Neon Lights, Keith Ape, and many local bands are gracing stages all over Singapore in November, for thrilling shows that will rock your socks off
Still unsure how to get savvy with the local underground scene? Well, you’re in luck this month. In November’s Big Gigs, plenty of DIY homegrown bands are making their mark through indie-rock, hardcore, electronica and even avant-garde, in concerts that would make you shake and shimmy. But it’s not all small-scale gigs (or dance parties) in the month ahead; we also highlight huge spectaculars like the Neon Lights Festival, and an open-air concept at Old Kallang Airport. Excited yet? So are we.
Keith Ape: 4 November at Canvas
Opening its riverside space for a rare live show instead of its usual club nights, Canvas welcomes South Korean hip-hop phenomenon, Keith Ape. If you’ve been running with the hypebeast circles and keeping locked into your trap trends, you would’ve definitely come across the viral hit, “It G Ma”, that even got the remix treatment with global hip-hop champs like A$AP Ferg and Waka Flocka Flame. As the kids would say it, this show gon’ be absolutely lit.
Jameson x Canvas Presents Keith Ape, 4 November, Canvas, #B1-01/06 The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Road, Singapore 058416. Tickets available here.
Circular Spectacular!: 5 November at Circular Road
Haji Lane and Amoy Street aren’t the only hip alleys in town! Just off the edges of Clarke Quay is Circular Road, and we hear a massive street carnival is raiding it with revelries. Part of the Singapore River Festival this year, this block party will feature reggae firecracker Masia One with backing band Reggae Remedy, experimental dubtronica outfit Wobology, world music wanderers Flame of the Forest, and even the exotic vibes of the Ireson Latin Band. Roving artists, capoeira dancers, interactive light art installations, and even activities for the kiddos put a cherry on top of this street treat.
Circular Spectacular!, 5 November, 57 Circular Road, Singapore 049412. Free entry.
Pandarocketship x The Music Parlour Presents #4: 19 November at The Music Parlour
Alternative local bands are all over the scene if you know where to look, and this is one gig series that continually plucks out these diamonds in the rough. In this fourth edition, expect a loud, raucous marathon of twists and turns – grubby garage-rockers Knightingale, dancefloor-friendly indie-rockers The Neptune Waves, the alt-rock aggression of Long Live The Empire, and jesterly emo throwbackers Xingfoo & Roy.
Pandarocketship x The Music Parlour Presents #4, 19 November, The Music Parlour, #04-20 Peninsula Shopping Centre, 3 Coleman Street, Singapore 179804. Tickets available at door at $10.
Fiesta del Loco: 19 November at Red Baron
We’re always stumbling upon unusual parties and gigs at Gillman Barracks’ Red Baron, and this happens to be one fiesta that’s mad for Mexican culture. Titled No Way, José!, this Mexican-themed jamboree is having a flea market from 2pm to 8pm where you can dig up rare antiques and vintage goods, tacos and burritos fresh from the kitchen, and a sprightly lineup of local bands like ska veterans Cesspit, psychedelic upstarts Bakers In Space and punk punchers Poetic Tragedies.
Fiesta del Loco: No Way, José!, 19 November, Red Baron, 45 Malan Road, Singapore 109455. Free entry.
One Solid Day Out: 19 November at Old Kallang Airport
Our favourite gigs are the ones that you don’t expect to happen, which is what makes this pop-up party so darn extraordinary in our books. Essentially, an elite ensemble of local DJs and musicians havecome together to throw a full-day jamboree on the derelict, gritty grounds of the Old Kallang Airport, exuding the spontaneous and guerilla vibe of an open-air festival – a concept that’s extremely rare in Singapore. Two main stages will cater to all sorts of punters: the Solid Gold Stage focuses more on hip-hop, bass and soul music, with selectors like DJ KoFlow, alongside local label ambassadors like Kiat and Intriguant from Syndicate, and Funk Bast*rd and William J from Darker Than Wax; while the the One Stage features a bevy of veteran house and techno acts, including headliner Aldrin, and other scene stalwarts like Mr. Has, Oliver Osborne, TrevD, Zig Zach and more. Also turning up the heat will be live musicians (such as Campfire and Sam Rui), breakdancers, graffiti artists and loads more to keep you stoked all day.
One Solid Day Out, 19 November, Old Kallang Airport, 9 Stadium Link, Singapore 397750. Tickets available here.
Avantguitar: 22 November at Artistry
If your guitar-playing prowess transcends banal power chords and plucking along to “Seven Nation Army” over and over again, you might be interested in this meeting of masters. Presented by Ujikaji Records, this gig celebrates the guitar as an instrument of art, and has assembled real-life guitar heroes for disparate experimental showcases that borrow elements from folk to post-rock, and even jazz. Joining maestros from Denmark and Indonesia will be Singapore’s very own Dharma, best known as the former guitarist of avant-garde band, The Observatory.
Ujikaji Presents Avantguitar, 22 November, Artistry, 17 Jalan Pinang, Singapore 199149. Tickets available at door at $15 ($10 for students/seniors/unemployed).
FLOW Album Launch by SA: 24 November at Aliwal Arts Centre
When it comes to local bands who truly bend the trend, SA is one collective that leaves us speechless every time. Combining traditional instruments like the Chinese dizi (flute) and guzheng (harp) and the Australian aboriginal didgeridoo with futuristic electronic effects, SA seamlessly forges audial journeys in their instrumental sets, and with the launch of their new album FLOW, they’re embarking on yet another one. With abstract, cascading textures and thrilling unpredictability, this concert isn’t just about music; this is art.
FLOW Album Launch by SA, 24 November, Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918. Tickets available here.
Bruised Willies: 26 November at Lithe House
We’re stoked for this gig for two reasons: it showcases the pugnacious rise of this punk-fuelled supergroup (comprising members from local hardcore bands like The Caulfield Cult, Abolition A.D. and To Hell With You), and it’s a mosh sesh that’s happening at the newly reopened Lithe House, a music studio/performance space with a legacy that many scenesters hold dear. Bruised Willies will be launching their new record with plenty of sharp-edged, distortion-bleeding gusto, alongside openers Forests and Long Live The Empire for extra firepower.
Bruised Willies, 26 November, Lithe House, 23 Madras Street, Singapore 208418. Tickets available at door at $10.
Neon Lights Festival: 26-27 November at Fort Canning
Definitely the biggest gig of the month, this two-day indie festival has dropped a huge bombshell on the indie scene, roping in a star-studded lineup that would make grown hipsters cry. Joining the headlining ranks of Foals and Sigur Rós, are ‘gothtronica’ rebels Crystal Castles, chill-wave cruiser Neon Indian, r&b crooner Blood Orange, and singer-songwriters Shura, Lucy Rose, and The Tallest Man On Earth. As for local loves, this fest shines the spot(neon)light on Cashew Chemists, Disco Hue, .gif, Linying and Gentle Bones.
Neon Lights Festival 2016, 26-27 November, Fort Canning, 51 Canning Rise, Singapore 179618. Tickets available here.