WATCH: Up Dharma Down’s new single is an ode to Singapore

Pinoy indie music act Up Dharma Down’s latest single is called “All the Good Things” and it certainly lives up to its title. The four-minute track bears the foursome’s trademark sound—frisky guitars, thumping beats, Armi’s unmistakable wailings—yet somehow, it’s a bit more happy and sunshiny than what we’re used to hearing from them.

Perhaps the fact that they were inspired by an actual place had something to do with it. “All The Good Things,” and its accompanying music video, is the result of a collaboration between the band and the Singapore Tourism Board. Needless to say, it’s a first for both sides.





“When we were thinking of ways to promote Singapore to Filipinos, automatically we thought of doing it through music,” said Adrian Kong, STB’s Area Director for Philippines and Brunei, at the launch of the single and music video last week. “I mean you guys love your music, and Up Dharma Down is definitely one of the most popular bands in the country. We thought it was a perfect fit.”

“When we visited Singapore recently, it was the first time we went where we didn’t have to play a gig,” said bassist Paul Yap. “We just went around the city, going to all of these exciting new places, eating, shopping. It was fun.”

The band played “All the Good Things” for the first time to select members of the media and reps from the STB and other VIPs last week at 12 Monkeys at Century City. The song certainly captures the spirit and energy of the city-state. It kicks off with a snappy opening beat punctuated by a fun guitar riff. By the time Armi starts singing, we’re taken by the 80s disco vibe married to a fresh electronic mix. It’s a pick-me-upper that works just as much when you play it to start your day, as it does to rev up your evening.

Audiences also got to see the song’s music video, shot in Singapore (naturally) for the first time. Featuring gleaming skyscrapers, lush greenery and familiar attractions of the city-state, the video was directed by Johan Polhem, an award-winning filmmaker and former creative director at MTV Australia.

“The song is about having an idea of what’s good but only coming to terms with it upfront by actually doing something about it,” said Armi. “It’s about being open to new experiences, having that proactiity and positive outlook. We saw that during our trip to Singapore.”

The multi-awarded band behind the hits “Oo,” “Tadhana,” “Feelings,” and many others said they are writing new material for a forthcoming album, scheduled to be released early next year. — BM, GMA News