It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment when our city’s revelers fell out of love with the mainstream. In the past few years, alternative parties and events, held in rough-and-ready locations like unoccupied warehouses and reclaimed outdoor spaces, have been popping up with increasing frequency. But if you want in on the action, you have to know where to look. Lucky for you, we’ve picked out 10 of the city’s coolest independent event organizers that you should be keeping tabs on. Follow them closely, and soon you’ll be rubbing shoulders with other indie insiders.
Experimental Party Planners
Longstanding scenesters Sideshow—founded by percussionist Aidan Bamrah and DJ Tom Shellsuit—have a loyal following thanks to daytime party Sunday at the Training Shed in Labrador Park. They’ve also held parties at a hidden beach club in East Coast Park and across the border in JB.
Is there a gap in the party scene that you are trying to fill?
TS: Not really—we’re just doing the kind of events we like to go to. And a big part of the enjoyment of doing these events is meeting new friends and collaborators.
And what’s the hardest part of it all?
TS: Bookkeeping and second-guessing when you’re thinking of trying something new.
The next Sunday at the Training Shed is on Apr 20, 3pm.
If you’re looking to catch cutting-edge dance music acts, keep tabs on this wacky pair—Audrey Choy and Louis Lam—who’ve brought in cult names like Boiler Room host Bradley Zero and madcap funksters Soul Clap for their hush-hush parties.
What inspired the No Party Here series?
AC: We believe the best parties, more often than not, happen spontaneously and we wanted to do just that. No serious planners here, not in it for the big bucks, and also, we like that if you read it too fast it looks like No Panty Here.
How is what you offer different?
LL: On music, we’re serious, but our affairs appear subnormal on all other levels. One of our previous parties had Djedjotronic of Boysnoize spinning against a backdrop of 70’s workout videos.
The next No Party Here (featuring Jacques Greene) is on May 2, 10pm at Kyo.
Founder Alyssa Kokilah and her team have brought underground pop-up techno-heavy festival Super 0 Season to improbable locations such as design studio The Mill and art enclave Gillman Barracks, with residents of famed Berlin club Berghain playing alongside our very own left-field DJs.
How did the idea of Super 0 Season came about?
We were inspired by lots of festivals and gigs overseas and wanted to put all our best experiences into creating something special and super fun. Cynthia Chua of Spa Esprit Group saw the potential, and then we were all off setting up Super 0 Season together.
Your goals and dreams for the agency?
We dream big! We hope to be like the Southeast Asian counterpart of Japanese events company Creativeman by putting together innovative events and experiences.
The next Aligned series, featuring Midland, Cosa Nostra and Darker than Wax, is on May 17, 10pm at Kyo. $20-$25, one drink included.
Food Warriors
We love secret supper clubs (read more about them in our story “Spilling Secrets”) and Maria Kuvshinova’s Clubvivre pulls them off fantastically. Case in point: their most recent pop-up dinner, Nordic Lights, which featured molecular cuisine served in a subzero environment, complete with giant LED walls and ice sculptures.
Tell us about your proudest pop-up.
One of my personal favorites was a 1920s steak party we threw in a private gallery of antique collectors. Guests came dressed in ’20s fashion and were treated with a meaty four-course meal paired with craft beers. The entire atmosphere felt as if we went back in time.
The core of your business is private catering. Why did you choose to branch out into large-scale events?
Our creative team is bursting with ideas, so every now and then we throw a pop-up for the fun of it. We’ve got corporate clients asking us if they can “sign up” to be part of these ad-hoc events. It’s a win-win: having partnerships with several compatible brands makes it easier to share costs and scale, so we envision we’ll do more of such events in the future.
Follow Clubvivre’s social media pages to keep updated on the next pop-up.
Bacchanalia owners Alex Chew and Raj Datwani need no introduction. They’ve turned the traditional notion of Champagne brunches (read: relaxed and lazy) around with their raucous boozy brunches, which have since seen a slew of copycats around town.
What’s so great about partying the day away at a boozy brunch?
RD: There is something magical about walking out of a party and seeing that the sun is still shining. Partying in the day is also a fantastic way of having all of the fun you could have on a night out, but without the dread of the nasty hangover the next morning!
If there’s one rule guests need to abide by when attending your crazy brunches, what would that be?
RD: Come with an open mind! Brunch is a place where you can let loose and enjoy yourself no matter what age you are. It’s all about the mindset.
The next Bacchanalia Brunch is on May 17, 1pm.
Film Freaks
There’s no shortage of alternative movie screenings here, but true film buffs can dig deeper into alt-cinematic history by following indie collective S.C.U.M (short for Society of Cult and Underground Movies) Cinema—comprising Monkey Fist, Mountain Monkey and Topo Sanchez—for their free, bi-monthly screenings.
What are your thoughts on the local film scene?
Judging from the full turnout of past film festivals, we are pretty sure the Singapore audience possesses the maturity and receptiveness for all kinds of new films. That’s one of the reasons why S.C.U.M Cinema exists—to fill the void in the local cinema experience for those thirsting for alternative films.
What are some of the problems you face?
The cost of getting the screening rights, acquiring DVDs and securing a venue is not exactly a walk in the park. So for every screening, we produce limited edition artwork that is available for purchase and all proceeds will be directed to support the next screening.
Blaxploitation classic Black Belt Jones is screening on Apr 11, 8.30pm at Screening Room.
Music Champions
This global movement organizes secret gigs in people’s living rooms. Its Singaporean outpost—spearheaded by producer Sam Drury—has been slowly but surely turning the local soundscape on its head with its super intimate aural experiences.
Why did you decide to keep your pop-up gigs a secret?
Some of the principles are to maintain the cozy and intimate environment and also ensure that the people who come down for the gigs are really genuine and put in the effort. On top of that, holding it in someone’s house translates to limited space. We’re always over-booked, so it helps to keep the numbers appropriate for a session.
Have there been any surprises at the event?
Not announcing the lineup way ahead in advance is a surprise in itself. It’s an irony—a planned performance that’s completely unplanned at the same time. Artists then feel like they have plenty of scope for creativity.
Sign up at Sofar Sounds website for a chance to attend their secret gigs.
Fred Perry’s music initiative, responsible for holding multi-sensorial concerts in abandoned warehouses and disused schools. Their Marketing/PR Manager Cheryl Ann Lee says they’re always on the lookout for something new.
Is there more demand for unconventional events?
Yes! We’ve now had parties at venues you never knew existed or thought it was possible to have a party at. It’s always refreshing to have alternate party options.
How do you pick your performers?
It starts off by going to shows, speaking to friends, social media and digital updates that catch onto our radar. Last year, we got Jeremy Lee onboard as Sub-Sonic Live’s Music Curator to oversee the gigs’ overall music direction and programming.
Follow Fred Perry Singapore’s social media pages to keep updated on the next Sub-Sonic Live.
Shopaholics Anonymous
Flea markets are dime a dozen in Singapore, and they can be hit-or-miss. But what if Singapore’s coolest fashion bloggers—including organizer Arissa Ho—got together and let you raid their closets? Problem solved! You’ll never need to second-guess the stylishness of your purchase again.
Tell us the story behind Underground Market.
[Bloggers] Venetia and Pia decided that they should get together to sell their pre-loved items. Dawn and I were roped in with Emma, Lenne and Linda Hao and the first flea happened in Pia’s basement. It’s been our venue ever since! The space is not huge compared to some other flea markets, but it is still spacious and homely. The best part is that it’s air-conditioned.
Why do you think flea markets are so popular right now?
Many people realize the impact that the clothing industry has on the environment, and it is a lot of wastage to deal with. We view it as a great opportunity to mingle with our blog readers as well.
The next Underground Market is slated to happen in July. 33A Chiltern Drive. Free.
Kilo is so much more than a restaurant these days, what with its new party space on level 8 and regular DJ gigs. The clearest indication that they’re truly hip? The fact that Jasmine Tuan (of the now-closed boutique Blackmarket) and Bobby Kwok are collaborating with them for this curated flea market series.
Who are your vendors?
JT: Previous editions had Kult, Koom, Lulubare, Mandy T Skincare, Nilos Beachwear, MAH collection (scarfs), CindyKate / ContraBrand, theWYLDshop.com, WattleTree and Kelly Su. There was everything from sustainable shoes, jewelry, high-end swimwear and art pieces.
Do you think there’s enough appreciation and support for local artists and talents?
JT: Compared to 5 years ago, there’s definitely a significant growth in local brand awareness and support. Consumers must know that they are the investors of brands they want to see more of.
The next $langin’ Saturdays is expected to be held in late May at Kilo.
