Get ready for a throwback party with the Backstreet Boys, metal rockers Dream Theater and hip-hop legend Talib Kweli, as well as indie band STRFKR, synth DJ San Holo, and exciting music festivals featuring Singapore’s brightest artists. The countdown to Halloween with these live performances in October is going to be blast!
The high-octane F1 Singapore 2017 weekend may have whizzed by us in a blink, but the parties show no signs of slowing down. Swap your race gear for a throwback ‘90s outfit with the Backstreet Boys, let your hair down for a headbanging Dream Theater set, robo-dance à la C3PO with San Holo, and gather the squad with plenty of festivals on board a ship or within the spooky Haw Par Villa this October. Still stuck in September? The music keeps on playing ‘till late at these energetic parties and concerts for all you music buffs.
Backstreet Boys: 21 October at the National Stadium
Backstreet’s back, alright! BSB’s larger than life (see what we did there) Singapore show at the National Stadium will be the only show in Asia for the band, which makes it even more special. The last time they were here in 2015, it was a sold-out affair at The Star Theatre so you might want to camp out (online) to get tickets for this show. Superfans, take note: upgrades for a meet and greet opportunities are also available on the band’s official site.
Backstreet Boys Larger Than Life, 21 Oct, National Stadium, 1 Stadium Dr, Singapore 397629. Buy your tickets here.
Dream Theater: 3 October at Zepp@Bigbox
Tearing through arenas since 1985, these rock legends are undeniably a pioneer of the progressive metal sound – a fusion of the unhinged energy of heavy metal and the amplified, guitar-driven style of classic rock. They will be in Singapore as part of their extensive Images, Words & Beyond Tour, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their milestone second album.
Dream Theater, Images, Words & Beyond 25th Anniversary Tour, 3 Oct, Zepp@Bigbox, 1 Venture Avenue, Singapore 608521. Keep track of ticket information here.
Talib Kweli: 5 October at Kilo Lounge
Come 5 October, hip-hop legend Talib Kweli will be busting catchy bars and profound lyrics at Kilo Lounge. One of the greatest rappers to ever grace this planet, Talib Kweli gained recognition when he teamed up with fellow Mos Def to form Black Star in the ‘90s. He has also collaborated with other artists such as Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Just Blaze and Mary J. Blige, and has supported Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and more.
Collective Minds presents Talib Kweli, 5 October, Kilo Lounge, 21 Tanjong Pagar Rd, Singapore 088444. Availability of tickets is yet to be announced. Keep track of ticket information here.
Postmodern Jukebox: 6 October at The Star Theatre
With a rotating ensemble of extraordinary musicians and vocalists, YouTube sensation Postmodern Jukebox is a collective that busts out feel-good renditions of pop hits and classics. Mastering jazz, swing, doo-wop and big band, the group has covered everyone from Tom Jones to Ariana Grande, Blink 182 to Lady Gaga, and even Britney Spears to The White Stripes. You’ve never heard all your favourite songs quite like this.
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox live in Singapore, 6 October, The Star Theatre, The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617, p. 6636 0055. Buy your tickets via this website.
San Holo: 7 October at Zouk
Push start to continue: you’re gonna dig this one if you’re a sucker for glitchy, sugary, video-gamey symphonies. An audial geek at heart – and a sci-fi one too at that, judging from his cheeky alias from a galaxy far, far away – Dutch DJ, San Holo, is back with his shimmering synths and spluttering beats à la trap, with special guest DROELOE. If you’ve missed him at world-renowned fests like Tomorrowland and Lollapalooza – here’s one closer to home!
San Holo, 7 October, Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim Street, Singapore 169420. Keep track of ticket information here.
STRFKR: 8 October at Aliwal Arts Centre
American indie experimentalists – STRFKR (if say it slowly, you’ll see stars) – are set to take the stage at Aliwal Arts Centre this October. Get ready to bop to dance party hits like ‘While I’m Alive’ and ‘Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second’, and feed off their latest psych-funk tracks of their fifth 2016 studio album, ‘Being No One, Going Nowhere’, such as ‘Open Your Eyes’.
STRFKR, 8 October, Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918. Buy tickets here.
Fred Perry Subculture Live: 13 October at Esplanade Annexe Studio
British heritage fashion brand’s music initiative — Subculture — is known for discovering the best new global sounds, and is back with Fred Perry Subculture Live on 13 October. Headlining the music event is an exclusive DJ set by The Libertines’ drummer, Gary Powell, as well as Singapore’s very own trailblazing shoegaze band, Astreal, and indie-rock four-piece outfit, The Betts, accompanied by the trippy, brain-melting projections of visual artist, Empyreal (Amanda Tan).
Fred Perry Subculture Live, 13 October, Esplanade Annexe Studio, The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981.
Fazerdaze: 20 October at Decline
Giving Singapore a taste of freshly brewed lo-fi dreampop from New Zealand is Fazerdaze. Initially a bedroom project by musician Amelia Murray, Fazerdaze has garnered fans all over the world with shoegaze sets that are easy on the ears (check out ‘Lucky Girl’ above), and has supported indie acts such as Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Explosions in the Sky.
Fazerdaze, 20 October, Decline, #02-04, Yu Li Industrial Building, 37 Lorong 23 Geylang, Singapore 388371. Buy your tickets here.
Noise Invasion Festival Singapore: 28 October at Haw Par Villa
Showcasing the best of Singapore’s music and the creative arts in perhaps one of country’s freakiest places (and spookily held in the Halloween month), you’re also encouraged to rock up to the festival in your most outrageous costumes. The diverse killer line-up includes jangly-pop band M1LDL1FE, R&B artist Sam Rui, post-rock veterans Amateur Takes Control, and more yet to be announced. To satiate the culture vultures, there’ll be an art market, a platform for dance, a chance to collaborate with graffiti artists Slac Satu and Freaky Fir to transform a wall into a work of art, and of course, a food street.
Noise Invasion Festival, 28 Oct, 6-10.30pm, Haw Par Villa, 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628
Like this story? Here’s more we think you’ll enjoy:
The Big Gigs: 15 concerts to catch in September
Rave & Repeat: Our 16 best parties in September ‘17
Clubs in Singapore to dance the night away
Best rockin’ venues to catch live music in Singapore