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It’s been almost two years since the hit single “Lean On” bagged the title of being the most streamed song of all time, and while EDM has become a mainstay at clubs and festivals worldwide, the songwriter and vocalist MØ (pronounced Muh, but Moh is fine too) has been working on her own music, proving success beyond her banger collaboration with DJ Snake and Major Lazer.
Even if you may not recognise her face, you’ve definitely jived to at least one of her many dance songs, including “Cold Water” with Justin Bieber and “Beg For It” with Iggy Azalea. As MØ prepares for her debut performance at Zouk later this month, we get candid with the Danish musician to discuss her newly released EP, “When I Was Young,” and better understand the girl behind these killer collaborations.

“When I Was Young” talks about young love. How do you remain youthful amidst having to grow up?
That song looks back at my teen years when every emotion I felt was doubly impactful. The older I’ve gotten the more jaded I’ve become, but as a teenager everything felt so extreme — it’s nostalgic and glorious. I think you need to be playful and not too f*cking serious. I’ve always been a childish person, even now. *laughs*
Did you ever dream you’d be as popular as you are today?
As a kid, my big dream was always to do music and be a pop star. I always hoped and wished and worked very hard to be a musician professionally. But I never expected anything to happen because it’s such a hard industry to get recognised in. So when things started to happen, I was so grateful.
Is it weird dancing to your music at clubs?
I know I sound annoying now, but I’m just like yay, they’re playing my song! Of course it’s a little bit awkward, but in a positive way. I get really happy when they play my songs.
Has collaborating with artists like Justin Bieber, DJ Snake and Major Lazer changed the way you write?
Throughout the time I’ve been writing music, I’ve met people who’ve inspired me to do different things. My creative output is always evolving — it’s like a dance. You change a little and then you lose yourself and then you find yourself again. It’s just one long journey. Being in the “pop” world has definitely influenced me, but what’s important that I’m at the centre of my inspiration. I don’t follow others. If I’m successful, it’s because my work shows my unique personality.
Who’s a dream artist you’d want to collaborate with?
There’re so many… Yolandi from Die Antwoord!

MØ at Coachella festival 2015

It’s your first time performing in Singapore. How do you learn to connect with an audience in a foreign country?
Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always found traveling and experiencing new cultures extremely exciting. Even though people come from different backgrounds, there’re still always so many similarities between them. I’m always confident that there’s going to be a lot of connection points with people even if they come from different backgrounds, which is amazing. To me, meeting a new person is like meeting a brother I’ve never met.
From what you know about Singapore, are you excited to perform here?
I was actually in Singapore for two days when I was eleven years old. When I was a child, my parents took my brother and I to New Zealand to stay at a friend’s house but stopped by Singapore first. I do remember a little of it actually. I’m so excited to visit because when I go to a new country I meet so many people and fans. I’ve heard that Singapore is very clean and has one of the craziest hotels in the world with a big swimming pool on the roof of three buildings.
Speed round: say the first thing that pops into your head. Who’s your celebrity crush?
Rihanna.
What’s the first thing you do when you get home every day?
Netflix. I’m super into Rupaul’s Drag Race. It’s so good. Right now I’m on season four.
Have you bought the new iPhone X?
No! I bought a new phone in April, so I’m lazy. But I know I should.
What’s one thing you’d like us to know before you perform for us at Zouk, November 26?
I would love to meet all my Singaporean fans in person and say hi to them. In Denmark now it’s so cold and grey — I can’t wait to experience the weather there.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbTp6fDFO-5/?hl=en&taken-by=momomoyouth

MØ performs at Zouk, 26 November 2017. Her latest EP, “When I Was Young,” is available on Apple Music now.
Header image: Nicole Wong
Other images: gaelleberi

If you’re the kind of person who gets some kind of sick joy watching women fight on TV (Real Housewives, anyone?), Celine Dion isn’t going to be your cup of tea. She’s always been the epitome of class throughout her formidable career in music, never known to throw shade at other powerhouse artists despite her “diva” status awarded to her by her millions of fans worldwide. And while we’re never not enamoured by her youthful spirit and multi-disciplinary talent, her performance at Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas with EDM superstar Steve Aoki has left us inevitably shook.

What appears to be Aoki paying the ultimate tribute to Dion turns out to be a spectacle we’re not sure was 100% successful in retrospect. After Aoki introduces Dion onstage, Dion begins belting out (lip-syncing, but whatever) her cult classic “My Heart Will Go On” from the Titanic movie. The crowd goes wild, as they should, and the club-atmosphere of the theatre immediately turns into a nostalgic fan-fest. At some point Aoki takes a backseat to her performance, basking in glory of just being so close to her.
Then, as Dion closes off her part to the song, Aoki immediately jumps in with a bass that quickly rises into a catchy, all-out EDM track which Dion compliantly dances off to! We kind of love how silly Dion looks as she lies on her back on the DJ booth, jamming out to the euphoria from Aoki’s spinning.

In fact, Aoki’s relationship with Dion didn’t begin last night. The two actually first met two years ago after Aoki uploaded a remix track of “My Heart Will Go On” onto YouTube. It’s an incredibly unexpected match, but when you see the way they hit it off, it’s at though it was meant to be. Dion, who notices how humbled Aoki is by their interaction, starts improvising what she thinks his version of her songs would sound like. It’s cute and at the same time kind of genius. There’s really no telling how far two musical geniuses can go when they combine their talents into art.
Here’s the track that sparked the two’s friendship, titled “Titanic.” It’s probably not something that could be translated live, but we nonetheless appreciate how sporting Dion was putting up a show like that for our entertainment.

Header image: Fashion Network, Los Angeles Times

Yes, this is another newly opened food joint along Orchard Road, and yes, we’re already overladen with food choices in the town area. But as a space that dishes out tasty rice bowls and serves their very own craft beer, Grains & Hops is a new restaurant that’s worth looking out for.

It’s not entirely off-the-beaten track (it is on Orchard Road, after all), but it is tucked behind Shaw Centre on the tenth floor of YOTEL Singapore – a new hotel that has ‘cabins’ inspired by first class travel. We took the elevator up to ‘TEN’, and were greeted by a bright, airy space. So far, so good. The restaurant’s covered with windows to let the light stream in, which could make for a light-hearted catch-up meal with your friends. How about the food? Glancing through the menu, it looks like the food is affordably priced, with starters ranging from $10 to $13 and mains from $14 to $23.
Coconut Curry Carrot Soup with Seasoned Rice Croutons ($12)
Marmite Chicken Pops ($12)
You can start your meal with a few entrees, especially if you’re there with a larger group. The Coconut Curry Carrot Soup with Seasoned Rice Croutons gives a mild spicy kick, and the rice croutons pairs well with the creaminess to add a crunch factor. Sadly, there were only two or three rice croutons, which wasn’t enough for the soup. Another alternative would be the Marmite Chicken Pops, which is sinfully deep-fried but very tasty. The chicken was crisp on the outside. While the marmite sauce was spot on with its flavour, it was a bit oily and didn’t quite coat the chicken as much as we would’ve liked. Thankfully, it went well with the Grains & Hops’ brew.
Angus Beef, Roasted Pork, Grilled Salmon (6 skewers for $55)
The star of the restaurant would undoubtedly be the Sharing Platter, where customers get to customise their own meals. In building their own Sharing Platter, customers can choose from different meats, grains, and dips. Once again, another reason to come with more people – so you can try more dishes. We tried the Angus Beef, Roasted Pork, and Grilled Salmon skewers.

To be honest, there’s really quite a lot going on. How would you know which dips you prefer when there are eight different dips, including Marmite, Sambal Mayo, and Garlic Parmesan? Or which grains to pick when there’s Purple Sticky Rice, Multigrain Rice, Basmati Rice, and Garlic Quinoa? For those who aren’t inclined to perfecting or overthinking their Sharing Platter, you could just go for Grains & Hops’ signature rice bowls.
Vegetarian Rice Bowl ($14)
After all, who could say no to a Roasted Angus Beef Bowl ($22) when it comes with tender roasted beef skewers, homemade spicy garlic sauce, and purple sticky rice? There’s also a vegetarian option for those who prefer vegetables, with grilled button mushrooms, zucchini, and semi-dried tomato polenta skewers. This bowl comes with basmati rice and a side of house salad.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies ($11)
For the sweet tooth, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies will be perfect. Correction: it’s a plate for many dessert-lovers – this dessert is sized very generously and although the taste was good, the portion was way out of control. As a slab of chocolate butterscotch on top of chunky peanut butter rice krispies, this dish could have used more than a small dollop of vanilla ice-cream. More ice-cream would help cut through the sickeningly sweet combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
Peach & Berries Rice Popsicle ($8)
As for the Peach & Berries Rice Popsicle, the chef explained that he was inspired by a traditional Italian risotto. He blended the peach, berries, and rice grains all together before freezing the dessert. The rice absorbed the sweet freshness of the peach and berries, but the texture of the popsicle did seem a bit icy.
(Pint for $13++, Half Pint for $7++)
Of course, if you’re not here for the food, you can always come for the drinks. Their own Grains & Hops’ brew is infused with jasmine green tea, as a nod to our local tastebuds. We can’t fault it – it’s refreshing and pairs well with the food.
With Grains & Hops’ ‘Let the good times roll’ promotion, customers can enjoy up to 60% off their beverage orders just by rolling a die. The promotion runs from 12pm to 8pm daily, excluding the eve of public holidays and public holidays. Terms and Conditions apply.
Grains & Hops Restaurant and Bar is located at YOTEL Singapore (366 Orchard Road). Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 6.30am to 11pm; Friday to Saturday, 6.30am – 12 Midnight. Tel: 6866 8067.
Images:YOTEL Singapore, NYLON
Header Image: YOTEL Singapore