Possibly the biggest party of the year, this massive EDM rave at Siloso Beach in December has just begun announcing its performing DJs
Ravers, it’s that time of the year again. An EDM slobber-knocker that generates a surge of electricity annually in December, ZoukOut is still one of the most thrilling dance music events in this part of the world. The humongous spectacle organised by Singapore’s most iconic club often attracts punters from all over the region, with a balanced line-up of international commercial EDM acts, underground house and techno artistes, and the cream of the crop reppin’ the local dance scene. Don’t know what you’re missing? Check out our massive ZoukOut guide and review of ZoukOut last year.
Picking up the pace from Zouk’s silver-themed 25th anniversary party, expansion of ZoukOut to Boracay, and the We the Citizens Fest (formerly Beach Beats Fest) featuring Mark Ronson and Ta-Ku on National Day, ZoukOut 2016 – with a theme titled “One Tribe” – promises to be as monolithic as it possibly can. How so? Well, for starters, by roping in two of the biggest DJs in the world. Deep breaths, now.
LINEUP
Day One: Joining industry phenom (and DJ Mag’s former #1 DJ in the world), Hardwell, on ZoukOut’s opening night is electro legend, Tiga, who’s known for his techy beatwork and saucy vocals. The Diplo-endorsed GTA will be drifting by with their signature trap tunes and other bass-crunching oddities, as will Belgium’s Lost Frequencies with his sun-kissed deep house that’s perfect for the beach. Fritz Kalkbrenner, who arrives just a year after his brother’s (Paul Kalkbrenner) ZoukOut set, keeps it deep as well. And for the underground house heads, label boss of Knee Deep In Sound, Hot Since 82, makes his triumphant return to Singapore.
Also on 9 December: Dillion Francis, Aldrin, CyberJapan Dancers, DJ L, Ferng, Jeremy Boon, Maurice Simon, MC Gee and MMXJ.
Day Two: The prior announcement of Zedd sure provided some ‘clarity’ on why you should snap up a ZoukOut ticket, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. EDM boy wonder, Martin Garrix, also makes his return to ZoukOut, and we’re also witnessing the +65 comeback of bass and hip-hop vixen, Tokimonsta. Indie fans will undoubtedly be at the mercy of RAC‘s hipster-friendly selections, and those addicted to r&b shouldn’t miss the melty, velvety vibes of Snakehips. But it’s harder-hitting acts like KSHMR and Wiwek who will have ravers floored with their big-room and trap-influenced ‘jungle terror’ respectively, and not forgetting 19-year-old Norwegian, Alan Walker, with his synth-soaring electronica anthems that’ve had him compared to the likes of Porter Robinson.
Also on 10 December: CyberJapan Dancers, Dekkadence, DJ Yaksa, Ghetto, Goldfish & Blink, Koflow, Lenerd, Lincey, Matthew, MC Gee and Zushan
TICKETS
With a lineup this exciting, it’s no surprise that the two-day early bird tickets and Day 2 VIP passes are already sold out. Advance two-day festival passes are priced at $218, while single-day tickets for day one costing $128 and day two costing $138, are on sale from now, and you’ll get a 10% off when you pay with a Singapore-issued Citibank card.
If, for some reason, you’re getting tickets on event day (available from 6pm onwards), expect to pay $148 for day one and $158 for day two. Want a VIP experience? You can still nab Day 1 VIP tickets at $208. VIP ticket holders are entitled to priority entry, access to the VIP tent, which has a private bar, standing tables and private washrooms. For reservations of VIP table packages, email [email protected] or call 9008 3359.
WHAT TO EAT
Forget about grabbing a bite before the festival. In fact, go there with empty stomach and a ravenous appetite. The food village’s lineup is just as exciting as the music, with some of the hottest F&B names in town setting up stalls on the showgrounds. We’re looking forward to stuffing our faces with – we can hope – Bird Bird’s awesome fried chicken, oh-so-tender beef brisket from Decker Barbecue, salted egg seafood from Keng Eng Kee Seafood, spectacular sandwiches from Park Bench Deli, amazing ramen from Tonkotsu King, wicked burgers from Three Buns, and top-notch rice bowls from Teppei Syokudo.
WHERE TO STAY
Having a room at one of Sentosa’s hotels will save you time and energy on travelling to and from the festival. Our pick? Party pad, W Singapore Sentosa Cove, obviously. The hip hotel is offering great ZoukOut 2016 deals starting from $840, and packages include two two-day ZoukOut passes, two-nights stay from 9 to 11 December, daily breakfast for two at The Kitchen Table, daily shuttle to showgrounds, and – the best part – late checkout at 4pm. For more accommodation choices, see our handbook of Sentosa’s hotels.
WHAT TO WEAR
Thinking of retiring your old swimsuit? Get a cute little number at one of these fab swimwear stores in Singapore – though swimming is prohibited. The sunrise set has always been epic, so don’t forget your peeper protectors! And for more wardrobe fixes and inspiration, nose around our super stylish fashion section.
WHAT TO LISTEN TO PRE-FESTIVAL
Given the breadth of this year’s fest, you’d probably need a little preparation – and, of course, the good folks at Zouk have it all worked out for you. Get a taste of what’s to come with their specially curated Spotify playlist.
Hold up! ’Cos these aren’t even all there is yet! Knowing ZoukOut, we won’t be shocked if the festival has more star-powered surprises up its sleeve. Hang on tight for more deets.
ZoukOut 2016, 9-10 December, Siloso Beach, Sentosa, Singapore 099538.
This article was written by Kevin Ho and Crystal Lee.