Khaizuran RashidSingapore isn’t just a bustling metropolis. Instead, it’s a vibrant muse that has captured the hearts of international artistes. Perhaps you’ve read our earlier article on Coldplay’s latest music video, which was filmed in Singapore (and if you haven’t, click the link below!). However, did you know they’re not the first global music superstars to use our little red dot as a canvas?
The Lion City’s striking blend of futuristic architecture, rich heritage, and charming neighbourhood spots provides the perfect backdrop for music videos that enchant both the eyes and the ears. Whether you’re a die-hard music fan or a casual traveller with a flair for the dramatic, Singapore’s unique personality is sure to surprise and delight. Therefore, let’s set off on a tour of the most unforgettable music videos shot in our sunny, ever-evolving city.
Also read: Coldplay’s “Man in the Moon”: 10 Singapore Locations Featured
1. Coldplay – “Man in the Moon”
Image credit: Coldplay via YouTube
Coldplay’s newest track, “Man in the Moon,” from their 2024 album Moon Music, places Singapore squarely in the spotlight. They filmed the video during their Music of the Spheres World Tour stop at the National Stadium. Yet it also whisks viewers through Singapore’s diverse urban landscape. It begins in MacPherson, where familiar daily routines unfold. Moreover, from a lively kopitiam in Geylang to aquatic wonders at the S.E.A Aquarium, the video blends tradition with modern flair. Iconic landmarks like People’s Park Complex in Chinatown, the green oasis of Fort Canning Park, and the futuristic marvel of Jewel Changi – complete with its stunning indoor waterfall – all appear in vivid detail. Indeed, Coldplay’s clip feels like a colourful tribute to Singapore’s rich cultural and architectural tapestry.
2. Billie Eilish – “The 30th (Live From Singapore’s Cloud Forest)”
Image credit: Darkroom/Interscope Records via YouTube
Billie Eilish has long admired Singapore’s mystique. In her live performance of “The 30th,” recorded inside the Cloud Forest dome at Gardens by the Bay, she showcases that deep affection. Her haunting vocals echo across the misty surroundings. This otherworldly setting matches Billie’s signature blend of fragility and power, transforming the performance into a spellbinding display of Singapore’s enchanting appeal.
3. OneRepublic – “RUNAWAY”
Image credit: Mosley Music/Interscope Records via YouTube
When OneRepublic decided to film “RUNAWAY,” they found the perfect stage in Singapore’s spectacular skyline. During a recent concert in the city-state, the band shot dramatic footage atop the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. As the sun set, the city lights ignited, adding excitement to a performance that felt both grand and uplifting. This video shows how Singapore’s mixture of glossy modernity and gritty urban allure can turn a simple scene into an unforgettable visual feast.
Fun Fact: OneRepublic’s latest album, Artificial Paradise, includes a track titled “Singapore.” It’s an elegant instrumental piece that belongs on your Spotify playlist (at least, according to this writer!).
4. Grimes – “REALiTi”
Image credit: Grimes via YouTube
Canadian dream pop star Grimes brought her offbeat style to Singapore when she filmed “REALiTi.” Besides her on-and-off relationship with tech magnate Elon Musk, she’s known for her quirky and experimental flair. Truly, she captured the city’s more eccentric side in this music video. Futuristic views of Gardens by the Bay appear side by side with the surreal vibe of Haw Par Villa, bathing the video in neon energy. Its lively, late-night montage underscores Singapore’s vibrant nightlife and confirms the city as a creative hub for all things bold and unconventional.
5. Christopher – “Ghost”
Image credit: Parlophone Music Denmark via YouTube
Danish singer-songwriter Christopher chose Singapore for the entire music video of “Ghost.” The clip depicts a bittersweet romance with a spooky twist. Showcasing scenes at the modern marvels of Marina Bay Sands and the towering Singapore Flyer, along with the culturally rich streets of Chinatown and the lush beauty of Gardens by the Bay, the video creates a haunting yet magnetic tale. Unsurprisingly, the track soared on international charts, holding a Top 10 spot in Denmark for weeks.
6. Beastie Boys – “The Gala Event”
Image credit: TheMixUp2007 via YouTube
Back in 2007, the legendary Beastie Boys infused Singapore’s Keong Saik Street with their trademark grit and swagger. Filming “The Gala Event” in this formerly quiet neighbourhood added a noir twist to the area’s evolving vibe. Shadowy corners and shifting street scenes formed the ideal backdrop for the group’s energetic style. This video not only captured the city’s raw feel at the time but also serves as a nostalgic reminder of how Singapore has since grown into one of its trendiest hotspots.
Encore: Singapore Steals the Spotlight
Singapore proves it’s much more than a mere dot on the map. Rather, it’s a dynamic stage that fuels artistic innovation. These music videos, each unique in style, underline the city’s undeniable charm and its effortless blend of old and new.
From the futuristic grandeur of Marina Bay Sands to the nostalgic warmth of local kopitiams, the Lion City delivers a living, breathing backdrop that sparks the imagination. The next time you wander around Singapore, stay observant. You might just stumble into a scene that feels straight out of your favourite music video.
Also read: Hidden Gems at Kranji: Exploring Singapore’s Countryside
