5 beloved music venues in Singapore that have closed down (or closing soon)

Creative space by day, a super turnt nightclub by sundown – Canvas was once the hottest spot for Millenial and Gen Z revellers to let their hair down. It first opened its riverside digs in Clarke Quay in July 2014, reviving the old space of Home Club. But unlike its predecessor, it boasts a more refined eclecticism – a place where art, music, comedy and lifestyle converge.

A rendezvous for music lovers, Canvas has also brought the trance crowd together with its Transition events, united the hip-hop crew with its .WAV(Y) shindigs, and introduced various creatures of the night with avant-garde spins on nu disco, house and techno.

Canvas announced early this year via Facebook that it has finally decided to call it quits after standing its ground for nine months with the hopes of reopening since the circuit breaker. While it cited lack of funds as one of the main reasons for its closure, it will forever be full of great memories.

After five years, Kult Kafe is saying goodbye to its iconic Emily Hill abode. Since 2015, the sequestered colonial mansion has hosted a series of community-driven independent events such as outdoor music performances, live DJ sets, salsa classes, vinyl bazaars, art pop-ups, and even screenings of animated short films. Even without the events, it was still a great spot to escape the city buzz (while still being in the city), and unwind with innovative cocktails – think Kult Julep with rum, kaffir lime leaf and gula melaka.

But this is not the end of Kult Kafe. According to its Instagram, it’s currently looking for a new home. Till then, you can soak up its signature chill vibes at sister outlet Kult Yard at Pearl’s Hill Terrace.

A record store by day and a bar by night, White Label Records stood out on the music lovers’ map. It was a place where you can thumb through a selection of seven and 12-inch records from various eras and genres, as well as rotating hot new cuts from local and regional acts, while bobbing to a specially curated playlist with a tipple in hand. It also brought music enthusiasts together with special trivia nights and themed parties. 

However, hearts broke on June 15 when it announced its closure. The popular music hangout at Ann Siang Road initially planned to reopen its doors after the circuit breaker, but due to the high level of uncertainty that surrounds small businesses, it was forced to shut down. 

But it’s not all goodbyes as the team continues to revamp the Singapore Community Radio and its news music platform Vinyl of The Day. As stated on a Facebook post, it plans to bring “[White Label Records] back to life again down the road when the situation is under control and regulations are eased.” Fingers crossed!

Part art gallery, part restaurant, part bar, and part after-work party space, Telok Ayer Arts Club makes for the most interesting addition to the CBD when it first opened its doors in 2018. Brought to you by the brains behind SPRMRKT, it’s the place where you can indulge in French-Mediterranean cuisine, Asian-inspired drinks, live DJ sets, and a revolving series of art exhibitions. It’s simply a space that just refused to be pigeonholed.

This isn’t new news either – Telok Ayer Arts Club ended its run at 2 McCallum Street on a high note with a closing party on March 27 last year, right before the circuit breaker. But good thing it’s not the last of it. It’s currently running as a kiosk at Cluny Court, serving kueh, nasi lemak, and art for now.

A power sub-station that’s been converted into Singapore’s first independent contemporary arts centre, The Substation has always been a beacon for various subcultures including the underground punk scene here. Dating back to 1990, the long-running arts space was founded by Cultural Medallion winner and playwright Kuo Pao Kun, and since then, it has supported less conventional works and collaborations within the arts community, including music.

Early this year, The Substation has announced its departure from its Armenian Street digs, which is likely to take place towards the end of July. This is due to renovation works. “As for what's next after renovation, our future is still uncertain,” the arts venue states on its Instagram.

But before its final goodbye at Armenian Street, The Substation is hosting a month-long festival in March. Curated by co-artistic director Raka Maitra, SeptFest 2021: In The Margins is set to feature 11 productions and two exhibitions, taking a closer look at the stories of the marginalised and the ephemerality of spaces.