SINGAPORE — Singaporean singer-songwriters Jacky Chew and Juno Lin have finally released their debut EPs — after 13 years.

The two musicians, who are both 30 years old, began their training together with famed songwriters Lee Weisong and Lee Sisong at their music school when they were teenagers.

“When I saw the CD and the sleeve and packaging ... I took a photograph of the album and its contents, and I just stared at it for 15 minutes. This was my album! I finally have the opportunity to share my work. That is a great feeling,” said Chew at the press conference for both his and Lin’s new Eps, which are self-funded but distributed by Ocean Butterflies Music.

He continued: “You have no idea how tough and how challenging it is (to chase our dreams in music). We need to face the realities of feeding ourselves, of everyday expenses. But at the end of the day, we are musicians, and there is this sense of stubbornness or perseverance. No matter what happens, at the end of the day, we pull ourselves together and face our challenges.”

Lin agreed, adding that the other challenge was overcoming doubt. “Throughout the years, we’ve had a lot of friends who have chosen different paths and you begin to wonder if you’ve chosen something right for yourself. Besides money, I think that was one of the biggest hurdles.”

In doing so, Chew and Lin have amassed many friends in the industry who have chipped in to help make their debut a success. The music video for their new single War, for example, features 50 cameos by fellow Singaporean talents, such as Lee Weisong, actor Andie Chen, as well as actresses Kate Pang and Sheila Sim. Actor-singer (and Chew’s army buddy) Nat Ho also lends his vocals to the song. The track is available on both EPs.

“You guys are on the right track,” Ho told Chew and Lin at the press conference. “It’s difficult making music, and Singaporeans don’t really support local singers. It’s strange, but local singers have to go overseas and prove themselves before fans here will support them. But the fact that you already have a product of your own is the first step. You can think about going abroad to learn more, and bring your knowledge back to Singapore.”

Jacky Chew’s eponymous EP, as well as Juno Lin’s Juno Uno are now available on iTunes and other digital platforms.