Gathering Ground 2026

Indie Pride is a multi-anniversary celebration of the independent DIY spirit of music and the arts in the Lion City, co-presented by The Substation - Singapore’s first Home for the Arts - and LCR - producers of Lion City Rock, the only podcast about Singapore’s music scene.

Drawing from our city's name and the way lions gather in a pride, Indie Pride brings a collective of musicians, creatives, and producers together in a community-led production to share their craft and give support. The event brings live performances by Singapore’s longest-running underground band, Opposition Party - now on their 40th anniversary - alongside this decade’s indie music frontrunners: pop-punk band The State of Mind, emo/math rockers Forests, and alt-rock newcomers Ultra Mega Cat Attack.

In addition to the featured bands, Indie Pride is made possible with the support of indie stalwarts Patrick Chng (The Oddfellows) for show direction, Little Ong for design, The Blackbird Singapore for venue sponsorship, PatriotSG by Exfil Records for ticketing, and Subculture Productions for Opposition Party’s anniversary goodies.

As champions of all things independent, this inaugural Indie Pride gig marks 36 years of The Substation and 5 years of the Lion City Rock podcast – both with shared memories of the Substation “Garden” and Theatre spaces where it all began for Singapore indie music. Whether you're an old punter from the now legendary Substation Garden or experiencing a Singapore gig for the first time, Indie Pride invites you to join us in keeping the Lion City rockin’.

Indie Pride is an event of The Substation Gathering Ground anniversary season.

GIG DETAILS

Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
Showtime: 4.00pm - 7.00pm (Pre-Show Entry: 3.00pm)
Venue: The Blackbird Singapore
Address: Gillman Barracks, 8 Lock Rd, Singapore 108936

Tickets:
$25 General - Early Bird (until 31 Aug, 11.59pm)
$35 Anniversary Ticket - limited quantity with pre-show exclusives + drink
$30 General - available from 1 Sep

ABOUT THE BANDS

40th Anniversary Show

Opposition Party

Singapore's pioneering underground veterans mark four decades of uncompromising music, independent spirit, and staying true to their convictions.

Opposition Party celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, marking four decades as Singapore's longest-running underground band in this special live performance at Indie Pride.

Formed in 1986 by guitarist/vocalist Francis Frightful as Singapore's first punk band, Opposition Party emerged from Singapore's underground scene with a raw hardcore punk sound fueled by frustration, DIY spirit, and a refusal to conform. Over the years, the band's music evolved into a fierce blend of hardcore punk, crossover thrash, and metal, at the same time earning them a reputation for intense live performances.

To commemorate this milestone, a special anniversary compilation spanning four decades of music featuring tracks from different eras of the band's career is in the works. The collection traces Opposition Party's evolution from their early hardcore punk roots through their crossover thrash years and beyond, serving as both a celebration of the past and a statement that the band's mission remains as relevant as ever.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Francis Frightful says:

"Punk and metal were never just styles of music to me. They became part of who I am. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years. This anniversary belongs to every friend, supporter, promoter, and band that helped keep the underground alive. As long as I can still make noise and have something to say, I’ll keep doing what I’ve always done.”

In addition to the compilation, the band marks the occasion with special live performances and other anniversary activities throughout the year.

Forty years on, Opposition Party remains a unwavering force in the underground—not because they followed trends, but because they stayed true to themselves and the culture that shaped them.

Rising pop-punk act in Southeast Asia

The State of Mind

The State of Mind is a five-piece pop-punk band from Singapore, formed in 2021, known for their high-energy performances and emotionally driven sound. Drawing influence from bands like New Found Glory, Motion City Soundtrack, and Weezer, they bring a fresh yet nostalgic edge to the Southeast Asian pop-punk scene.

Originally known as Iman & The State of Mind, the band rebranded in 2024 as The State of Mind. They released their debut EP, Let It Out, in 2022, which helped build early momentum and led to a mini tour across Singapore and Malaysia. That same year, they performed at Baybeats 2022 following the release of their first single, “Taking Time.” They also went on to perform at LASALLE’s Rock & Indie Festival 2025.

In 2025, the band released their second EP, Get Over It, featuring four tracks including the single “Intentional,” which features Melbourne singer-songwriter Molly Lane. That same year, they joined forces with Kalerfool from Johor Bahru for a collaborative mini tour, performing at venues such as Phil Event Space 2.0 in Singapore, Johor Athletics Stadium in Mount Austin, Johor, and Rumah Api in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

In 2026, The State of Mind kicked off the year with a performance at “Pop Punk Day Out” at Toppen Mall, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The following week, they performed as a supporting act for WUMU’s single launch party at Nineteen Eighty Studio. In February 2026, the band began focusing on recording their upcoming single, “Moments,”set for release soon. In March 2026, they were selected to perform as part of Harley-Davidson Day at Wearnes Harley-Davidson Singapore.

The band had recently did a mini weekender tour Singapore and Malaysia in April/May 2026 alongside local band 10PM Noise Complaint and Malaysian bands Kalerfool and Neckhead. With two EPs released, international collaborations, and growing regional touring experience, The State of of Mind continues to establish themselves as one of the rising pop-punk acts in Southeast Asia.

Meow - it’s musical purr-fection

Ultra Mega Cat Attack

Ultra Mega Cat Attack is a Singaporean six-piece rock outfit that brings serious heat while keeping things delightfully weird. Formed by musicians looking to break away from standard band expectations, this feline-obsessed group hits the stage wearing custom cat masks to maintain anonymity and put the focus purely on their music.

Their sound is a high-energy blend of alt-rock, heavy riffs, and infectious pop grooves. Think gritty guitar lines mixed with beats that compel you to move. They made a loud entrance with tracks like "Stay. Go." and "Good Afternoon Mr Wick”, before eventually dropping their debut full-length album, "HEARTBREAK. REVENGE. DISCO.”, followed by their 2026 EP, "The Future is Meow."

Whether touring locally or taking their cat masks abroad to international stages like Taiwan, fans know them as purveryors of pure, giddy, feel-good fun, offerring an unforgettable, wild live experience.