The city seems flooded with more and more independent party series in recent years, but today we hear from one of the veterans. Poptart, one of Singapore’s longest-running indie party series, just celebrated its 11th birthday over the weekend at OverEasy. Here, Adrian Wee (one-third of the DJ team behind Poptart) tells us how it all started and what the future of the indie party scene in Singapore holds.
How did Poptart come about?
The short story: It came about with three friends wanting to have a club night with music we grew up listening to: Britpop, indie, grunge, punk, alt rock.
Have all the venue changes over the years impacted Poptart?
It would always take a few events at a new venue for our crowds to get used to the space. But I don’t think it’s too disruptive as long as the drinks are strong, the speakers are loud and the AC works.
What’s your take on the indie party scene in Singapore?
It’s still a non-conventional sound, especially at clubs. There have been a few parties popping up in small places and bars. I think there’s still a lot of room for more promoters to organize similar events. It can only make the scene better with more variety, especially when promoters have novel and interesting ideas.
Clubbing in general in Singapore seems to be going through a lot of fast changes.
It’s very strange that we don’t have enough small and mid-sized clubs these days. It contrasts with the fact that we have had the best music content over the past few years, with local bands, performers, producers and DJs putting out some really good stuff and getting good following for their efforts. Media support has been strong in recognizing these people as well. Now it’s up to club operators to take some risks in believing in something other than that whole EDM bottle-popping, cake-throwing poo poo parties.
What have been some of the biggest changes in your work?
I would say there’s a lot more confidence in promoters. I like the ones that stick to a no-gimmick philosophy and move forward to get their crowds. The folks like DTW, Syndicate, Midnight Shift, they all work with this burning passion and they thoroughly believe in what they do, without compromise. It’s never going to be an overnight success for promoters and organizers, and those boys are currently reaping the rewards for sticking to their guns.
Which are some of your favorite party series in Singapore and why?
I’ve always enjoyed the Midnight Shift parties because I’m a techno head as well.
What’s the biggest issue party planners face?
Life-threatening hangovers. Jokes aside. I can’t speak for everyone else, but from my experience, it takes me a while to find a suitable venue as the club or bar operators have to understand what we do, can relate to our music and share the same philosophy as us. We’re not looking for a quick buck, rather a space where the club, the promoters and the crowds are all comfortable and happy, and at the same time, working together to build the nights to last forever.
Seems like independent parties are colliding with these daytime/block party type events.
I love the daytime parties. In fact I would really like to organise for Poptart. I’ve always wanted to take the party out of the clubs into a different environment and let our crowds savor an experience at a space where they’re less accustomed to. And it has to be pet-friendly!
