The Nexus community is buzzing with excitement as The Mass, a talented group of learners, made it to the semifinals of a national band competition. Consisting of Charlotte, Enzo, Evangelos, Sophia (Phia), and Victoria, the band has proven that passion and hard work pay off, even when competing against seasoned musicians from across Singapore.

The Mass got their start in the Nexus Rockband CCA, founded by Mr. Alex, who saw their potential early on. Speaking of the band’s origins, Mr. Alex shares, “The Mass are an outstanding example of talented and enthusiastic learners, who first met one another at the Rockband CCA and are now a well-established group. The Mass now have several successful performances under their belts, both in school and outside of school, with the most recent at Timbre+. Their performance (at the competition) was a huge success, and the band received great praise from the judges and the crowd. I’m proud to see how far these learners have progressed as musicians and performers.”

We sat down with The Mass to hear more about their journey from Nexus to the semifinals, their experience performing live, and what’s next for the band.

Congratulations on making it to the semifinals! Can you tell us what this experience has been like for all of you so far?

Charlotte: At first, I didn’t think we would get in as we were competing against bands all across Singapore.

Enzo: I did!

Charlotte: I wasn’t sure we could compete because Phia is below the minimum age requirements, but I didn’t want us to miss this opportunity. I asked Mr. Kevin to reach out to the organisers, and luckily, we were able to enter! So, we recorded our audition video and sent it through.

Enzo: It was a meaningful experience, especially seeing other bands in Singapore who have more performing experience. It helped broaden our horizons and taught me a lot about stage presence. Building those connections with the judges and other bands was great too.

Phia: Yes, getting feedback from the judges after the live audition was really valuable.

Charlotte: After the semifinals, we had a clearer vision of the band’s future. It made me realize all the opportunities we have in Singapore and how I can continue performing while in school. One judge even said he would sign us! It was really exciting.

Victoria: It was such a great opportunity to perform in the semifinals! Everyone was so talented, and I really enjoyed it.

You’ve gone from recording to performing live in front of judges. How did the pressure of a live performance compare to the first round?

Charlotte: We weren’t nervous—we were excited. The judges had great energy and were really supportive and encouraging.

As a band, how do you prepare for a big competition like this?

Phia: We practised every day at lunchtime in Nexus’ music rooms.

Charlotte: Yes, we bonded a lot through the term by always being together and rehearsing. I also worked on my voice and stage presence outside of school.

Enzo: It got tiring to keep practising, but it was worth it. We also took band photos for the first time, which was fun.

Charlotte: I think we can always practice more! Hard work pays off.

Victoria: I was nervous, but I overcame it with practice and support from the band.

I understand that you performed an original song during the semifinals. What was the songwriting process like?

Charlotte: I wrote a song called “16” a while back because I was tired of playing covers. The song is about growing up and moving. A lot of the lines came from different times in my life and my experiences. Phia and I decided to develop it and we worked together with the band to build up the parts for each instrument. There’s still room to experiment with the sound.

Phia: At first, the song felt too full, so we played around with different keyboard sounds until we found the right fit. Everyone composed their own parts.

Could you share the story of how your band first came together?

Phia: We were all in the Rockband CCA, which Mr. Alex runs, and he paired us with other members based on the instruments we played. Enzo initially played violin for Nexus Beats, then joined full-time as a guitarist and he brought Evangelos, our drummer, along.

What has been the most rewarding part of this journey so far, both as individuals and as a group?

Phia: The positive feedback from the judges, especially after our first live performance when the judge spoke to my mum about signing us!

Enzo: Learning from other bands and connecting with the judges and founders of the contest. That’s going to open more doors for us.

Charlotte: It was comforting knowing there are more opportunities after the performance. Being the youngest band there and hearing someone wanted to sign us was a huge confidence boost.

Victoria: We learned a lot from the other bands, and it’s been an inspiring experience.

What role does teamwork play in your success as a band, and how have you learned to communicate and collaborate better through this experience?

Phia: When we worked on our original song, everything came together well. We gave each other feedback and talked things through.

Charlotte: We’re all equally passionate, which makes working together easier.

Nexus has a strong music program. How has your experience at school helped shape your band’s sound and performance?

Enzo: Mr. Kevin, Ms. Clare, and Mr. Alex have all been really supportive. Knowing we have that support makes us more confident on stage.

Charlotte: Yes, it was nice to see them at our performance.

Phia: And we always get feedback from our teachers, which has helped us improve.

What’s next for The Mass? Do you have any plans for future performances, recordings, or even new music?

Phia: We are also considering changing our band name but The Mass is sentimental to us! Personally, I want to improve my bass playing and expand into more genres.

Evangelos: We would also to pursue the offer to sign and create our own identity. I just want to have fun.

Charlotte: It would be good to do more gigs around Singapore and connect with other local bands.

Enzo: Yes, I would love to perform more because I really enjoy the experience.

As their journey continues, The Mass are determined to keep pushing boundaries and growing as a band. With the support of Nexus and their own passion for music, this talented group is ready to take on new opportunities and keep making waves in the Singapore music scene.