WATCH: Royston Tan’s new short film that celebrates the morning soundscapes of Singapore

Video screengrabs
Video screengrabs

In a digital era where folks are often overwhelmed by constant blasts to our senses through our electronic devices, the idea of acquiring deep relaxation via autonomous sensory meridian response has become a global obsession.

A fairly recent phenomenon that currently involves millions of people watching videos of whispering ladies on YouTube, ASMR is the tingling sensation people get through the back of their heads and spines from receiving close personal attention, like getting a haircut or going to a doctor checkup, for example. It’s deeply relaxing to many, resulting in the trend of YouTubers using high-end 3D microphones to gently whisper nothings, tap various things, sip water, crinkle paper and more to produce hypnotic sounds.

Local filmmaker Royston Tan (15, 881, Bunga Sayang) took that concept and crafted it into a loving homage to Singapore. Produced as a commissioned piece for the cINE65 short film competition, Tan explores the sights and sounds that we often take for granted growing up here. It’s reminiscent of the wordless National Day video put out by Worker’s Party earlier this year.

Specifically, the soundscapes of the country in the morning, including the “Uwow” calls (you know the sound) of the Koel bird, the crunch of roti kaya being sliced, the whoosh of MRT trains, the national anthem being played at schools, and of course, the noise of an elderly uncle hocking a big loogie. Learn the 36 Ways To Say Good Morning below.



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