More than 44 emerging artists from 15 countries take over Clarke Quay across four free nights of live music from 2 to 4 and 7 October 2026.

Music Matters Live 2026 returns to Singapore from 2 to 4 and 7 October, transforming CQ @ Clarke Quay into a live music destination during Grand Prix season.

Celebrating its 21st year, the festival brings together more than 44 emerging artists from 15 countries for four nights of free performances, with musicians from Singapore joining acts from across Asia and beyond.

The programme spans genres, countries and showcases, with performers including Haneri, St. Humain, Syaz Smooth, Lola Amour, Dolla, KAIA, Pierce Brothers and acts from the EXILE TRIBE family.

Image credit: Music Matters

Highlights of Music Matters Live 2026

Discover more than 44 emerging artists: The 2026 line-up brings musicians from 15 countries together in Singapore, giving audiences an opportunity to discover performers from across Asia-Pacific and further afield.

Support Singapore artists: Local performers in the line-up include Haneri, Ishbel Warifa, St. Humain, Supercatkei and Syaz Smooth.

Catch artists from around the region: The international line-up includes Dolla from Malaysia, KAIA and Lola Amour from the Philippines, Bratty from Mexico and Australian duo Pierce Brothers.

See Japan’s next generation: KID PHENOMENON from EXILE TRIBE and LIL LEAGUE from EXILE TRIBE are among the Japanese acts appearing at this year’s festival.

Explore international showcases: Special showcases are presented by Universal Music, Sounds Australia, the Philippines, Nagaland and Japan as part of the wider programme.

Girls’ Night Out Closes the Festival

Music Matters Live returns for a fourth and final night on Wednesday, 7 October with Girls’ Night Out.

Produced by BRANDED’s It’s A Girl Thing, the closing programme brings together female artists from Asia-Pacific and around the world for the festival finale.

Our Take

Music Matters Live offers something quite different from the headline concerts surrounding Singapore’s Grand Prix season. Instead of building its programme around established global stars, the festival puts emerging musicians from Singapore and around the world at the centre of the experience.

That makes it particularly useful for listeners who enjoy discovering artists before they become familiar names. The international line-up also means you can move between Singapore acts, regional performers and musicians from further afield within the same festival.

Best of all, the performances are free. If you are already spending an evening around Clarke Quay during Grand Prix season, Music Matters Live provides an easy way to add live music to your night without purchasing another event ticket.

Service Information

  • Event: Music Matters Live 2026
  • Dates: 2–4 and 7 October 2026
  • Main venue: MainStage at CQ @ Clarke Quay
  • Admission: Free
  • Line-up: 44+ emerging artists from 15 countries
  • Final night: Girls’ Night Out on 7 October
  • Nearest MRT station: Clarke Quay MRT Station

More Information