It’s practically still the beginning of 2016, and the nightlife scene in Singapore is already out in full force! From free, al fresco shindigs in conjunction with Singapore Art Week, to top-notch raves at some of the best clubs in Singapore – these are the parties to be seen at this month.
Tropical Temple: 15 Jan @ Blu Jaz Café
They say music is the universal language of the world; immerse yourself in this temple of cosmopolitan earworms, and you’ll instantly perceive that to be true. Within one eclectic jam session at the Tropical Temple, you’ll feel wanderlusty as you shake to the Shangaan of Africa, twirl to the soca of Trinidad and Tobago, and even frolic to the exotic Baile of Brazil. No need to pack your bags with you; just your dance moves. Tunes by Yadin, Kusto and Bhayology.
Tropical Temple: Año Nuevo Edition, 15 January, Blu Jaz Café, 11 Bali Lane, Singapore 189848, p. 6292 3800. $5 for entry.
Jacky Murda: 16 Jan @ Koi Brunch + Beats
A treat for the junglists! Jacky Murda represents the Chopstick Dubplate Crew from the UK, with a frenzied set that fuses the jerky rhythms of drum & bass and the languorous slurs of reggae. And he even endorses a hybrid genre called ‘future jungle’, which experiments with the wubbiness of dubstep. He’ll be getting a helping hand from Adonis and Gonzo (KiloWatt Soundsystem) and Anna Matronic (Under The Bridge).
Jacky Murda, 16 January, Koi Brunch + Beats, Lvl 3, 8B Circular Road, Singapore 049364, p. 9790 7535. $10 for entry.
Eyes To The Front Pool Party: 16 Jan @ Sofitel So Singapore
As the monsoon season begins to bid us adieu, we could definitely do with some splashing in the sun! Never mind the beach; here’s one of the trendiest pool parties in the most glamorous hotels in the CBD. Yet despite the classiness, you can be sure to expect riotous house selections from Brendon P, Maurice Simon, and Oliver Osborne who will be accompanied by Leonardo on electric winds.
Eyes To The Front Pool Party, 16 January, Sofitel So Sinapore, 35 Robinson Road, Singapore 068876, p. 6701 6800. $10 for entry, arrive before 4pm for one complimentary drink.
Aliwal Urban Art Festival 2016: 16 Jan @ Aliwal Arts Centre
One of the big bashes to kick off the Singapore Art Week, the Aliwal Urban Art Festival is one spirited tradition that always gets us fidgety. Proving to be no different this year, this rebellious jamboree will soundtrack workshops and art exhibitions with live music from Cesspit, Dru Chen, Take Two. But if you’re looking for more guerrilla-style spontaneity, adjourn to the Aliwal Street carpark as its get taken over by bass DJs like FZPZ, Fauxe and Jaydah.
Aliwal Urban Art Festival 2016, 16 January, Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918, p. 6435 0131. No cover charge.
The Courtyard: 22 Jan @ Singapore Art Museum
Also part of the Singapore Art Week, this chummy collaboration between SAM and W Singapore is one al fresco revelry that features the elites of the local dance scene. Whether you’re vibing to the smooth house bumpers of EJ Missy, the solemn tech-house picks of Haan or the relentless techno of Mr. Has, you won’t ever feel like stopping as you shimmy under the moonlight.
SAM x W Singapore: The Courtyard, 22 January, 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555, p. 6589 9580. No cover charge.>
Art After Dark: 22 Jan @ Gillman Barracks
Lest you’re looking for an alternative to the aforementioned Courtyard party, Art After Dark is one eye-opening fixture that’s returning to Gillman Barracks, just in time for Singapore Art Week. With artists showcasing radical pop-up works and exhibits, we expect blitzes of sensory overloads. Helping to set the tone of the evening will be live music from Noise Singapore’s alumni, and underground DJs helming the decks of Red Baron ’til late.
Art After Dark, 22 January, Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108793. No cover charge.
Sub City: 23 Jan @ 50 Cuscaden Road
It’s indeed like a jungle sometimes in our hustling metropolis, so why not combat the fast-paced maelstrom of working life with these turbo-charged beats? These UK-rooted jungle and drum & bass grooves will have you dusting off the ennui faster than you can say, “Any jungle in, guy?”. Selectors include Kiat, Senja, Jaydah, Presha, Bangkok’s Azek, and Kane on mic duties.
Sub City, 23 January, #03-01, 50 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249724, p. 6235 5232. $15 for entry, includes one complimentary drink.
French Kiwi Juice: 29 Jan @ The Powder Room
Aside from the jazzy reprieve you can cruise into at The Powder Room, this ritzy vintage establishment is also known for hosting The Lo & Behold Group’s signature brand of nu-disco ditties. Exemplifying this ethos at the end of the month is this sensual, dreadlocked Parisian; a Roche Musique labelmate who effortlessly blends buoyant basslines with velvety beats. You think that’s sexy? Just wait ’til you hear him sing!
French Kiwi Juice, 29 January, The Powder Room, 19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704, p. 8181 3305. $38 for early bird and $42 at the door, both include two complimentary drinks.
Para//el Presents Sven Väth: 29 Jan @ Zouk
Some call him the German Godfather of techno, or the head honcho of Cocoon Records; we, however, prefer to refer to him affectionately as Papa Sven. Despite being past the age of 50, Väth is still renowned for his ferocious, rolling 30-hour sets, and is one cult figure you have to catch before Zouk shifts location later this year. Word of advice: rest up before this one!
Para//el Presents Sven Väth, 29 January, Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim Street, Singapore 169420, p. 6738 2988. $28 for ladies and $33 for men, both include two complimentary drinks.
Midnight Shift: 30 Jan @ kyō
One of our favourite labels from SG is throwing its first party of the year! If international veterans like Deetron and Recondite trust the tastes and credibility of Midnight Shift, then surely you can too when its curates a night featuring some of the most cutting-edge decksters in the region. Highlights include the industrial and Italo-infused sounds of Shanghai-based TZUSING, and the brooding, shadowy techno of our very own Boiler Room alumnus, XHIN.
Midnight Shift Feat. XHIN & TZUSING, 30 January, kyō, 133 Cecil Street, Singapore 069535, p. 8299 8735. $20 for ladies and $25 for men, both include one complimentary drink.