Music & Nightlife
Your guide to the best nightclubs, live music and concerts in Singapore
Interviews
Interview: Foals
One man down and two new albums up – that’s how Oxford-hailing math-rock band Foals have decided to recalibrate and rise from the ashes since the departure of bassist Walter Gervers. While indie bands from the Noughties come and go, the now-quartet has shown no signs of slowing down and continue to scale new heights with their brand of amorphous rock. Their ambitious 2019 records – Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part 1 and Part 2 – together make up a two-album epic since the acclaimed 2015 instalment What Went Down. Tracks, including the lead single Exits, encompass the band’s signature explosive riffs, heavy groove and profound lyrics that create sweeping sonic landscapes in one intricate banger. And what an arresting experience to hear their gargantuan sounds live. If you've been to a Foals show, you'd know it's one for the books – they even won Best Live Act at the Q Awards. Prior to dominating the stage at Garden Beats on February 29, we chat with rhythm guitarist Jimmy Smith about the new albums, any live show shenanigans they’ve got planned, and the celebrity whose number he’d love to have. RECOMMENDED: Upcoming music festivals and concerts in Singapore Photograph: Shutterstock/Ben Houdijk What gets you excited about Singapore?We’ve had some great shows in Singapore, so it’s got to be the fans. The food is great too, especially the (hawker food). Garden Beats marks your return to the Lion City. What can we expect at your headlining show? We’ll be playing a bunc
Interview: Singapore Symphony Orchestra
With plenty of music venues and exciting concerts in Singapore, there's absolutely no excuse to go without music including jazz, rock, hip-hop and even classical music. But classical music goes beyond Bach, Beethoven and Mozart. Backed by an orchestra of strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and occasionally, a choir, it takes shape in various forms. Learn more about Singapore’s from the people who know it best. RECOMMENDED: The best live music venues in Singapore and upcoming concerts in Singapore
Interview: Martin Solveig
Rewind to 2012 when world-renowned DJ and producer Martin Solveig’s single with Dragonette Hello, spilled through the speakers of every clubs and parties. The Parisian hitmaker has since come a long way with more irresistible party starters such as Intoxicated and recent releases All Day and Night with Jax Jones and Madison Beer, as well as Thing For You with David Guetta. Taking his new tracks 57 floors atop the Marina Bay Sands, Martin Solveig is set to take on spinning duties at CÉ LA VI’s rooftop dancefloor on December 13. But before he kickstarts the party, we chat with the dance music trailblazer on collaborations, his dance moves and how he plans to keep spirits high until the AM at his latest show in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: Upcoming live DJ sets and club parties in Singapore Hi Martin! First things first, what gets you excited about Singapore?I’ve been to Singapore a few times and I have to say it’s such a beautiful and inviting city! It’s so different compared to Paris, the city where I live. And that’s what I find the most exciting: to be immersed in an environment I am not familiar with. We can’t wait to see you this weekend! You last performed in 2017 as part of Ultra, but will we be seeing a show different to that?My show definitely evolved throughout the years. I’m always adapting my sets based on the city, the venue, and the people coming to the show. Expect me to play all my recent tracks but also some new edits that I might test out. I always try to be
Interview: Cate Le Bon, Soak and Vandetta
Who are Alex, Blake and Charlie? Beats us. But here’s what we know: The Alex Blake Charlie Sessions is a brand new music series that champions female-fronted acts. Its diverse line-up takes sonic explorers deep into the world of pop-rock, R&B, indie-folk and electronica on a more intimate scale – all within an unusual heritage venue: Pasir Panjang Power Station. 14 acts take the stage on December 7 including Finnish pop wonder Alma, Icelandic-Brit punk-rock trio Dream Wife and femme post-punkers Goat Girl. Joining them are 2019 Mercury Prize-nominated avant-pop stalwart Cate Le Bon who can easily bust an indie earworm in Welsh and English, Northern Irish singer-songwriter Soak (real name Bridie Monds-Watson) with her Midas touch in dreamy indie-pop, and Singapore’s very own electro-soul-R&B darling Vandetta (real name Vanessa Fernandez) who’s nothing short of versatile. Before the mic checks, we chat with Cate Le Bon, Soak and Vandetta on the Lion City, the music festival and who they’ve got playing on repeat. RECOMMENDED: Upcoming concerts and music festivals in Singapore and the future of music festivals in Singapore First things first: what gets you excited about Singapore? Cate Le Bon: I’m looking forward to seeing the airport and the incredible architecture of it. I believe it’s quite extraordinary and I can’t wait to begin with it. Soak: The food and the landscapes. They’re so unique and different to Europe. And I’m looking forward to taking loads of photos. I also
