The iconic Hollywood club Avalon will be opening its doors at Marina Bay Sands Crystal Pavilion to much anticipation early next year. And what better way to whet our appetites than with a music festival like no other (featuring the likes of The Chemical Brothers, who are in town for the first time). Here’s the lowdown.
DAY 1
Who: Above & Beyond
Why: Looking for some euphoric and up-lifting trance? Above & Beyond—made up of Jono Grant, Tony McGuinness and Paavo Siljamäki—are leaders of the genre. Having claimed fourth position on DJ Magazine’s Top 100 Poll in 2009 for the second year in a row, the British trio are world-renowned for their amazing live sets and imaginative music production.
Look out for… Strobe lights, hard-thumping bass-lines and trancey breakdowns that will send you into outer space.
Who: Steve Angello
Why: One third of the Swedish House Mafia, Steve Angello has been releasing raunchy dance hits under monikers like Buy Now and Who’s Who. With chart-toppers like “Not So Dirty,” “Sexy F***” and “Bodycrash” and his acclaimed remix of Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” in late 2004, his releases have brought him to every A-lister’s attention.
Look out for… “One,” a massive track released in June that has been making its way to the top of every producers’ remixing list: An instant floor-filler.
Who: Santigold
Why: The American singer-songwriter has been repeatedly compared to the likes of M.I.A, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Blondie for her onstage persona and 80s influenced reggae and electro pop vibes, so expect an energetic performance.
Look out for… Her quirky dress sense (look out, Lady Gaga), stage presence and, of course, her husky vocal prowess.
Who: Steve Aoki
Why: The unofficial head-honcho of hipster culture; with a collection of rocking electro tunes you can’t find on iTunes. With his label Dim Mak growing in notoriety with a stable of unstable artists like Bloody Beetroots, Klaxons and MSTRKRFT (check them live, they are insane), Steve Aoki is the go to guy for a wicked party.
Look out for… Him pouring liquor down the throats of already inebriated partygoers on the front row while the music mixes by itself.
DAY 2
Who: Make the Girl Dance
Why: Because the French duo can make the girls do more than dance, according to their music video “Baby, Baby, Baby” where French girls walk naked down the streets of Paris. Greg Kozo and Pierre Mathieu are the culprits behind such escapades and they have plenty of ear-pleasing electro dance offerings.
Look out for… Bodysurfing, pushing and shoving; and some random beaver pouring liquor down your throat and claiming not to be Steve Aoki.
Who: The Chemical Brothers
Why: Formed by British DJs Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons in the 90s, The Chemical Brothers have been instrumental in raising the quality of dance music for years. It was their 1997 album Dig Your Own Hole which got everybody talking and subsequently cannon-balled them to worldwide fame. “Block Rockin’ Beats” was a dance-floor slayer, while “Setting Sun,” featuring the vocals of Noel Gallagher, got rumor mills spinning that he was going to leave the rock band Oasis. Then came “Hey Boy Hey Girl” off their 1999 album Surrender, which defined their iconic sound.
Look out for… Big basslines, instantly recognizable hooks and a geeky guy with long hair.
Who: Empire of the Sun
Why: The Australian 80s synth-rock-inspired duo are known for their outrageous costumes and even more stunning live performances. Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore are Empire of the Sun, who garnered international acclaim with their 2008 debut album Walking on a Dream which went platinum in Australia.
Look out for… 80s garb, big hair and face paint.
Rave on at Avalon at Large Presents Go! on Sep 23-24. Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6225-6005. $85-4,488 from www.avalonatlarge.com.
