Readers of the world, believe it or not, Singapore's prayers have finally been answered. This reporter needs to have music going on with pretty much everything he does, and a night out is no different. After two long years, restaurants and bars are alive with the musicality of some of the most extraordinary musical talents on the planet.
Be it a late night supper club with smooth jazz to go along with your glass of Chateau Cheval Blanc 1947, or a speakeasy basement where you may find your seemingly meek neighbour headbanging straight up heavy rock grooves with a pitcher to his name, your ears are in for an absolute treat. Keep reading this writers list to find out which live music venues pique our interest then sign up as a Registered subscriber to contribute to the Expat Choice many lists of recommendations in your city and leave your own favourite places for our readers to discover. Image Credit: Le Noir Facebook Page
Hard Rock Cafe
First up on the list is the ever so famous Hard Rock Cafe. You know that the music at HRC is going to blow your mind. HRC has earned quite a reputation for its live rock music, with the first outlet starting in London in 1971, and needless to say, they haven’t looked back since. Even though the lineup for this season is not out yet, you can rest assured; if you’re planning to headbang this weekend, HRC has got you covered. Oh, and don’t forget to down a pitcher before the gig starts. Apparently, headbanging is more fun that way. Image Credit: Hard Rock Cafe Facebook Page
a. 50 Cuscaden Road, Hpl House #02-01, Singapore 249724
w. www.hardrockcafe.com/location/singapore/
STAGE
Well, the name says it all. STAGE offers a great lineup of local musicians from 8 pm every night. The choice of music is incredibly eclectic. They host musicians performing everything from pop, funk and RnB to stuff like Mandopop and rock as well. Not only the musicians, but even the food here has a local touch. You can expect mouth watering delicacies like grilled meats, pizzas, burgers and sandwiches with a local twist. This is one place which is going to satisfy your hunger pangs and make you groove at the same time. Image Credit: stage.sg
a. 60 Prinsep St, Singapore 188664
Alchemy
If you’re in the mood for cool brews and chill grooves, then look no further. Alchemy is a brewery located in Clarke Quay, and it is well known for hosting regular open mic nights where pretty much anybody can hop on stage and have a go. So if you happen to be a closet musician who needs a push to get on stage, this might just be the place for you. Try to calm the nerves with a pint (or two- no one’s judging) of their local and international craft beer, and sing/play your heart away. Image Credit: Alchemy Facebook Page
a. 3 Magazine Rd, #01-02, Singapore 059570
Upstairs
If you’re even a little familiar with live music venues around Singapore, you will know that Upstairs used to be a not-so-happening, rather quiet balcony space right before the pandemic. Jump to today, it is quite the contrary. Upstairs is now a packed snack bar where there is no restriction of time of day. Be it the wee hours of the afternoon or post dinner party scenarios, there’s no better party than the party Upstairs (geddit?). The resident DJs here at Upstairs have taken it upon themselves to pair up absolute crowd breakfast favourites with a slice of house and a dash of techno beats. Oh and don’t forget to call for their loaded brunch series, the Sunny Side Up. Image Credit: Upstairs Facebook Page
a. 66 Boat Quay, Singapore 049854
Acid Bar
No, it’s not what you think it is. Acid Bar on Emerald Hill is anything but drugs. It is quaint, charming, and welcomes customers into a cosy shophouse space with outdoor seating. If you’ve ended up for dinner or post-dinner drinks in the latter half of the week, you’re in luck. There is a sweet lineup of up and coming local bands waiting to pounce on stage and get every ounce of publicity they can get. The pandemic has been brutal for them. Head over to Acid Bar and show them some love. By the way, since you’re gonna be there, don’t forget to call for the soft shell crab. Image Credit: Acid Bar & Restaurant Facebook Page
a. 180 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238846
Cuba Libre Cafe and Bar
¡La fiesta en el Cuba Libre Café y Bar! Is Latin music your jam? This is probably the only place where you’ll get a taste of salsa on your plate and on the dance floor. There’s not a soul who can’t dance to Latin music, and it becomes twice as easy if you’re inebriated on a Saturday night with your boo. The resident band Adrenalina and DJ Boi Kay are back at it with their salsa grooves, mambo tunes and cha cha chas. The clave better not throw you off. Tank up on the signature mojitos and stuff yourself with their delicious beef empanadas but save some for after you’re done dancing. It’s best to dance on an empty stomach. For your sake and others’. Image Credit: Cuba Libre Cafe and Bar Facebook Page
a. 3E River Valley Rd 01-03/04 @, Clarke Quay, The Circuit, Singapore 179024
Vertigo26
Wine lovers and vinyl lovers will both find themselves in business at Vertigo 26. The vibe at Vertigo 26 does not get better than this. Vertigo26 is a record store-cum-bar which is located in the MINT Museum of Toys, and hoards more than 1000 albums across five decades! If you’re one to geek out on gear, you’d be intrigued to know that they have the Vintage JBL S2600 speakers and a turntable set just by the bar. On bar duty is Cedric Seth (you might know him from The Horse’s Mouth) who is more than adept at whipping up innovative concoctions. So make sure you give this a shot, and while you’re there, might as well take a shot of tequila to get in the mood. Image Credit: Vertigo26 Facebook Page
a. 26 Seah St, Basement, 26 Seah St, Singapore 188382
Le Noir
The atmosphere at Le Noir is a sight for sore eyes. If you’re lucky, you’ll find yourself at Le Noir post 7.15 pm (the day doesn’t matter). We’re talking live tunes amidst gleaming water and breathtaking lazer effects from the Spectra light show. Quench your thirst with their signature fruity martinis (you should NOT miss those) while they amp up the volume to tunes by the likes of Jukeleles and Jack & Rai. Image Credit: Le Noir Facebook Page
Astor Bar
This place is as classy as it gets. When it comes to decor, the St. Regis bar invites you to be safely wrapped in some of the cosiest leather armchairs and dark wood panelling, and if you’re wondering what tunes they play, then think the smoothest of smooth jazz- everything from Kenny G to George Benson and Grover Washington Jr. If you’re looking for a soothing voice to help you wind down at the end of a rather busy week, head over to Astor Bar from Thursdays to Saturdays from anywhere between 6 and 8 pm. Singer Eugine Fernandez and pianist Chris Robinson take it upon themselves to “jazz up” your evening. Image Credit: astorbar.com
a. 29 Tanglin Road, The St. Regis Singapore, Lobby Level, Singapore 247912
Timbre
Well, Timbre is a franchise with not one but three venues around the city. The best part? The music never stops, what with indie bands hopping up on stage every chance they get. Be it pop, funk, rock or RnB, talented local bands bring some of the best and liveliest tunes to you, thereby ensuring that you have the time of your life. While this is definitely a feast for your ears, the taste buds shouldn’t be left behind. Dive into delicious hawker eats at Timbre + or lose yourself in the thin crust pizzas at Timbre x S.E.A. Image Credit: Timbre X S.E.A Facebook Page
a. 1 Old Parliament Lane, #01-04 The Arts House, Singapore 179429
w. www.timbregroup.asia/venues/timbre-x-s-e-a/
Offtrack
Offtrack happens to be the brainchild of the fine folks behind the electronic music label Darker Than Wax and party collective Ice Cream Sundays, so it’s obvious that you don’t want to miss the experience. Geek alert! Vintage Klipsch La Scala speakers adorn this music bar along with a vinyl friendly booth, where both, local and regional DJs are given the opportunity to take the stage by storm. Tuck into delectable pan Asian treats and wash them down with creative cocktails, and have the time of your life. Image Credit: Offtrack Facebook Page
a. 34 N Canal Rd, #01-01, Singapore 059290
Wheeler’s Estate
Wheeler’s Estate is by far the biggest al fresco live music venue across Singapore. A rugged ambience and beautiful architecture reminiscent of the colonial ages welcomes you into an evening of booze and beats and grooves and meats. Resident artists grace the stage by playing everything from hot classics to newfound playlists; you might even be lucky to have your request played. Oh and that is not even the best part. Head over to Wheeler’s Estate on Monday night to groove to classics of the likes of The Eagles, The Beatles, Beyond and many more. Image Credit: Wheeler's Estate Facebook Page
a. 2 Park Lane Singapore 798386 Park Ln, Singapore 798386
Maduro
Maduro is one venue which will definitely pique the interests of the jazz police. This music bar was launched by former jazz pianist Peter Ng, and it has a reputation for hosting stalwarts of jazz every Friday and Saturday night. We’re talking musicians of the likes of Alemay Fernandez and renowned pianist Aya Sekine. If this wasn’t enough, the cocktail program also seems to be inspired from jazz, and it has been commenced by none other than Andrew Yap of The Old Man, Singapore. Call them and book your table now. You won’t regret it. Image Credit: Maduro Facebook Page
a. 40C Harding Rd, Level 3, Singapore 249548
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