“DIY zine Alter Start makes waves in the scene with unique content”

o give everyone a fair amount of creative control over their work.

Once we have all the content ready, that’s when we start on the production process. From printing to binding, cutting, and finalizing, it’s all hands on deck. It’s always fun to see the zine come to life, page by page, up until the very moment we bring it to the public.

It’s definitely a one-woman show in terms of managing everything. I handle the administrative side, the creative side, the editing – everything. Building a zine from scratch is a lot of things to juggle at once, but it’s all worth it when you see the final product. It’s like my little baby that I’ve nurtured until it’s ready to be sent out into the world for others to enjoy.

The most challenging part is always the time constraint. Given that I have a day job, it’s hard to balance the demands of the zine with my personal life. Juggling between the two can be really tricky, sometimes it feels like I’m burning the candle at both ends. But it’s a labor of love, and the satisfaction I get from seeing the printed zine always trumps the struggles and hardships along the way.

The zines may be small, but they’re packed with heart and soul. Each one represents a piece of the local music scene that’s captured in time. And while the future of print media may be uncertain, Alter Start continues to carve its own path in a digital age where physical media is slowly becoming a rarity.

With Alter Start, Mun AM is not just creating zines – she’s creating a space for people to connect, to share stories, and to celebrate their love for music and art. Through her passion and dedication, Alter Start is more than just a zine – it’s a testament to the resilience and creativity of the local music scene. As long as there are stories to tell, Alter Start will continue to be a beacon for those looking to share their voice within the vibrant tapestry of Singapore’s music history.