Nightclubs in Singapore

The nightclub scene has exploded in Singapore over the last 20 years. From Zouk opening its doors in 1991 to the floating palace of Avalon opening in 2011, Singapore has become a clubbers paradise. With so many clubs out there, we’ve chosen to focus on four of the most popular. For full listing of going-ons in Singapore make sure you pick up a free copy of Juice or Ziggy. Both magazines are found in various shops around Singapore.

Avalon

The newest venue on the Singapore nightclub scene, Avalon was built as part of the famous Marina Bay Sands complex.  Founded by the same team behind Avalon in Los Angeles, Singapore’s Avalon brings world-class state of the art clubbing to south-east Asia. Housed in the floating South Crystal Pavilion, the nightclub impresses before you’ve even crossed the threshold. Once inside you’ll be confronted with 17,000 square feet of clubbing heaven. Set over two floors with interior design by New York firm Roman and Williams, party in ultimate style to world renowned artists and DJs. With a constant rotation of international artists performing at Avalon, there’s a good chance you’ll catch one of your favourites while in Singapore. Also make sure you try their original energy-cocktail ‘POP!’ Cover charge varies depending on who’s performing so make sure you double check before heading out. For nights with local DJs only, don’t expect to pay less than $25 for entry.

Zouk

One of the oldest clubs in Singapore, Zouk’s popularity has only grown and grown in the 21 years since it was established. Constantly appearing in the top ten of DJ Magazine’s list of best clubs in the world, Zouk is the place to choose if your time in Singapore is limited. Zouk is part of a nightlife complex that includes the hip hop orientated Phuture, the less-mainstream Velvet Underground and the chilled Zouk Wine Bar. Zouk is also responsible for the most international artists performing in Singapore, with 153 bookings in 2012 alone. This is also due to the side-events they put on outside of the nightclub. If you’re in Singapore in December you may have a chance to experience ZoukOut. One of the biggest electronic music festivals in south-east Asia, ZoukOut takes place on the picturesque island of Sentosa. With a massive line-up consisting of the world’s top DJs and electronic music producers, it has become the highlight of the year for Singaporean clubbers. As Wednesday night in Singapore is ‘ladies night’, make sure you check out TGIW at Zouk. Happening every Wednesday it’s the perfect place for people on holiday as you don’t have to work the next day! Entry is $25, but being on a Wednesday, entry for ladies is free. Entry costs for other nights at Zouk and its neighbouring clubs depends on who’s playing. Make sure you check the price when deciding who to go and see.

Zirca

Located in Singapore’s party district, Clarke Quay, Zirca is relatively new face on the Singapore club scene, but it has very much made its mark. If you’re looking for more of a party than just dancing to music, Zirca is the place for you. Expect champagne to be flowing as performers take to the stage to entertain the 2,000 excited revellers. Another club that regularly hosts international artists, Zirca is also famous for its Wednesday night party Lollipop, another popular free night for ladies. If you’re feeling brave you can check out one of Zirca’s many costume parties. Be aware that people put a lot of effort in so don’t phone it in or you’ll definitely stand out, and not in the way you’re supposed to. Prices at Zirca are steep but if you’re into a spectacle beyond the normal clubbing experience then it’s well worth the price of admission. 

Home Club

Billed as Singapore’s home of the underground, Home Club is a back-to-basics clubbing experience focusing on music over everything else. The place to regularly hear music styles not often represented in the bigger clubs like techno, dubstep and drum n bass, Home Club also hosts indie nights for those that like to dance to something other than electronic music. It’s also a popular venue for local bands, with the club often doubling as a live music venue earlier in the night. Furthering the venue’s diversity, Home Club hosts regular comedy nights.  Although often hosting international artists, usually Home Club is home to young upcoming Singaporean DJs, which keeps door prices down, making it a popular club for many young Singaporeans. Its location next to the Singapore River, outside tables and great service also make it a great hangout spot. Cover charge at Home Club is always decent, even for international artists, so if you’re into music and don’t care about the bells and whistles of the nearby superclubs, then Home Club is the perfect place for you.   

As mentioned this is only the tip of the iceberg. Whether you like pop, house, trance, techno, drum n bass, dubstep, hip hop or R&B, there’s a DJ in a club somewhere waiting for you. Keep an eye on local listings before you arrive as you might get a chance to see a popular international DJ, if not the local DJs are well equipped to fuel your night of dancefloor hijinks.

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Mosaic Music Festival

The Mosaic Music Festival is an annual festival in Singapore that takes place in and around the Esplanade Theatre for ten days. Started in 2005, Mosaic began as a jazz and world music festival but has since grown to feature a wide variety of music styles. The festival is a celebration of music as art and as such is less likely to feature chart-topping pop stars. The entire Esplanade complex takes part in the festival. Not only utilising the venues within, like the concert hall and the theatre but also the surrounding area. As the Esplanade is right next to Marina Bay, it is the perfect setting for these free outdoor shows. The free shows are an important part of Mosaic. With a feeling that music should be for everyone, an outdoor stage right on the waterfront will be showcasing music that’s perfect for music lovers and passers-by alike.

Some of the 2013 Mosaic Music Festival performers include:

Acid House Kings: Bonding over a shared love of Elvis Priestly and The Smiths, Sweden’s Acid House Kings bring their unique brand of indie-pop to the Esplanade Theatre Studio.

Grimes: Hailing from Canada, the fiercely independent Grimes has grown in popularity at an astronomical pace. A true testament to DIY record making and the power of the Internet, see what all the fuss is about when Grimes brings her keyboard to the Esplanade Theatre Studio.

Wouter Hamel: Holland’s own pop sensation Wouter Hamel brings his amazing voice to Mosaic in 2013. Hamel shot to fame after winning the Dutch Jazz Vocal Competition in 2005. Since then he has released three critically acclaimed albums and has toured all over Europe. Catch him in the Esplanade Recital Studio.

mouse on the keys: Containing members from a well-known Japanese post-rock band, Tokyo’s mouse on the keys emerged playing a fusion of post-rock and jazz. Since then they have further evolved to incorporate many diverse styles of music, boiling them down to create something compelling and unique. Their highly visual live show takes place in the Esplanade Recital Studio.

Jose Stone: The 26 year old soul singer is probably the most recognised name on the Mosaic line-up. The organisers may have thrown a curveball in terms of booking a famous chart-topper, but a mere pop star, Jose Stone is not. Her incredible soulful voice has been wowing audiences since her debut album The Soul Sessions in 2003. Ten years later, she comes to Singapore to bring a lot of soul to the Esplanade Concert Hall.

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra: After meeting in a record shop and becoming friends based around the love of a Gaz Mayall cassette, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra was born. Now in their 25^th year, the band doesn’t just play straight up ska, despite the name. Instead they incorporate all their musical passions including surf rock, punk and jazz. With nine members, this is a musical spectacle not to be missed. Playing the Esplanade Concert Hall – as they’re unlikely to fit anywhere else!

Grizzly Bear:  Although releasing their debut album in 2004, it wasn’t until the release of their second album Yellow House in 2006 that the world stood up and listened. And listen they did. Released on Warp Records, a label most famous for its forward-thinking and experimental electronic music, Yellow House took the music world by storm. Loved by critics and adored by fans, Grizzly Bear quickly became one of the most respected and sought after bands in the indie scene. Now touring album number four, Grizzly Bear perform at Mosaic in the Esplanade Concert Hall.

That is just a small snippet of the artists that are performing at this year’s festival.  At ten days, there really is something for every music lover.

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One Night in Singapore

Although not necessarily known for its nightlife, Singapore is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for travellers looking to party in Asia. We decided it was time to put it the test.

Starting early for a pre-dinner beer at Ji Biru, a bar specializing in Japanese craft beer, we’re soon distracted by the yaki tori, which is a specialty at Ji Biru. We quickly understand why. All the beers at Ji Biru are from microbreweries in Japan and with a large selection including chocolate beer and coffee beer, there's something for every beer lover. Non-beer drinkers should definitely try the apple cider or the Umeshu, a Japanese plum wine that’s best enjoyed with a lot of ice.

After doing our best not to fill up on yaki tori we head to Little India. This time though it’s not for Indian food. We’re heading to a bar / restaurant / nightclub / record store called Broadcast HQ. Owned by two brothers from Australia, the menu is inspired by the main religion in Australia; barbeque. It would be silly in that situation not to order a steak, but the ribs look mighty tempting also. After the meal we head upstairs to relax on the couches to some music and enjoy a few after dinner cocktails.

By now it’s approaching 11 so we start making our way towards Clarke Quay. Once there we just stroll around the epic complex known as The Canary. It’s packed with restaurants, bars and clubs and is heaving with people. If you are in doubt about the vibrancy of Singapore’s nightlife, just come here on a Saturday night. After rightly deciding not to have a go in the “reverse bungee” contraption, a little cage that shoots you into the air via bungee rope, we head east along the river to Home Club.

We've decided not to go to one of Singapore’s well known super-clubs like the award winning Zouk or the spectacular Avalon, which sits on top of (not next to) Marina Bay. Instead we've opted for Home Club. Located close to Clarke Quay MRT station and between the two bridges of New Bridge Rd and North Bridge Rd, Home Club has long been revered for its independence in an increasingly commercialized scene. Dedicated to playing indie rock on Friday nights and then a rotating mixture of drum n bass, techno and dubstep on Saturday; Home Club has something for everyone who’s not into the R&B and Top 40 style dance music at other clubs. Its location right next to the Singapore River makes for a perfect place to relax and take a breather between dancing sessions. 

As the early hours of the morning approaches, we decide to finish the night how we started it by partaking in that greatest of Singaporean past times; eating.

We head around the corner to an all-night hawker centre and feast on some local flavours while reflecting on our night out. Travelling from location to location cheaply and easily, plus the sheer amount of people we've seen all night firmly puts to rest any notion that Singapore is a bland destination aimed purely at business travellers and shoppers. Whatever your taste, there’s something out there for every night owl. Be it food, bars or music, there’s always something happening at night in Singapore. 

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