New Year Resolutions almost never work. Instead, we find that if you set a mantra to live by for the entire year, it’s something much easier to do and more achievable; whether it’s something like “just be yourself” or “make shit happen”. It’ll at least guide you on how to approach everything, instead of setting that unrealistic 20kg weight loss by mid 2018 (kudos to you if you achieve it though!). Formalities aside, we’re kicking the post-holiday blues in the ass with a bout of parties and films to start, before indulging in not one, not two but five different live gigs, on top of this year’s Laneway. Oh, and Singapore Art Week.
Emonightsg: The B-Sides
PARTY
Another year, another episode of unleashing your inner teenage angst and bust out them eyeliners and skinny jeans for the 16th edition of Emo Night. Expect lots of screaming, a bit of moshing, potentially tear-jerking memory-pegged songs and deals on beers and housepours. Jan 3
FILM
The Singapore Palestinian Film Festival (SPFF) is back for a second edition (and timely too), featuring the stories and alternate narratives of Palestinian filmmakers and artists. We’re particularly excited for Giraffada, a seemingly light-hearted piece at first, but with a narrative largely shaped by the gritty realities of the Palestine-Israel conflict. Jan 4-7
PARTY
New year, new moves? If this is you, get your ass down to OverEasy Orchard as French producer and DJ extraordinaire Breakbot is dropping by to dish out his inimitable platter of nu-disco, feel-good house and infectious electropop bangers. For what it’s worth, he’s signed to French electronic music label Ed Banger Records, the same one that represents the likes of Justice and Mr. Oizo. Jan 6
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DRINK/FOOD
Sundays don’t get any better than this, especially if you’re having brunch at The Pelican. This Gatsby-glam spot, with its red leather booths, specializes in East Coast American seafood fare. For about $138, you can enjoy endless servings from their a la carte menu of classic favorites like lobster bisque, grilled barramundi and signature lobster sliders while washing it all down with limitless glasses of Joseph Perrier Cuvee Royale Brut Champagne, Prosecco, house wines, beers and soft drinks. There’s also the picturesque view of the Marina Bay waterfront to behold. Terms and conditions apply. Every Sunday from 12-4pm
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CONCERT
American rock band Imagine Dragons is returning to Singapore to perform at the Indoor Stadium. The “Radioactive” band was last here in 2016 to perform at Singapore’s F1 Grand Prix. Now armed with their third record Evolve, the Grammy Award-winning outfit will perform hits like “Thunder”, “Believer” and “Whatever It Takes”, as well as other tracks off their three-album discography. Jan 7
WELLNESS
Take a walk on the wild side; or whatever that means in Singapore’s context, by joining a social walk through Dairy Farm Nature Park. Enjoy a quiet Sunday basking in what Singapore’s not-very-lush nature has to offer, like the former Singapore Quarry that’s now a wetland habitat. Jan 7
MARKET
A new month calls for a new Katong Square Lifestyle & Vintage Market, which, with its vinyl records and vintage goods, touts itself as Singapore’s only true blue vintage flea market. Resident booths include familiar names like The Retro Factory, Memory Lane and The Great Vinyl Exchange; but be sure to hit up the “casual booths” for preloved bargains. Jan 12-14
EXHIBITION
Alternative gallerists kult have collaborated with German cultural organization Goethe-Institut to curate a sartorial exhibition on games and politics as a reflection of the political nightmare that was 2017, and the conversations we should continue to have. Open your mind and have your hand at the Games and Politics over at Kult Studio & Gallery. Jan 12-Feb 12
Ame
PARTY
Not sure what we did to deserve this, but twice in three months? We caught esteemed German tech house duo, Ame at Zouk in Oct (Frank Wiedemann put on a great live set), and now they’re back to blow us away with a DJ set, this time at the industrial chic Kilo Lounge. Jan 13
MARKET
Your resolution to save money may be a lost cause, but the one to eat healthier doesn’t have to be. The trusty Farmers Market at Loewen Gardens is back on the second Saturday of the New Year, with a good mix of organic vegetables, bread, wine, olive oil and fresh honey on sale. This month, brands to catch include Avo & Co., Foster Foods and BottlesXO. Jan 13
PARTY
Two-year-old reggae and dub collective Lion Steppaz Sound is throwing its second edition of their dancehall party series at Canvas, complete with custom-made soundsystem and sick dancehall party vibes. Jan 13
EXHIBITION
You’d think a traveling exhibition from the London Natural History Museum would be hard to top, but ArtScience Museum’s upcoming shtick will trace 40 years of street art, from its controversial beginnings as expressions of counterculture, to its current standing as a major pillar of contemporary art. Art from the Streets will feature the works of the world’s top street artists, such as Magda Danysz, Banksy, Shepard Fairey and more. Jan 13-Jun 3
FESTIVAL
Look forward to more than just a market at the third edition of EarthFest, which will take over the Marina Barrage for a one-day only extravaganza. There will be a fair of planet-friendly foods, a farmers market featuring local businesses and their sustainable products, and an eco-carnival with low-carbon games. In addition, vendors and guest speakers will be sharing on fair trade, local and organic food, responsible investing, biodegradable options, waste and more; so come hungry to learn. Jan 14
Fleet Foxes
CONCERT
Secret Sounds Asia, the same guys behind 2017’s Two Door Cinema Club, The xx and Cigarettes After Sex gigs, are bringing American indie folk band Fleet Foxes to Singapore. This will be the band’s first time performing here. Jan 14
ART
The sixth edition of Singapore Art Week kicks off this month with a mind-blowingly vulgar amount of events to indulge in (we’re not complaining!). To start you off, we’ve picked out a couple of must-go’s here. Jan 17-28
FESTIVAL/THEATER
M1 Singapore Fringe Festival returns for its 14th edition that moves away from its usual thematic concept of “Art & ____”, and focuses on a new direction that calls on artists to conceptualize or feature works that are themed around iconic Singaporean artists and their works. As usual, there’s been some controversy in the lead-up, with The Glory Hoes accusing organizers The Necessary Stage (TNS), a non-profit theater company formed by Alvin Tan in 1987—of censorship. But you can still catch Edith Podesta’s The Immortal Sole, Emanuella Amichai’s The Neighbor’s Grief is Greener and other envelope-pushing shows. Jan 17-28
THEATER
Just how much do you know about the cultural, social and collective expectations of a traditional Chinese wedding? Visual artist and 2018 Young Artist Award recipient Kray Chen takes that perceived knowledge and puts a twist on the usual rituals in 5 Rehearsals for a Wedding, to shine a light on the anxieties and behaviors that come with weddings of today. Jan 17-31
CONVENTION
Top up your personal office pantry (a.k.a. your side drawer) and shop for all your favorite munchies at the World Snack Fair happening at Suntec Convention Centre. Brands are separated by country/region (Japan, Korea, Australia, Asia and Euro), so it’s easier to navigate and go straight to that snack you’ve been craving for so long. Jan 19-21
Light to Night Festival 2017. Photo credit: National Gallery Singapore
FESTIVAL
After a successful first run last year, the dazzling Light to Night Festival returns to the Civic District to wow audiences once again. Similar to last year’s program, the festival will offer a visual spectacle on the Gallery’s facade, a Festival Food Street (line-up to be confirmed), music performances, and a variety of installations that will explore the sensation of color. Jan 19-23
ART/FESTIVAL
The cool Aliwal Urban Arts Festival is back to celebrate Singapore’s underground. Check out an eclectic showcase of works inspired by international street culture, from graffiti and graphic art to skateboarders showing off their prowess and b-boys and flygirls breaking it down on Aliwal Street. Urban art collective RSCLS and interactive visual artist Ryf Zaini will also be debuting their collaborative installation. Jan 20
CONCERT
Mince a spoonful of soul, a dash of jazz and two parts hip hop, and you get 25-year-old multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Jordan Rakei. This New Zealand-born overachiever has worked with Tom Misch and Disclosure, and recently released his second LP, Wallflower. He’ll be taking the stage of Kilo Lounge for the next Kilo Live sesh. Jan 20
CONCERT
If you’ve been pining to catch British electronic outfit Clean Bandit since their gig at The Coliseum in 2015, your day has arrived. This Grammy Award-winning group returns to Singapore as part of their “I Miss You Tour 2018”, with SIngapore being the only stop in Asia. Jan 22
COMEDY
They’re packing up their cameras, dusting off their wigs and saying farewell to a well-loved, 10-year-long YouTube channel otherwise known as MunahHirziOfficial (MHO). Catch them one last time at Munah & Hirzi Live: Curtain Call and see your favorite MHO characters live (you know you want more of that Leticiacia, Corporal Hassan, Makciks, Minahs and Aunties) before they call it quits. Jan 24
Art Stage 2016. Photo credit: Art Stage
ART/CONVENTION
Whether you’re an actual art collector, or just an appreciator of fine art, Southeast Asia’s flagship art fair Art Stage Singapore is the place to be to check out the best of Asian contemporary art. Now in its eighth edition, the fair continues to be the shining platform to develop and bridge various art aficionados, collectors and artists in the region through dialogues, panel discussions, exclusive private collection previews, and more. Jan 25-28
ART
Gillman Barracks comes alive after dusk with the return of the flagship edition of Art After Dark. The night-time open house will play host to an evening of live music, F&B pop-ups from revered establishments in Singapore, and of course new exhibitions and programs at the various galleries in Gillman Barracks. Jan 26
FESTIVAL
It’s time once again for indie music lovers to congregate at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay for the all-day music pilgrimage, Laneway Festival. On the line-up are Laneway alums Mac DeMarco, The Internet and Slowdive, as well as Bonobo, Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals and more. Expect regional and local acts like Alextbh and MAS1A to wow the crowds this year. Full line-up here. Jan 27
CONCERT
You probably know them for their controversial breakout single, “Pumped Up Kicks” or saw them perform at Fort Canning Park in 2012. But five years and two records later, Foster The People are back for another headlining gig, this time at Zepp@BigBox Singapore. Jan 30
EXHIBITION
The problematic issues surrounding climate change and the ocean take center stage at this exhibition presented by the NTU Centre for Contemporary Art Singapore. Featuring contributions by 12 artists, filmmakers, composers and researchers who made trips to islands in the Pacific, The Oceanic focuses on large-scale human interventions in oceanic ecospheres. Through Mar 8
EXHIBITION
In a stunning collab between National Gallery Singapore and the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, Claude Monet and his contemporaries grace our sunny island with over 60 Impressionist masterpieces in Colours of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musee d’Orsay, featuring works like the dreamy Le Bassin aux nympheas, harmonie rose. Through Mar 11
EXHIBITION
Curated by acclaimed art historian Lorand Hegyi, The Artist’s Voice brings together the works of 34 contemporary artists from around the world, to reflect on socio-political issues and the human condition through mediums ranging from sculpture to video. Through Mar 18
“Maze Out”, 2017 by oomleo; at Singapore Art Museum’s Cinerama: Art and the Moving Image in Southeast Asia
EXHIBITION
If you fancy yourself a cinema enthusiast, the Singapore Art Museum’s latest exhibition Cinerama: Art and the Moving Image in Southeast Asia is a must-go. In a series of immersive, multi-medium installations, the exhibition brings together the works of 10 artists and art collectives from across the region. Here are five you should check out. Through Mar 18
EXHIBITION
On the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore, the National Museum of Singapore remembers 1942, with their first large-scale, blockbuster war exhibition featuring more than 130 artefacts from 10 overseas museums and institutions. It’s the biggest collection of war stories to date. Check out the exhibition to explore events and portrayals of World War II beyond just your textbook syllabus. Through Mar 21
CARNIVAL
Get your adrenaline pumping at Singapore’s largest carnival. The massive Prudential Marina Bay Carnival will span across 25,000 sqm (or the size of three and a half football fields) at The Promontory and Bayfront, and boast more than 40 rides and games—most of which are from the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. Through Apr 1
EXHIBITION
A cursed gem, a dodo and a giant stuffed sloth walk into a museum; the punchline is that they’re here to stay till the end of April. Treasures of the Natural World , the traveling exhibition from the Natural History Museum in London, makes its first and only stop in Southeast Asia at the ArtScience Museum, bringing over 200 of the London museum’s star artefacts Through Apr 29
