Like clockwork, Singapore hardly sleeps. Convenience stores and food outlets run through the night, fueling our stomachs with a gamut of food options. But when it comes to play, our choices seem limited because of the way music is marketed and sold. On average, for every 10 emails we get from PR companies pushing big brands, commercial sounds or Billboard Top 40 hits, we get one release presenting us an alternative.
This week, we are showered with a solid musical lineup: Papa Sven at Zouk (30 Jan), Grimes, Cvhrches and more at Laneway (30 Jan); and to top that off, a whole dollop of underground sounds. These are our top picks.
FRI, 29 JAN FROM 7PM: RED-LIGHT SPECIAL
Blaccsmith, brains behind the intergalactic Space Halloween pop-up, is bringing the funk to Chinatown at an unused shophouse basement this Friday.
With sounds from Mugic, Subdotlime, DJ Borhead, DJ JNR and Tech Quiero, it will set your musical palette buzzing from boogie, house and techno beats. Tirso, aka DJ JNR sums up their intention perfectly:
The whole premise of this party is that we wanted to go against the grain.
Come with your best pair of dancing shoes and cash for drinks. RSVP here, and see you at these coordinates: 1.278917,103.841222.
SAT, 30 JAN FROM 10PM: THE COUNCIL & MIDNIGHT SHIFT
The Council is a “political party” with a manifesto that they plan to execute on a regular basis. There’s no room for unsavoury agendas here, all they aim to do is to show you a good time.
Cats on Crack, their mewsical mastermind, is one who embraces alternative music with gusto. You might have seen her at ZoukOut, eclectic parties on rooftops, or spearheading parties that bus people off to a Destination Unknown.
Midnight Shift has gained traction in the techno and house spheres for their uncompromising sonic picks. The homegrown label has previously released sounds from heavyweights such as Recondite, Deetron, Eddie Niguel and more.
On their main roster this Saturday is local hero Xhin (pronounced “Sheen”), purveyor of IDM, and one who graced a Boiler Room set. And Tzusing, a sound futurist known for making waves in Shanghai at The Shelter by experimenting with “darker elements of dance music”.
Supporting deck duties are by FAL:X who shuttles between Singapore and Spain, Haan resident DJ at Kyo and Adam Frohgyar captain behind One Big Family. Go with an open mind, who knows what you might find.
The Council’s First Meeting: No voting is required to get involved. RSVP here, for complimentary entry before 11.30pm. Entry after 11.30pm: $10 with a welcome shot. Complimentary entry if you flash your Laneway Festival wristband.
Midnight Shift at Club Kyo: RSVP here, for complimentary entry before 12.30am.
Featured image credits: The Council
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