Navigating the Music Maze
What motivates this Gen Z singer-songwriter to persevere in a nation where there is a lack of support for local music? Can a rising TikTok content creator like him truly influence the local music landscape positively?
Written by: Lorraine Han
Photos by: Lucas Wang
Lucas Wang Hong Yi, a 21-year-old who goes by the stage name “WHYLUCAS”, knows that pursuing a music career isn’t a conventional path taken by most Singaporeans. He frequently faces skepticism from those around him about its viability, with remarks like, “You know, you can’t earn much doing this, right?”
Lucas’s father introduced him to old records when he was six and it was what sparked the singer-songwriter’s interest in music. Intrigued, he began taking guitar lessons. Fast forward to 19 years old, Lucas started creating music alone after discovering the fun of music editing on @MusicbyBanks’ YouTube channel.
Lucas often channels his relationship experiences into his music, such as his debut single, “Yearbook”, for instance. Written during his time in the army and after a breakup, he says this song allowed him to express himself.
However, being a young singer-songwriter in Singapore comes with its share of challenges.
“Sometimes, the songs I produce don’t sound as good as I want it to be,” he admits, showing his lack of experience. Eager to establish a name in the industry, he aims to leverage his youth to build his career. However, as a first-year student studying at a local university, it’s difficult for him to balance his studies and his passion at times.
Being a full-time student, financial constraints also prevent him from renting a professional studio. Thus, Lucas uses bed sheets and mattresses to create a small recording space in his congested bedroom that isn’t soundproof. “It's not a very pleasant experience.”
The DIY recording set-up!
Additionally, local talents rarely have the chance to perform, record, and promote their work, which hinders career development. “Compared to Western countries, there’s inadequate funding and opportunities in Singapore’s music industry,” he says with disappointment. As a result, the lack of recognition has been disheartening and tough for him to sustain a music career.
Even so, these setbacks do not faze him. “Delulu is the solulu,” he says jokingly.
Lucas believes in proactively creating opportunities for oneself. Having experienced busking along Orchard Road for a year and a half, he considers this a cost-effective way of showcasing his talent to the public. Taking on gigs and participating in TV shows like Mediacorp’s Battle of the Buskers, a reality singing competition aimed at uncovering Singapore’s finest street performers, has also helped him reach a wider audience.
“Many people say that Singaporeans cannot make music. Since locals are attuned to Western pop music, we should just create something that’s similar,” he shares, adding that it’s important for singer-songwriters to study the market and adapt to their audience’s preferences.
Lucas has also leveraged the popular platform TikTok to gain recognition and pique people’s interest in his music. He often uploads song covers and comedic, music-related content featuring his grandmother, capturing the hearts of viewers, particularly the younger generation who would consider her “cute and funny”.
“My grandmother has nothing to do, so I try to make her day more fun,” he says. “She’s always very down for it.” This has become a good bonding activity for the two, bridging the generational gap.
But even when people around him have doubted his decision to become a full-time singer-songwriter, Lucas remains resolute. “I wasn’t really confident at the start, but something will definitely happen if you keep working,” he says while smiling.
With his top two TikTok posts collectively gaining over 1.2 million views, his reach extends to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. The rising content creator has also built connections with other artists like @hongjoin through the platform. This is beneficial, as networking is vital in the industry.
Furthermore, Lucas has been receiving positive feedback for his singles “Yearbook” and “Lonely People”, with the latter amassing approximately 62K streams in less than two months. There were comments like, “Is this really local music?” and “I might start listening to local music because of you.”
One listener also expressed gratitude as the songs provided him with comfort during a challenging post-breakup period, further motivating Lucas as he it meant his work has a meaningful impact. Lucas sees this as a positive shift in the perception of our local music scene.
Lucas views each project as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. He emphasises that with confidence, a positive mindset and determination, success is possible. For those aspiring to make their mark in the music industry, Lucas advises to “take out the mentality that you cannot make it.”
Moving forward, Lucas aims to release two to three songs next year and secure partnerships with major music labels like Sony Music, Warner Music Group or Universal Music. “Through this, I hope to get my name out there and go on tours,” he says.
Check out Lucas’ new single, “Fall”, released on 17 November 2023 on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube at @WHYLUCAS! For more updates, follow him on Instagram at @sup.its.lucas and on TikTok at @whylucasmusic.
