It’s dance parties galore this September: F1 after-parties, club anniversaries, block parties, and raves featuring the best local DJs in Singapore
We weren’t kidding when we told you in our concerts of the month feature that September would be a marathon of music, and these best raves in town are testament to that. F1 after-parties, international label showcases, club anniversaries and even the return of local heroes – these hip happenings in town should be on your radar if you’re craving a dancey night out.
Escape 56: 2 Sep at Aliwal Arts Centre
Teaming up with Jagermeister, Zig Zach (party hustler and house/tech-house DJ) has just introduced a new concept dubbed Escape 56. From the clubs to the cultural hubs of Kampong Glam, Escape 56 will take over the event space of Aliwal Arts Centre for one night only, featuring a stellar homegrown line-up and even local films for pre-rave entertainment. More deets in our full feature.
Escape 56, 2 September, 7pm-3am, Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918. $30 for film screening at Escape 56, $25 for Escape 56 only, $15 for film screening only. Tickets available on WAAVE.
Good Times Feat. Revision Music 1st Anniversary: 2 Sep at Blu Jaz Café
Fresh off Good Times’ eighth birthday in August, another scene promoter teams up with the former to ring in its first anniversary. Helmed by power couple, Senja and Rah, Revision Music is their musical brainchild that pumps out jungle, footwork, hip-hop and other low-end rumblers of the electronic spectrum. Joined by like-minded guest selectors, iyer from Phyla and Young Spice from Potatoheadz, this special edition of Good Times will be one birthday revelry that bass addicts will dig.
Good Times Feat. Revision Music 1st Anniversary, 2 September, Blu Jaz Café, 11 Bali Lane, Singapore 189848, p. 6292 3800. $5 at door.
Locked Groove & Ed Davenport: 3 Sep at kyō
Another big, beat-brimmed night in the basement with not one, but two powerhouses in the tech-house and techno industry. Belgium’s Locked Groove and UK’s Ed Davenport give the kyō decks a whirl with tunes that entrance and energise; representing the Berlin-based Sweat Lodge label that also supports the likes of Mano Le Tough and Hunter/Game. Sophisticated, synth-driven, star-powered – this double set will be one to remember.
Sweat Lodge Showcase Feat. Locked Groove & Ed Davenport: 3 September, kyō, 133 Cecil Street, Singapore 069535, p. 8299 8735. $20 for ladies and $25 for men, both include one complimentary drink.
The Council Presents Kaiser Souzai: 8 Sep at Headquarters by The Council
We’ve already declared that Headquarters by The Council is the hippest club in Singapore today, and if you’re still latching on to some doubts, you’ll be convinced once you make a date with these comeback crusaders. Berlin’s Kaiser Souzai returns to The Council for more unwavering house and techno that hardcore ravers would eat up.
The Council Presents Kaiser Souzai, 8 September, Headquarters by The Council, 66 Boat Quay, Singapore 049854. Buy first drink at $20 to enter.
Darker Than Wax Feat. Silo: 10 Sep at Kult Kafé
When this local label plugs someone from their roster, it’s definitely someone worth a listen. Despite its humble, homegrown origins, Darker Than Wax boasts a remarkable ensemble of international talents that other indie imprints would envy. Belgium’s Silo gets a rare Singapore showcase in September, squeezing out the luscious likes of gooey soul, amorous r&b and tender trap. He will be opened by label chieftain, Funk Bast*rd, and labelmate, Rah.
Darker Than Wax Feat. Silo, 10 September, Kult Kafé, 11 Upper Wilkie Road, Singapore 228120. Free entry.
The Shuffle: 10 Sep at Koi Izakaya
Vintage stores and trendy bars aside, Haji Lane is also one of our fave hangouts for its pop-up street parties. Returning from a brief hiatus, The Shuffle series launches its second season with Zouk veteran Jeremy Boon and CÉ LA VI resident Brendon P, for an alfresco bash that can dish out anything from smooth house to kinky disco. Trust us: with these two scene icons on the decks, you won’t be able to resist shuffling under the stars.
The Shuffle, 10 September, Koi Izakaya, 9 Haji Lane, Singapore 189202. Free entry.
Ultra Music Festival 2016: 10-11 Sep at Ultra Park
Further fortifying the notion that Singapore is becoming a blooming mecca for commercial EDM, it’s recently been announced that we’re getting the full-blown edition of Ultra Music Festival on our shores! Amongst its huge array of acts, top dogs include Above & Beyond, Alesso, ZHU, Kygo, deadmau5 and loads more. For more deets, get hyped with our full feature.
Ultra Music Festival 2016, 10-11 September, Ultra Park, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971. For tickets prices, click here.
District Feat. Lily’s Rose: 16 Sep at CATO
A homecoming for scene heroes, Lily’s Rose – techno devotees, Debbie Chia and Kavan Spruyt, who are now both based in Berlin – this fortnightly techno series is looking more wicked and whacked-out than ever. Back from a hiatus, this night will be assuredly teeming with overblown beats and harsh synths that aren’t for tame punters. Lily’s Rose will be supported by Yazyd and Muddy.
District Feat. Lily’s Rose, 16 September, CATO, 237 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058786, p. 8299 6434. No cover charge.
Afterburner Series: 16 & 17 Sep at kyō
The last time kyō threw their Afterburner party series for the F1 festivities, they brought down the elite talents of Tim Sweeney and Agoria. And thankfully, the series drifts into 2016 with just as much high-octane, housey action. Day One reps the region with Indonesia’s Nandi and Malaysia’s Victor G, while Day Two busts out the big guns with Sebastien Léger all the way from France. Perfect if you’re looking for a post-F1 underground gig.
Afterburner Series, 16 & 17 September, kyō, 133 Cecil Street, Singapore 069535, p. 8299 8735. $20 for ladies and $25 for men, both include one complimentary drink.
Luminous Feat. Marko Liv: 17 Sep at Attica
Arguably Clarke Quay’s most iconic club amongst seasoned party animals and nightlife newbies, Attica is, unsurprisingly, another hot contender on your F1 after-party list. Not only will they have prog-house upstart and Ibiza resident, Marko Liv, headlining this rave, but there will also be race-themed fringe activities that will see if you’re champ material. Can you beat Attica’s race queens in a pop-up arcade race game? Start your party engines and find out.
Luminous Feat. Marko Liv, 17 September, Attica, 3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, #01-03, Singapore 179020, p. 6333 9973. Entry is $30 (incl. two drinks).
Amber Lounge: 17 & 18 Sep at Temasek Reflection
Trust us: it doesn’t get any glitzier than this. Boasting illustrious past attendees such as Kim K., David Beckham and Prince Harry himself, this is the place to flaunt your high-flying VIP status. Amber Lounge (pictured above) is where the elites of the F1 industry congregate every year; highlights include a fashion show with both supermodels and F1 drivers strutting their stuff on the catwalk, and a post-race party with DJs and live acts keeping the festivities revved up. Expect to splurge here – best tickets in the house go for 31,000SGD for eight guests.
Amber Lounge, 17-18 September, Temasek Reflection, Millenia Walk, 1 Temasek Avenue, Singapore 039192.
The Podium Lounge: 16-18 Sep at The Ritz-Carlton
You don’t have to cross the finishing line to feel victorious; just bag a coveted ticket to this absolutely #winning F1 party. Hosted by E! News’ Yvette King this year, this swanky shindig promises Champers galore and back-to-back entertainment from top talents each evening – Me & Mrs Jones on the 16th (Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Richard Jones), the housey Fierce Angel on the 17th, and “American Boy” starlet Estelle on the 18th. See our Podium Lounge feature for more information.
The Podium Lounge, 16-18 September, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, Grand Ballroom, Singapore 039799, p. 9459 5211.
Eyes To The Front Presents Party In The Pool: 17 Sep at Sofitel So Singapore
We can think of one party crew that’ll help us cool off from the heated action of the F1! Eyes To The Front is at it again with their signature pool party series at Sofitel So Singapore – bubbles, BBQ, and a sophisticated barrage of house and tech-house picks from the likes of Oliver Osborne and friends.
Eyes To The Front Presents Party In The Pool, 17 September, Sofitel So Singapore, 35 Robinson Road, Singapore 068876, p. 6701 6800.
CÉ LA VI Sky High Brunch: 17 Sep at CÉ LA VI
Organising what’s billed as “THE daytime F1 weekend party to go to”, this club perched atop Marina Bay Sands will convince you to leave the house early. Its Sky High Brunch daytime party is back just in time for F1 season – resident DJs drop deep house, disco, and other chilled-out beats while you indulge in oysters, Asian tapas and free-flow Veuve Clicquot Rich Champagne. High life? Nailing it.
CÉ LA VI Sky High Brunch, 17 September, CÉ LA VI, SkyPark, Marina Bay Sands Tower 3, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971, p. 6688 7688.
The Circuit – The Ultimate Party In The Sky: 16-18 Sep at 1-Altitude
Another F1 party that gives you a bird’s eye view of Singapore from the heart of the CBD, 1-Altitude is throwing a series of events that’ll determine if you have the energy of a race car. On the 16th, the Williams Martini Racing Party kicks off at 1-Altitude Gallery and Bar with model-DJ Katty Q, who’s commercially known as “The Queen Of MashUP”. While at Altimate (top image), the club space two storeys down, Johnnie Walker Gold Label is hosting a special high-octane event with DJ duo KimKat, who’ve opened for the likes of Steve Aoki. Events are happening all weekend, including a day-to-night Farmer’s Market, so click here for the full low-down.
The Circuit – The Ultimate Party In The Sky, 16-18 September, 1-Altitude, 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616, p. 6438 0410.
SRYNTSRY Presents New Asia Grand Prix Weekend: 16-18 Sep at New Asia
A race weekend with the fastest speeds calls for an event with the highest view, and at a staggering 71 storeys, New Asia trumps the competition. Organised by the SRYNTSRY fellas – whose parties often run the gamut of genres like house, hip-hop and reggae – this soaring gig features headliner, NEW_ID, on the 17th, who’s currently hot property under Axwell’s Axtone label. And if that’s anything to go by, we’re certain you’ll be in for blitzes of melodic, progressive house.
SRYNTSRY Presents New Asia Grand Prix Weekend, 16-18 September, New Asia, Lvl 71 Equinox Complex, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882, p. 6837 3322
Zouk Soundsystem Presents Firebeatz: 17 Sep at Zouk
If you’re visiting our lil’ red dot for F1 weekend, you might wanna head to Singapore’s most iconic club for a real EDM onslaught. The Netherlands’ Firebeatz is taking over the Zouk decks on the 17th, and you can expect everything from soothing melodic house to destructive big-room boomers. As the new kids say it, this one’s gon’ be lit!
Zouk Soundsystem Presents Firebeatz, 17 September, Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim Street, Singapore 169420, p. 6738 2988.
Boudoir Noire: 17 & 18 Sep at Capitol Theatre
For something extraordinarily out there this F1 season, how about a cabaret-themed secret party to shock your senses? Its debut edition last year witnessed New York’s The Box – a campy theatre company known for its burlesque ballerinas and other eccentric performers – and Singapore’s own Sukki Singapora. There’ll be free flow for VIP guests, international DJs to get the tunage flowing, and yes, the return of The Box in case you missed them.
Boudoir Noire, 17-18 September, Capitol Theatre, 11 Stamford Road, Singapore 178884.
Canvas 2nd Year Anniversary: 23 & 24 Sep at Canvas
Has it already been two years since this riverside joint reshaped the Circular Road club circuit? Aside from organising art exhibitions, comedy nights and live gigs, Canvas has always been a staunch supporter of all dance genres – from hip-hop and jungle, to footwork and techno. So give this versatile establishment a salute with its Blow By Blow 2nd anniversary party, featuring The Bronx (hip-hop classics) on the 23rd with local turntablists and emcees, and a salvo of techno on the 24th with T. Linder and DJ Seoul alongside Detroit Techno Militia.
Blow By Blow: Canvas 2nd Year Anniversary, 23 & 24 September, Canvas, The Riverwalk, #B1-01/06, 20 Upper Circular Road, Singapore 058416, p. 9169 3815. Cover charge applies.
Sunshine Nation 4th Anniversary: 30 Sep at Secret Location
Still reeling in the withdrawal symptoms from the Garden Beats Festival? Not one to let party peeps go cold turkey, Sunshine Nation is planning something huge for their fourth birthday at the end of September. While deets are still hush-hush, a lil’ birdy has told us that it’s gonna be a gritty warehouse concept that can house a thousand punters, and feature an international DJ line-up that reflects the Sunshine Nation musical direction of melodic and vocal house music. Watch this space!
Sunshine Nation 4th Anniversary, 30 September, details to be confirmed.