5 things you didn’t know about the NDP 2016 theme song
Without a doubt, a major highlight of any National Day Parade is the theme song. We dutifully learned each one in music class during our school days, and now as adults those days are fondly remembered just by clicking the past NDP songs on YouTube. And everyone has a favourite.
But this year’s song, Tomorrow’s Here Today, truly is unlike any other. This powerful anthem looks ahead to Singapore’s future and gets us thinking about where our nation could be in the next 50 years. To get you in a patriotic mood, here are some interesting facts about the NDP 2016 theme song.
It took 4 months and more than 400 people to make
From writing the song to planning and coordinating the music video, Tomorrow’s Here Today involved many Singaporeans from all walks of life. From the band that sings the song to the volunteers in the music video and the diligent production crew, everyone played their roles beautifully and worked together as one to bring the song to life.
The inspiration for the song came in the shower
Don Richmond, the composer of this year’s theme song, knows a thing or two about the Muse of Creativity. That first spark of inspiration for this year’s song hit him while he was shampooing his hair – and in no time the energetic, addictive tune was born. Upbeat and positive, it’s a song that you can’t listen to without tapping your feet or bobbing your head.
Edited to look like a one-take approach, a first for the NDP
The song calls for Singaporeans to seize the day and build a better tomorrow, and that’s exactly the direction the production crew took when filming the video. The video was edited to appear as though it was filmed in just one take with no cuts, which meant the crew and actors had to prepare and rehearse for the shoot intensively. A first for an NDP video, the concept is meant to evoke the themes of boldness and innovation that weave throughout the song.
Includes 14 instantly recognisable Singaporean icons
It’s not an NDP song without the insertion of a local icon to truly make it Singaporean, and in this year’s music video up to 14 can be spotted. Some of the more obvious ones are the Merlion, the ubiquitous kopitiam chair, a traditional rickshaw and even a couple of fully operational SBS buses. Can you catch them all?
It’s sung by home-grown band 53A
A fixture of the local music scene, local six-piece band 53A is the perfect choice to sing this year’s NDP theme song. Made up of a dynamic crew of young and talented performers, the multiracial band embodies the youthful spirit and energy of the song. They are also known for their national pride. Just three years ago, they recorded a medley of previous NDP songs and uploaded it onto YouTube to enthusiastic response.
Gear up for the National Day celebrations by checking out the exciting music video Tomorrow’s Here Today now!
