Adding to Clarke Quay’s reputation as a booming entertainment hub, South East Asia’s leading omnichannel music retailer Swee Lee now joins the burgeoning list of lifestyle offerings that line the bustling streets.
Situated right next to the newly-opened FairPrice Finest, the freshest and swankiest addition to the Swee Lee family eases itself into a former warehouse that covers over 500sq m of space, drawing music revellers in to immerse themselves in a space where retail and community converge – the true mark of a Swee Lee store. This dynamic environment presents visitors with the opportunity to relish all aspects of the music scene, beyond just purchasing quality instruments.
Start by awakening your senses with an aromatic cup of Swee Lee’s special coffee blend, Rhythm, or have a pick from the lineup of exclusive cocktails crafted by World’s 50 Best Bar honoree Employees Only. A full fare of tipples, caffeine – curated by homegrown Flip Coffee Roasters – and bites like the Caramelised Banana Waffles and Chilli Crab Dip serve as accompaniment while your vinyl record of choice spins at one of the 10 sleek Vinyl Listening Stations. With a vast library of over 500 vinyl records that spans genres and generations, there’s definitely more than enough to soundtrack multiple cups of coffee.
At the heart of the boutique is the Great Hall, a versatile lounge that transitions into an intimate performance venue by night. The multi-purpose hall is set to emulate the warmth of a luxurious yet cosy living space, fit to showcase both emerging and established artists alike. Frequent shows and events are in the cards for Swee Lee, with upcoming live music series like NME’s Girls To The Front to get amped up about.
Straying from the activity in the epicentre, the Artist Lounge is a plush sanctuary for creatives seeking a jam session with extra legroom. The chamber is outfitted with soundproof walls, a vinyl player and an excellent sound system, making for the ideal recording nook, private instrument testing quarters or content creation room for local and touring artists.
The Artist Lounge directly leads into the Guitar Cellar which houses an impressive array of the finest six-strings available for purchase. Lining the walls of the cellar are replicas of some of the most legendary instruments in history that will catch the eye (and ears) of any melomaniac, including the Jerry Garcia Alligator Stratocaster and PRS Private Stock John McLaughlin.
As with most Swee Lee outlets, it is the broad assortment of guitars, music gear and accessories that make up the staple of the brand, and the retail range on display at its latest venture delivers beyond expectations. Uncertain if a particular product is suitable for your musical needs? Be sure to swing by the Creator Corner for a hands-on feel of various studio essentials before you bring them home.
The store hosts over 150 of the most renowned brands in the industry, with equipment and instruments across major names like Fender, Taylor, MONO and Roland, amongst others, available for sale on-site, or for pick-up at the Click and Collect counter, where online orders will be ready for collection within two hours.
Swee Lee Clarke Quay is located at 3B River Valley Road, Singapore 179021. For more information, go to sweelee.com.sg.