Gentle guitar strums and poetic Mandarin lyrics, born in Singapore's campus scene. 82–118 BPM.
Xinyao is a genre of Mandarin folk-pop music that originated in Singapore around 1982. It emerged from campus songwriting circles and is characterized by acoustic guitar-driven melodies and poetic, often nostalgic lyrics. The genre played a key role in shaping Singapore's Mandarin music scene.
The defining artists of Xinyao — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Xinyao.
Xinyao is characterized by gentle, fingerpicked acoustic guitar, soft vocals, and a folk-pop sensibility. The rhythm is typically relaxed, with BPM ranging from 82 to 118, giving the music a calm, introspective feel. Melodies are simple yet memorable, often with a melancholic or nostalgic tone.
Instruments are minimal, usually centered around the guitar, with occasional piano, harmonica, or light percussion. The production is clean and uncluttered, allowing the lyrics and vocal delivery to take center stage. The overall sound is warm, intimate, and evocative of quiet evenings and personal reflection.
Xinyao (新谣) originated in Singapore around 1982, emerging from the campus folk song movement at institutions like the National University of Singapore. It was a grassroots, DIY scene where students wrote and performed original Mandarin songs, often accompanied by acoustic guitars.
The genre evolved through the 1980s and 1990s, with artists like Liang Wern Fook and Eric Moo gaining popularity. Xinyao songs often feature poetic lyrics about love, life, and nostalgia, reflecting the experiences of Chinese-educated Singaporeans.
Culturally, Xinyao represented a unique Singaporean Chinese identity, distinct from the pop music of Taiwan and Hong Kong. It fostered a sense of community and cultural pride, and its influence can still be heard in contemporary Singaporean Mandopop.
How Xinyao is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
For producers looking to capture the Xinyao sound, focus on a dry, intimate acoustic guitar recording with light fingerpicking patterns. Use a gentle, natural reverb to create space without overwhelming the vocals. The drum pattern should be simple—think a soft brush snare or a light kick on 1 and 3, with hi-hats on 8th notes at a relaxed tempo.
The BPM should sit comfortably between 82 and 118, with a slight swing to give it a human feel. Avoid heavy compression; let the dynamics breathe. Typical samples include acoustic guitar strums, soft piano chords, and ambient field recordings like birds or rain. The key is to keep it organic and heartfelt, with the lyrics as the focal point.
Press play here, or open the playlist in Spotify. Best for Studying, Relaxing, Nostalgia.
The playlist is hosted on Spotify and plays through its official player. The guide — sound, history, artists and tracks — is put together by Dropo, and every artist and track links to Spotify so you can check it by ear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How Dropo is made →