The idea seems obvious: a website where festival-goers can find not just information on gigs across Asia, but also insider travel tips (the weather, nearby cheap grub).
The idea seems obvious: a website where festival-goers can find not just information on gigs across Asia, but also insider travel tips (the weather, nearby cheap grub).
To make things even breezier, throw in packages that cover show tickets, flights, preloaded wristbands and accommodation that ranges from basic to glamping.
Yet a year and a half into its inception, Gig Life Asia remains one of a kind in Singapore. Says Dewan: “I recognise that many people are busy and find it hard to plan getaways, yet have the means to pay a small premium to have the legwork (needed to attend an overseas gig) done for them. I hope to ignite their spirit of adventure and curiosity by making it easy.”
The 35-year-old knows her concerts. Before setting up Gig Life, she worked in New York as the North American label manager for Warp Records, overseeing releases for A-list alternative acts such as Grizzly Bear, Aphex Twin and Battles. She made it to Billboard’s list of “Top 30 Movers and Shakers Under 30” in 2010. Two years later, she moved back to Singapore to start booking agency Feedback Asia.
Representing artists and connecting them to gig promoters, Feedback is the glue behind 25 to 30 live shows across Asia each year. Names it’s worked with range from Beach House to Malaysian songstress Yuna. In each case, Dewan knows “it’s no longer just about the music, but also the brand and experience”.
At press time, packages on Gig Life include a boutique tent stay at next month’s Wonderfruit festival in Pattaya. Registration for packages for Ultra Singapore in June have just rolled out, with details to come, though Dewan is quick to single out a thoughtful perk that comes with all her packages: the option to party as a squad, but pay individually.
Coco Crush 18K yellow gold cuff(on right hand), assorted matching rings in 18K yellow and white gold, Premiere Rock steel watch, and calfskin belt with strass. Jumpsuit, Dewan’s own.
