Mew, DIIV, Gregory Porter, Lucy Rose, and all the F1 concerts – the music scene for September is definitely revving up
Start your engines, concert-chasers. The month promises more heavyweight gigs and local underground showcases for music fans from all camps – dream-pop, jazz, folk and even reggae. In particular: Mew makes a grand comeback, Dashboard Confessional stirs emotions in the emo grown-ups, and we even get a throwback concert from pop icons, Michael Learns To Rock. And we haven’t even talked about all the F1 gigs yet! Where will you be rocking out?
Michael Learns To Rock: 2 September at Singapore Indoor Stadium
If there’s one band in your childhood that taught you how to love pop music, it’s Michael Learns To Rock. Household names from Denmark, MLTR dominated the pop charts of the ’90s with karaoke-friendly tunes like “Sleeping Child”, “Paint My Love”, and “25 Minutes”. Ready to go back in time?
Michael Learns To Rock Eternal Asia Tour, 2 September, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397691. Tickets available here.
Mew: 3 September at School of the Arts
When it comes to theatrical bands you must see live, Mew is undoubtedly one of the greatest. These great Danes are responsible for stadium-filling anthems like “Special”, “Am I Wry? No”, and the colossal “Comforting Sounds” which straddles the line between dream-pop and post-rock. They’ll be touring their seventh album, Visuals, which has continued to cement their legacy as an enduring fan favourite; and yes, Jonas Bjerre’s high-residing vocals still sounds as cherub as ever.
Symmetry Entertainment presents Mew, 3 September, School of the Arts, 1 Zubir Said Drive, Singapore 227968. Tickets available here.
Rootikal Jam: 8 September at Artistry
The Rastafari movement continues to flourish in Singapore thanks to the Dub Skank’in Hifi Soundsystem crew. Aside from the usual reggae, rocksteady and ska selections you’ll find at their Rootikal Jam series, this edition will feature Indonesia’s Kunokini, that combine quintessential Jamaican grooves with traditional Indonesian music. Can you think of a more righteous mash-up?
Rootikal Jam, 8 September, Artistry, 17 Jalan Pinang, Singapore 199149. $5 at door.
The Great Singapore Replay: 9 September at Clarke Quay Central
Essentially, this pop-up project is a time machine that transports ardent listeners into an era of Singapore music that many have forgotten – a time of triumph for Goldies-crooner Shirley Nair (and The Silver Strings), the alt-rock of Humpback Oak, and the glossy indie-rock of Serenaide. Selected by public voting, these anthems from the 1960s to the 2000s will be reinterpreted by modern-day musicians – including .gif, Charlie Lim, Jasmine Sokko and more.
The Great Singapore Replay by Noise Singapore, 9 September, Clarke Quay Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore 059817. For more information about voting and prizes up for grabs, visit this website.
Typewriter EP Launch: 9 September at Esplanade Annexe Studio
The kids are alright, but trust the veteran musos if you’re looking for a band that really knows how to rock. Typewriter is an indie-rock band made up of stalwarts from the local music scene, from renowned bands such as The Padres, Electrico, Shelves and more. Proof that they still got it, they’re launching their new EP titled What You’re Feeling Is Not Enough, with supporting performances from Lost Weekend and Tiko Disko.
Typewriter What You’re Feeling Is Not Enough EP Launch, 9 September, Esplanade Annexe Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981. Tickets available here.
Dashboard Confessional: 9 September at D’Marquee
This gig is, hands down, nostalgia central. Emo-rockers from yesteryear, Dashboard Confessional, make their way back to Singapore on September 9 at D’Marquee at Downtown East, and this time as a full band. The last two times, only frontman Chris Carrabba was presentto perform the band’s greatest hits like “Vindicated” and “Stolen” for acoustic sets.
Dashboard Confessional, 9 September, D’Marquee, 1 Pasir Ris Close, Downtown East, Singapore 519599. Tickets available here.
Music Matters Live: 9 – 12 September at CHIJMES
Why catch one musical act when you can let loose to the music of more than 40 artists from 12 countries over four days? Music Matters Live teams up with Apple Music for the ultimate independent music festival in Singapore. #supportlocal with stellar roster of talented artists like Ffion, M1ld L1fe, Sam Rui and Tabitha Nauser, and discover new music by international bands at CHIJMES, as well as the various Timbre Music venues, CANVAS and Hard Rock Cafe.
Music Matters Live 2017, 9-12 September, happening at multiple locations across CHIJMES, Canvas, and Timbre establishments. For more information on acts, dates and timing, visit its official website.
DIIV: 10 September at The Pavilion at Far East Square
In a soundscape saturated with electronica, these Brooklynites stand out with their guitars. The prolific pet project of Zachary Cole Smith, DIIV is aptly a carefree dive into the hazy, lackadaisical soundtrack of summer road-trips, lifted by an elegant cacophony of reverb-soaked guitars and echo-y vocals.
Symmetry Entertainment presents DIIV, 10 September, The Pavilion, #01-01 Far East Square, 28 China Street, Singapore 049570. Tickets available here.
FKJ: 13 September at Kilo Lounge
If you’re all about soulful electronic beats, then French multi-instrumentalist, FKJ (French Kiwi Juice) is your man. A top act in the Parisian house scene, FKJ has collaborated with British singer Tom Misch and American jazz musician Masego, and even performed at this year’s Coachella festival. Get ready to move to the groove at Kilo Lounge as FKJ drop beats off his latest self-titled album.
Collective Mind Presents FKJ, 13 September, Kilo Lounge, 21 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Singapore 088444. Tickets available here.
F1 Concerts: 15-17 September at Marina Bay Street Circuit
Expect more loud noises beyond the tracks, as F1 is once again graced with an extraordinary ensemble of international musicians. Aside from pop star Ariana Grande (16 Sep) and the soulful Lianne La Havas (15-16 Sep), The Chainsmokers (16 Sep) will also be coming ‘closer’ to you this F1. And if you’re hungry (like a wolf) for more, you won’t want to miss the legendary Duran Duran (16-17 Sep). Other big namesperforming during the F1 include Calvin Harris (17 Sep), OneRepublic (15 Sep), Seal (17 Sep), and George The Poet (16-17 Sep).
For more information and tickets on the concerts, check out this website.
The Podium Lounge: 15-17 September
This is another ritzy F1 affair; besides rubbing shoulders with who’s who of Asia’s elite party scene, this year’s edition will have you dancing the night away as model-singer Pixie Geldof (15 September), R&B singer Macy Gray (17 September), rapper Coolio (16 Sep) and former Ferrari F1 driver-turned-DJ Giancarlo Fishichella take the stage.
The Podium Lounge, 15 to 17 September, 10pm ‘till late, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, The Grand Ballroom, Level 1, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799.
The Caulfield Cult’s Final Show: 16 September at SLED Productions x Decline
When it comes to one of the most hardworking bands in the local scene, The Caulfield Cult trumps the competition, having toured all over the world with their bellicose, gut-wrenching post-hardcore sound. But all good things must come to an end, as they now take their final bow with this ferocious farewell gig. They’ll be supported by Cavalcades from UK, Social Circuit from Malaysia, and the homegrown False Plaintiff and Tapestry.
The Burial of The Caulfield Cult, 16 September, SLED Productions x Decline, 37 Geylang Lorong 23, Singapore 388371. $20 at door.
Lucy Rose Cinema Tour: 18 September at The Projector
What’s better than a movie about music? One with an intimate, post-film concert. And when it comes to intimacy, Lucy Rose is a songbird who coos with poise and charm. Back in Singapore with her folk-inspired numbers, Rose reveals a screening of her documentary which captured her debut in Latin America. Your reward for watching her milestone? A warm, fuzzy showcase from Rose and her bandmates.
Symmetry Entertainment presents Lucy Rose Cinema Tour, 18 September, The Projector, #05-00 Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road, Singapore 199589. Tickets available here.
Gregory Porter: 29 September at Capitol Theatre
The art of jazz is easy to appreciate, but difficult to master – and then you have virtuosos who make it look like a cakewalk like Gregory Porter. The two-time Grammy winner makes his return to the SING JAZZ stage after his triumphant gig in 2014, performing at the grandiose, revamped Capitol Theatre. The charismatic baritone will be accompanied by a motley crew of jazz musicians, so expect a masterclass out of this one.
SING JAZZ presents Gregory Porter, 29 September, Capitol Theatre, 11 Stamford Road, Singapore 178884. Tickets available here.
Ethel Yap: 29 September at Practice Space
Heard of singer-songwriter, Ethel Yap? The Singaporean songstress was mentored by one of Asia’s top guitarist, Randolf Arriola, in 2015’s edition of the Noise Music Mentorship, and has been churning acoustic tunes of her own. Supported by the National Arts Council, she is set to release her debut self-titled EP on 29 September with a captivating performance at Practice Space along with opening act, Zeeaura. Prepare to be swooned.
Ethel Yap EP Launch, 29 September, Practice Space, The Theatre Practice, 54 Waterloo St, Singapore 187953. Tickets available here.
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