Whether the year has been good or bad for you, there is nothing more satisfying than some partying to mark the close of a turbulent year. Fortunately, there is a line-up of exciting parties within the month of Dec that you would most definitely want to attend. To help you navigate the elusive world of underground parties (both big and small), we have rounded up some of the wildest events in the next few weeks.
Since its inception in June 2022, techno collective Modal’s parties are known for their off-kilter beats and experimental tunes. Its first two parties, Mode01 and subsequently Mode02, broke pre-conceived notions of what techno is expected to be – with a repertoire that goes from deep, hypnotic synths to cutting-edge, raw industrial soundscapes. The next one at Iki By Ikigai at 20 Upper Circular Road is no different. Alongside local DJ Bella’s high-energy beats, London-based Wvrmpool, who is known for his primal rhythms mixed with textured vocals, as well as Hanoi-based Suplex D, whose set ranges from techno to metal, will be hitting the decks – meaning that you’ll be in for a wild auditory ride.
Tickets can be purchased at $35 each here
Multi-disciplinary art platform Endless Return’s parties represent the best of rave culture in Singapore. Starting out with virtual raves in the midst of a pandemic-induced lockdown in August 2020, the collective has since grown – with its first-ever physical party in May earlier this year being a huge success. Its upcoming party Post Testament, held at Room 0416 in Golden Mile Complex, seems to be bigger than the last. Expect highly experimental tunes by the likes of Metamoshka, Wvrmpool, rEmPiT gOdDe$$, DJ SageGift and Slinky Kinky alongside moving visuals by artists Baben Shin, Sarah Hanan, Skene Milne and Elsa Wong – a combo that’s sure to guarantee an immersive and surreal experience.
Tickets are only available at the door at $30 each
From Tokyo to San Francisco to Jakarta, Apsara’s mind-blowing DJ sets have become an addiction to dance music fans everywhere she goes – and now you can experience her set firsthand in Singapore’s Kult Kafe, situated at 200 Turf Club Road. Supporting her groovy act are local veterans like James Selva, whose multi-genre approach is always an auditory treat, as well as Robo X, whose deep electronic sounds are infused with nuances of techno.
Tickets can be purchased at $26.42 each here
Ever partied in an ice factory before? Well, here’s your chance. Held at Tuck Lee Ice Factory in Sin Ming Road, the one-of-a-kind party features local fashion vanguard/DJ Nicolette, industry stalwart Dodgy Yamamoto, as well as hosts Mr. Has and Aldrin on the decks. Expect a wide repertoire of sounds such as nu disco, indie dance, deep house, tech house, progressive house, melodic house and techno for a tantalising night in your winter garms.
Tickets are available at $42.26 each here
Popular Singapore party collective Eatmepoptart is turning 17 this month and resident DJs weelikeme, KiDG and Hedger want to take you on a trip down memory lane at Hard Rock Cafe. With all of the classic genres that you know and love from the DJ trio – cue Britpop, indie sleaze, pop punk and electronica – you’ll certainly be in for a nice ride of nostalgia to end off the year with a bang.
Tickets are available at $26.50 each here
Party collective North East Social Club is back with its second iteration of All Under One Roof at Projector X: Riverside – and we guarantee that you do not want to miss it. Its first party earlier this Sept sold out quickly and had a wide range of DJs with diverse genres hitting the decks. This time, the party seems to be sticking to that same ethos, but it has gotten bigger and better. With a total of six DJs like music collective Darker Than Wax member Dexter Colt and techno priestess GTHB, you can expect anything from Brazilian funk, breaks-and-bass, Afrobeats to girlie pop blasting all night.
Tickets are available at $27.26 each here
Organised and hosted by a trio of Singaporean TikTok personalities – Dewy Choo, Rayyan Azlin and Kai Xiang Thng (who often goes by pale.nerves), Gen Z-focused party collective Afterlife is back for its third and biggest event to date at Hard Rock Cafe. A collaboration with local events organizer Culture Singapore and Foot Locker, expect a lineup of eight sets from DJs like Marshmallowman and SoundsOfFai, including a debut back-to-back performance by guest DJs Farah Farz & Inquisitive. If that’s not enough to look forward to, teen songstress Kira Peace and musician Haify The Dude – both of whom are notable faces on Singapore’s TikTok scene – will be gracing the stage with special performances.
Tickets are available at $25 each here
Wrap up the year at Zouk’s New Year’s Eve party Total Recall. The entire club will be swathed in neon lights, fuchsia flamingo props and palm trees for a retro-soaked LA motel vibe. Expect a roster of six performances by local and global acts: at the Mainroom, resident DJ Lincey – known for his electronic-inflected sound – and The Dinosaur will be playing major throwback songs from the ’90s to the early aughts. At the Capital room, Dutch DJ Richard Durand and resident Zouk DJ Che’Molly will be playing their signature dance/electronic and house/techno tracks respectively. If you’re into hip hop tracks, head to Phuture where legendary local DJ Rattle (he’s been in the industry for over two decades) and TMO will be spinning.
Purchase tickets at $65 each for ladies and $75 for men here. Tickets are also available at the door for $100