Of all the National Day Parade (NDP) theme songs of late, the one produced this very year (titled ‘Not Alone’) may be the most impressionable yet.

After all, it is first sung and penned by 33-year-old Singaporean heartthrob Benjamin Kheng and produced by one of his besties, producer Evan Low (who worked on the up-tempo NDP 2021 theme song ‘The Road Ahead’); second, nostalgic and heartwarming, almost therapeutic even; and third, bridled with meaning.

In the lyrics and music video, the ever-present Singapore River returns as a revered metaphor, meant to evoke nostalgia and a sense of belonging. “I was drawn to the history of our Singapore River, that we sing about so much, and how for generations it’s fed Singaporeans from all walks of life – young and old, rich and poor, no matter our ethnicity or background,” said Kheng.

Meanwhile, the multicoloured cloths in the music video, seen gliding above the Singapore River or soaring the garden city’s skyline and eventually draping over a housing estate, represent Singaporeans’ shared experiences and unity.

‘Not Alone’ has since chalked up 1.5 million views on YouTube and over 600,000 listens on Spotify (as of this writing).

In an exclusive interview with SNCF, the duo shared with us their creative inspiration and what got them together to work on this “very high stakes project”.

What is it like to collaborate with each other again for this music project? 

Evan Low: It’s NEVER a dull day with Ben. We’ve always been working with each other since the days when Ben was with The Sam Willows, and I’m just really touched that Ben has allowed me to be a constant creative companion throughout the years. It also helps that we’ve been through so much together professionally that we understand each other’s creative tendencies very well. So, when I got the call from Ben it was an easy yes.

Benjamin Kheng: I feel like we never stopped working together, which I am very glad for. We’re a very “best idea wins” kind of creative team, and I think that’s why it was natural to link up with Evan for this very high stakes project. This being my first rodeo in a creative seat for NDP, I wanted someone I trusted to be a sounding board and collaborator, and there’s no one better. 

To summarise and encapsulate Singapore's 59th years of independence is no easy feat. How did each of you work towards capturing this essence in the music? The first part was poignant, is this deliberate?

Benjamin: Everything has to be deliberate with this project, so it was definitely intended to have an introspective start. I was drawn to the history of our Singapore River, that we sing about so much, and how for generations it’s fed Singaporeans from all walks of life –  young and old, rich and poor, no matter our ethnicity or background. It connects and nurtures us all, and is just a beautiful metaphor for what we as a nation can be if we continue to love each other. It became the springboard concept for the lyrics and flowing melodic lines.

Evan: Ben’s right. With a project at this scale, we do have to be deliberate in the choices we make! On my end I was focused on making sure the lyrical, melodical and harmonic aspects of the song were sensitive enough to relay Ben’s intent but accessible enough so that the general public will be able to catch on quickly.

What part of the production process does each of you enjoy the most? 

Evan: Oh, I absolutely love it whenever I receive an early demo of a song from Ben. I find it incredibly fun to distil the intent of his piece. It also helps that we both have very similar musical influences so it’s pretty fun to rejig or write or change up his pieces based on what I think might work!

Benjamin: I always look forward to the moment Evan adds his instrumental or production layer over a draft of mine. It’s like sending your kid off to college and not seeing her till she comes home with a nose ring and a new attitude. It’s still her but way cooler. 

I also really enjoy arranging and producing group vocals – it adds such a human element to the mix and supports the story in the most organic way. 

We understand that theme song adopts a first-person POV. What do you mean by that? 

Benjamin: Singaporeans have been through a lot these past few decades, and an endless momentum of progress isn’t always a bed of roses for everyone. I knew I wanted it to be a personal journey of self-reflection and discovery that then moved into a collective voice, as opposed to it being rousing and beckoning from the start – we have enough of those great songs already.

I wanted us to remember that “Home” is the people that make it a home, and whenever we feel disconnected from our country, we only need to look at the ones we hold close to. Evan and I worked hard to bring that journey across, sonically and lyrically.

Evan: Totally. In a fast-paced country, like Singapore, I think an introspective approach is the way to go and from that start, provide a clearer understanding of ourselves which eventually bleeds into a deeper understanding of the people and community around us which we share this island with. 

What are your well-wishes for Singapore?

Evan: Drink lots of water. Make way for people when the MRT door opens, and may you have plenty of time for yourself and your loved ones.

Benjamin: Be happy, love one another, sing loud loud on National Day. 

The interview has been edited for clarity. Photos courtesy of Benjamin Kheng, Evan Low and Abby. 

By Sng Ler Jun