As I am typing this, I’m tuned into a Boiler Room mix of techno titan, Sven Väth. Perhaps, if I lived in a country which wasn’t savvy with party culture or gave zero hoots to quality, I would be forever watching Väth through a computer screen. Fortunately for me, Zouk has been responsible for bringing in this beloved DJ of mine on several occasions, turning my dreams of watching him live into reality. However, as you may have already heard, what ensued in Zouk recently was no dream, but a nightmare. Let me try to be as clear, concise, and unbiased as I can.
- Zouk invites big trance DJ from Egypt (Aly & Fila) who frequently performs at Zouk past contracted timing
- New owner introduces DJ to VIP guest (Malaysian PM’s son)
- DJ is asked by Zouk to perform with VIP as his set reaches end of contracted timing (3.30am)
- DJ refuses, continues to play past 3.30am for 15 minutes
- Zouk tells DJ to stop playing so VIP guest can play (not on line-up)
- DJ gets upset and delivers scathing not-PG message on microphone
- Crowd gets upset with Zouk
- Zouk delivers press statements that neither state full facts nor apologies
- Full facts revealed by said DJ two days after incident
I won’t deny it: having yet to issue an official apology and being vague while disclosing the facts, Zouk messed up. Everyone has a right to be cheesed off, most of all, the trance community who paid good money to watch the DJ perform for as long as possible – as he had for the past few years. By now, you must’ve spotted a salvo of derogatory remarks that’ve effectively dubbed the nightclub ‘public enemy numero uno’; the Internet is on fire as is the current terrain of Zouk.
It’s understandable to see why this PR disaster has been blown outta the water. Aside from the DJ snub and fury from paying patrons, a sticky political slant also exists due to the nature of the Malaysian VIP guest – echoed amongst Singaporean ‘patriots’ that are quick to fire rounds at the unwanted visitor (who btw, has a father who’s not particularly popular in his own country).
Then there’s the issue of the big shoes that need to be filled – following the departure of Zouk founder, Lincoln Cheng, who sold his baby last year to Genting Hong Kong (though also Malaysian in roots). Not only did Cheng run Zouk for over 20 years, the visionary is also highly respected amongst icons in the international music scene. I had the privilege of attending the International Music Summit in 2014, and to see leading figures like Pete Tong and Paul Oakenfold salute a fellow like Cheng, was absolutely jaw-dropping. Naturally, people didn’t want a purist like Cheng to leave. And now, punters finally have a reason to turn the new owner into a scapegoat.
As a Zouk raver myself who’s been clubbing there for the last 10 years, I’m not gleeful about this either. And I have no intentions whatsoever of quelling the critics and scenesters (and some, keyboard warriors who have probably never attended a party at Zouk) who continue to bombard the institution with scornful remarks, and rightfully so. But call me optimistic; somehow, I’ve a feeling in my gut that Zouk’s gonna survive this ordeal. Now hear me out before you start stoning me too.
It has turned Singapore into a thriving hub for dance music for over 20 years
Ask any EDM DJ or underground chieftain the one club they identify with Singapore – chances are, they’re gonna say Zouk. I have seen everything here – cheesy yet infectious Mambo Jambo, eyebrow-raising grinding at Phuture, the rise of electro when Steve Aoki was a nobody, indie gigs from The Rapture, even techno marathons from Chris Liebing. I’ve attended my fair share of ZoukOuts where I’ve vibed out to Richie Hawtin, Nina Kraviz, LCD Soundsystem and loads of other world-class acts. And also, I’ve seen Zouk sharpen and boost our very own homegrown acts like Daryl C, CATS ON CRACK, Zushan and Fzpz. My point is: Zouk has covered all the bases where music is concerned, and has thus built itself a credible reputation that’s gone global. Think of it this way… Do you disown a 20-year BFF who mistakenly betrays you, or do you give ’em a chance to redeem themselves?
It’s one of the few clubs in Singapore that has the budget to bring in big acts
Bringing in guest DJs is no cheap affair, with clubs often expected to pay for the artiste’s performance fee, flight, accommodation and then some. I spoke to Sofie Chandra, Zouk’s Head of Marketing and Events, a few years ago during my stint as a writer in a previous publication, and she told me that, when it comes to booking acts for ZoukOut, the budget for acquiring them alone is at least 1.5 million dollars. Regardless, Zouk has consistently roped in big-name acts week after week (go figure the math); this is something that its competition in the local commercial clubbing scene has yet to catch up to. As long as it maintains this budget for signing acts that ravers wanna see – and treats them with the respect they deserve – the clubbers will come… once they’re willing to forgive. Besides, if Zouk were out of the picture, is there anyone out there with the financial capacity to fill the lacuna?
It is run by people who give a crap
With Cheng passing the torch, the new owners definitely have to win the trust of the people. But as far as I know, Zouk has retained a lot of its old staff despite the transition, and these are people who I know care about the music, patrons and Zouk experience as a whole. From booking the right acts to taking care of customers, as long as the staff I know are able to do their jobs right, I’ll have one less thing to worry about.
It’s not the worst thing that’s ever happened to a club
For lack of a better word, sh*t-storm is probably the best way to describe Zouk’s current predicament. But y’know, other clubs have suffered some pretty brutal scuffs as well, yet live to tell the tale. Take the famous Fabric in London for example – it faced closure after a slew of drug-related deaths; it’s still fine. People feared the demise of Ibiza’s Pacha after a new owner stepped in (sound familiar?) when 13-year brand director, Danny Whittle, left; Pacha is still peachy. And even in our own backyard, there were dubious proclamations of fights at Attica and kyō; they’re still one of our fave spots to hang out. If these clubs can survive, I suspect Zouk can too. Besides, no one was hurt in this crisis – maybe only feelings.
It will blow over like most things in life
This goes back to the public enemy mentality; people like to stir up controversy when they believe they have the right to do so. And given the speed of news travelling thanks to social media, this mass-shaming spread like wildfire. But I’ve come to realise that this works both ways; this too will dissipate once another hoo-hah rears its ugly head into the spotlight. In due time, this blotch will be forgotten, but I’m not saying it’ll be as easily forgiven – the ball is now in Zouk’s court.
To end off, I figured I’d speak with people in the scene to get their thoughts, starting with Maurice Simon, a DJ who’s made a name for himself outside of Zouk despite performing there in the past.
“The tendency to view this moment in Zouk’s history as a watershed is only felt when disregarding the club’s history and vision for its future. Framed in that context, I know that Zouk recognises the importance of its fraternity with its tribe, and that it will now not hesitate to hurl itself deeper and more gracefully into its art. Zouk will cultivate a successful future because I think it realises that it is swept up in something bigger than itself, and because the connection with its community is now more visible and important than ever”.
And while a lot of that community seems to be up in arms against the club, there are still some punters who remain hopeful.
Nightlife regular, Pamela Ng, speaks, “In all honesty, I don’t know if Zouk will be fine. Clubs change, managements change, and music tastes change. But Zouk has a special place in my heart, ’cos it was one of the first places that exposed me to proper electronic music, and I really respect the Zouk team for balancing bringing in credible acts and catering to the crowds”.
I, myself, take this all with a pinch of salt, despite my prior reasoning. Zouk does have the means and reputation to redeem itself; it just needs to be more sensitive and transparent with the patrons and artistes who’ve made it the powerhouse that it is today. People have been asking for an apology; I don’t deny that’s a good place to start. Following that, I’d like to give Zouk the benefit of the doubt, and hope that they know very well not to pull off another PR catastrophe like this.
Once bitten, twice shy, right? We’ll wait and see, Zouk.
