Charlie Lim: New Universal deal won't compromise my music
Local indie singer Charlie Lim says his new deal with Universal won't compromise his music
Some local acts resist the idea of signing on to a major record label for fear that their music will be compromised.
But singer-songwriter-producer Charlie Lim - who inked a deal with Universal Music Singapore that was announced last week- is not one of them.
The 27-year-old told M: "Universal seems to respect and understand what I stand for as an artist, which is why they approached me in the first place. I'm looking forward to see what they can do to help bring my music to the next level."
Known for his melancholic tunes and narrative lyrics, Lim's 360-degree deal entails recording and publishing rights, live shows, endorsements, merchandise and co-management with his current team from music consultancy firm House Of Riot.
The firm also manages indie singer-songwriter Inch Chua and local band The Great Spy Experiment.
He said: "Sarah (Sim), who runs Riot, has been on this journey with me from the start, so there's already a deep sense of loyalty and understanding of how things work with my music. This arrangement will be a mutually beneficial one for all parties because everyone can bring something to the table."
Lim assured fans that everything will stay the same.
The Mothership, his back-up band, will continue to perform alongside him.
"The deal does not restrict my creative control (over my music). Nothing about my music will change. I will still be writing music my way and the lyrics will be just as they have always been.
"I'm thankful that Universal really trusts me to execute my own vision when it comes to songwriting."
He is also not affected by detractors who feel that he's selling out and turning mainstream.
He said: "It's a privilege to have commercial success through writing and playing music...
"But Universal knows that I'm not chasing celebrity or trying to appeal to the lowest (common) denominator... There's no point trying to mould me into something I'm not.
"With Universal, I will have access to more resources and a wider network of contacts that I hope to collaborate with."
Lim, who released a self-titled EP in 2011 and double EP Time/Space last year, will release a new offering in mid-2017.
He declined to comment on it but hopes to include The Mothership more in the production.
He said: "I'm just trying to better myself and top what I've written before."
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