1. Why did the both of you decide to be musicians?
Mars: It wasn’t until last year (right before my Noise Music Mentorship) that I really decided to take music seriously. Not only did writing start becoming an important outlet for me, but that more people were actually connecting to my music. I would say that the latter was the important push that motivated me to really commit to being a musician.
Adin: I don’t think there was ever a distinct decision for me, I’ve always been jamming with friends since secondary school. My guitarist Yew Jin and I have been in a couple bands, just mucking around before Stopgap was formed. Stopgap is what got all of us more serious about making music.
... to my music… that motivated me to really commit to being a musician.Mars
2. Who are your biggest music inspirations and how do you keep yourself inspired when creating new tunes?
Mars: Shana Halligan, Jorga Smith, Lianne La Havas are just a few of many, MANY musicians that I draw inspiration from. When I’m done writing new stuff, I tend to ask myself if the track sounds exciting/whether there’s a sort of groove to it.
Adin: The music I’m listening to at any point of time always influences and feeds the creative output or song writing pretty strongly, so I just have to keep listening to more music. All the guys in Stopgap have varying tastes, but my personal inspirations include bands like The Strokes, Bombay Bicycle Club and Surfer Blood among many others. I’m pretty late to the pop party but I’ve been hooked on BØRNS recently.
3. What’s your dream venue to play at?
Mars: To be frank, I’ve never actually thought about it but if I had to name one, it would be pretty dope to play AP Fest London!
Adin: I’ve had the childhood fantasy about playing to a sold-out stadium for sure, but I’ve since come to appreciate the crowd over the venue. I’d pick a shitty venue with a dream audience over a dream venue with a shitty audience any day. The difference in energy is everything!
4. Have the two of you jammed together before? If yes, what was it like?
Mars: No, I don’t think we have. Does singing in the back of a lorry count?
Adin: Hahaha yes only singing/shouting in the back of a truck. We haven’t done anything together officially but we’ve worked with each other on several occasions.
5. Any chance of a Stopgap and Mars collaboration?
Mars: Never say never!
Adin: Yeah why not? Mars let’s do a collab cover, Darude – Sandstorm
6. Career-wise, what’s next for both of you?
Mars: I do hope to release my EP next year & hopefully score a few gigs outside of Singapore soon. Other than that, I’m just riding the wave!
Adin: Stopgap’s in a writing & planning phase right now, so we’re squeezing our brain juices. Outside of Stopgap I work for Invasion Singapore, where I run production and do a little programming/curating too. We try our best to spread the gospel of local music & art to as many people we can, things are looking to be pretty exciting this year!
I’d pick a shitty venue with a dream audience over a dream venue with a shitty audience any day. The difference in energy is everything!Adin
7. Pick one piece of apparel from your wardrobe that you can’t live without.
Mars: Hands down, it has got to be my mom jeans. I prefer bottoms that don’t fit too tightly cause of the weather here – so they’re perfect. Super comfy too! I’ve probably worn them too much.
Adin: I’m torn between basic tees and colourful socks! Basic tee’s fit almost everything and are comfy, colourful socks are for when I’m feeling fun or when I want to brighten my day.
