, so I’m thankful!
OSA: What was the turning point that made you decide to become an artist?
ChildAid 2010. This was my first big show which had dance choreography and singing, and we had hours of back-to-back rehearsals. I had so much fun making music with people and mingling, I remember thinking to myself that this was something I really wanted to do. Of course, my understanding of an artist has changed so much since then - an artist is not necessarily a performer, there are many other creative aspects that makes someone an artist.
OSA: What would you say is the most cherished memory or accomplishment of your artistic journey, both within and beyond your NUS life?
It would be Fix(,) The Musical, held in conjunction with Exxon-Mobil Campus Concerts. It was a student-led production I was part of. It was amazing being a part of a group of outspoken, passionate and driven musicians who had so many other talents. NUS also gave me the opportunity and platform to take songwriting seriously, as the curriculum prioritised my development as a musician. The university gave me the space and time to develop as an artist and I am extremely grateful for the privilege and opportunity to pursue a less conventional path where my passion lies.
Beyond NUS, it would be the release of my first full-length album and my first headlining album release show. To be honest, I never expected to get this far with writing music, and I have to thank so many wonderful people who enabled this dream as well.
Jing Jie’s course mates listening to a song that he wrote with two of his course mates at a weekly listening party.
OSA: Any word of advice for NUS student artists aspiring to continue pursuing the arts beyond university life?
No two journeys are the same - chart your own path and give yourself the space and time to grow and breathe! Some people’s artistic journeys start earlier (or later) and it really does not matter at all.
Be daring and reach out to people, industry partners or mentors for feedback over coffee to find out more on how to move along with your craft. Pursuing your dreams can be daunting but sometimes you have to be bold in seeking mentorship to do well.
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