You’ve got to get out to one or both of these events – this is exactly what Singapore needs in spades.
We already gave you the lowdown on Singapore’s newest platform for PLAY and PARTY, but we had a taste Thursday night of what’s to come, and had to share.
This was the intro to the two very different underground projects that will be staged on two consecutive Fridays – February 6 and 13. The first is a screening of a very unusual and poignant documentary, Our Hobby is Depeche Mode, which turns the spotlight on Depeche Mode fans around the world and reminds us how music unites us and shapes our identity.
Not a fan of Depeche Mode? Not really the point. The film represents the purpose of The Henderson Project: to explore the fringe, promote dialogue, creativity, self expression, play, party and provide a platform for artists to be seen and heard, and to collaborate. And why the hell not?
Nothing feeds the soul like live performance – and the treatment of the venue creates a cool basement vibe. Words of welcome to the opening event by originator Tracy Phillips and an inspiring curator’s statement by her collaborators, the adorable Selena Tan and husband John Pok of Dream Academy, were chased by Marc Nair’s entertaining and thought-provoking poetry recital. A set by L.A.B with vocalist Michaela Therese – also on keyboard, brought soul to the raw but thrilling acoustic of the space. The final lyric of the set will ring devastatingly loud in your ears: ‘my spirit can be put to better use.’ Hmmm.
This project is an invitation to listen, contemplate, appreciate, and then party into the night to the beats of DJ Aldrin, and DJ collective Matteblacc.
The subsequent instalment, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, is a night of art, poetry, rhymes, beats, brass and hip hop. Seven-piece London hip hop band Lazy Habits will perform live alongside The Sam Willow’s Benjamin Kheng (in word not song) and Michaela Theresa.
Go ahead and like The Henderson Project facebook page to stay posted. Buy your tickets ASAP. The first project is sold out except for a few tickets to the 7pm screening on Friday. It’s rumoured there will be an extra screening on Saturday 7 February.
Hot tip: if you want your make-up done for the event and party – a la Depeche Mode, get along to the M.A.C counter at Ngee Ann City or Bugis where the staff are briefed and will be standing by to beautify.
Whatever happens in that dark room, you’ll leave waving your hands in the air like you just don’t care. Could be that Dave Gahan or the whisky sour got to you. Encore!