ONE More Time: Aldrin Unites Local Producers With A Comeback Album On His Label

Even after 30 years, Aldrin continues to shape the scene with his vision (Credit: Courtesy of Aldrin)

The struggle of the Singaporean DJ is no trivial matter. With party culture snuffed out for nearly two years here, plenty have lost their way of life and means of expression, trapped in a deafening silence while the authorities keep their finger firmly on the mute button. It’s times like these when the scene needs to retort with an authority of its own, and there are few quite as qualified as illustrious veteran, Aldrin. Boasting an experience of over 30 years, the game-changer and industry-definer has hit back with a new compilation that lets affected DJs speak their mind with a tool most natural to them – the power of music. 

The compilation also represents a return for Aldrin’s venerable label (Credit: Courtesy of Aldrin)

But more than just a platform for these lost artistes, this album – titled Navigating Through The Pandemic – also marks the comeback of Aldrin’s respected label, ONE with Music, after an eight-year hiatus. Founded in 2007, the label bears Aldrin’s signature ONE identity and has always been a launchpad for producers in Singapore and around the region. It’s now been given a rejuvenating breath of life with this call to arms, bearing new fruit that showcases the production chops of these stifled selectors.

Navigating Through The Pandemic features a roster of mainstays and fresher faces with a track record of originals under their belt. These include established icons like Kaye who's whipped up a tropical, Italo bop on “Wandering Soul”; Ferng, who meanders across minimal techno territory on “Far From Over’; and Case Woo who goes progressive with mighty beats and climax-evoking melodies on “I Am Freakin On Fire”. On the rise, you have Intriguant who serves a mellow electronica cut with “Commes”, Halal Sol with a sweaty house ruckus on “How?”, and Benedict & Palmer (the new project from the duo behind O$P$) introducing their debut prog-house release with “The 7th Month”. And naturally, it wouldn’t be complete without inclusions from the boss himself. Aldrin delivers three of his own that turn up the euphoria, wielding arpeggiated hooks, dramatic pads and beefy drumwork that’ll transport you back to the clubs.

This has been a project nearly a year in the making (Credit: Courtesy of Aldrin)

Aldrin first teased these tracks when the Navigating Through The Pandemic initiative first kicked off in March 2021. With support from the National Arts Council, Aldrin performed a virtual set that showcased these eclectic contributions, giving viewers a taste of what was to come from his then-dormant label. With the cat now officially out of the bag, we are now treated to the return of one of Singapore’s most influential labels, and the astonishing diversity of what our DJs can pull off when they put their producer goggles on. With Aldrin leading the charge, this is what they all have to say.

You can listen to Navigating Through The Pandemic on Spotify, SoundCloud and Beatport. Read our interview feature with Aldrin to find out more the man behind the vision.