Welcome to Time Out Singapore's 52 Weeks of #ExcitingSG – our commitment to showing you the best of what's going on in the city this week. Every Monday, a guest writer who's "in" with the scene shares a recommendation on what to see, eat, do or buy in the city. The name Lenny Wee might not be a household one but this music composer, arranger and producer spends most of his time in Los Angeles these days working on big projects that also involve big names like Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole and Jay Leno. Needless to say, his resume is pretty stellar.
What gets you excited about Singapore?
The food. Being able to just walk behind your house to get amazing hawker food at any time of the day and my family who still live there.
What do you love most about your job?
That I get to wear different hats everyday. One day I could be writing music in my studio, the next I can be on set engineering a show, or playing keys on a live show, or conducting an orchestra in a studio.
What are some of career highlights?
I conducted the orchestra for the Billboard Awards one year. I also played keyboards in the house band at the Emmys. Also got to work directly with some of my idols growing up like Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole. Everyday is sort of an adventure and I don’t know what work i’l be doing from one day to the next, which is pretty exciting for me. Also, buying my first home in LA. Finally being able to say I am being well compensated as a musician. That was a big one.
What advice would you have for local musicians and songwriters?
Keep learning. There’s no way to fully learn everything there is in music and you have to keep your ears open to new ideas in order to formulate your own voice.
Where do you see local music in the future? What needs to be improved?
I think with technology comes greater ability for collaboration. Singaporean musicians will have more chances to work with people worldwide to create music. I think that might be the way forward.
What is next for you?
Looking forward to working on new projects and trying to be Music Director for some of these shows.