goneMUNE has been a staple of the dark alt pop genre of the underground scene in Singapore/Southeast Asia. Known for their evocative storytelling of trauma recovery & haunting physicality, goneMUNE blends their retro synthwave influences (Depeche Mode, Dead or Alive - alongside other inspirations such as HEALTH, Alice Glass) with a futuristic edge, forming mesmerising soundscapes.
A multidisciplinary artist, goneMUNE is deeply involved in every aspect of their craft — such as self-producing and mixing all their music, editing their own music videos and content, as well as incorporating movement work (derived from butoh) into their stage performances for fully immersive experiences.
Their latest single, ‘AMNESIA,’ dives into universal themes of deep grief, loneliness and resilience, while introducing the world of their new cyborg identity, AVERDONIA.
Photographer: Joseph Koh (@badsoju)
Ethnicity: Chinese - Singaporean
Location: Singapore
Instagram: @gonemune
Website:
GET TO KNOW - completed February 2025
3 words to describe you:
Haunting, Introspective, Defiant
Describe your sound:
A fusion of dark ethereal, atmospheric synths with commanding vocals, embodying fragmented identities and a search for meaning.
Describe the moment you knew that you wanted to pursue music:
As a child, I always knew I would become a singer when I grew up, despite having no musical background. One of my earliest childhood memories — possibly from when I was four — was imagining my original characters performing on stage as I drew them. I decided to try singing in secondary school, where I joined the choir. From that moment, I realized I was born to be an artist.
How does your heritage impact your art?
My heritage, both personal and cultural, shapes my art in profound ways. AVERDONIA, my new cyborg identity, was born from a place of deep self-doubt and exhaustion, mirroring the generational cycles of overwork, repression, and survival that have defined my family for years. The pressure to constantly produce, to prove my worth through labor rather than existence, is something I had to unlearn — and my art became the medium through which I did so.
Singapore’s societal structure, with its emphasis on productivity and deeply ingrained pressure to conform have all shaped my art in ways I’m still unpacking. Leaving my job in the funeral industry was a pivotal moment, much like breaking away from an abusive ex who tried to mold me into someone else. These experiences made me realize that I needed to reach for my dreams instead of staying in something I wasn’t suited for — that life is too short — after observing many strangers drowning in immense grief and regret over what they have not done in the past.
In a place that prioritizes survival over self-expression, my work is my way of reclaiming both.
What moment are you most proud of in your music journey so far?
I’m proud of myself for being independent and consistent in what I do, especially knowing how tough it is to be a musician in Singapore. I’ve seen how I struggled in the beginning and how I’ve improved, not just in my music, but in my mental health as well. Taking care of myself has made everything better — especially after seeing how I was thrown around by people who fed me the BS about dumping trauma into your art without seeking help. It’s healing and recovery that will truly help you in every aspect of your life, regardless of it being music-related or not — and at the same time, your career is not your whole life.
Your next music goal:
Looking forward to exploring the story of AVERDONIA through time/releases 🦾
If you could collaborate with anyone, who and why?
HEALTH (LA). Even though I’ve technically collaborated with them through a remix of their track ‘EXCESS’, it would be amazing to have an actual feature with them someday. Their music has inspired my work a lot, and their community has been such a supportive group that I hold dear to my heart.
Lyrics you live by:
"All you’ve given me I’ve had to break
And (so) I don’t quit myself in every way"
I don't live by any specific lyrics, but these words are from AVERDONIA
3 songs you're listening to right now:
HEALTH － FEEL NOTHING
TZECHAR － Bot
草蜢 － 半点心
Your community shout out:
TZECHAR (@tzechar.art) has been a great pillar of support and help ever since I returned to music after a year of silence. Without them, I don’t think AMNESIA or any of what I’m doing would have fully actualized into its true form. It’s been a wild ride, knowing that I’ve been absorbing their work since I was 11, and now I get to know them personally. They’re one of the most hardworking and talented people I’ve ever met, and meeting them has been an absolute blessing. Their music is really good too — check out their stuff and events if you're ever in town!
Anything else you'd like to share:
AMNESIA is out now
