Buzz In Arpeggio: Habbo Fiestas, SGCR, Pink Dot, A DnB Marathon & More

Beneath the beats and amidst the alleys, there is always a new story unfolding in Singapore’s music scene. With uncompromising enthusiasm, promoters in Singapore are constantly colouring the terrain with new gigs and parties, even when clamped down by the restrictions of COVID-19. Buzz In Arpeggio is a seasonal round-up piece that cherry-picks these hottest happenings; this week, there’s an abundance of activity stirring in the digital space.

All you need is love, and Pink Dot leads the way (Credit: Pink Dot Facebook page)

Pink Dot celebrations shine brightly over the weekend

Even with the clench of COVID-19, the freedom to love does not get snuffed out. While the annual Pink Dot – a significant event for LGBTQ Singaporeans and those who stand with them – won’t be able to take place physically this year, the message will continue to be heard in the digital realm. Through a live-streamed concert on 27 June, local musicians will come together for the 12th edition of Pink Dot, with voices heard from Charlie Lim, Joanna Dong, Leon Markcus and Mathilda D’Silva. Together, they will rally the community to participate in the momentous event – to Light Up, Sign Up and Show Up, even while apart. There’s even a Pink Dot afterparty happening if you wish to partake in the feel-good revelries.

Pink Dot 12, 27 June 2020, 8pm. Participate and watch the stream via their official website.

Sub City and Kings Of Bass unite for a full day of drum & bass goodness (Credit: Kings Of Bass)

The drum & bass community comes together

Jungle in the Lion City is alive and well, and it’s flaunting its stripes in solidarity with a 12-DJ marathon supporting a very special cause. This speedy beat blitz on 26 June will be co-hosted by Revision Music’s flagship Sub City brand along with Kings Of Bass, an emerging unit founded by KANE MC and ARESHA, two seasoned pioneers of the drum & bass subculture. Gathering selectors with similar BPM-busting sentiments, the all-day stream hopes to encourage donations to the Food From The Heart Fund in this time of need. From liquid grooves to vicious breaks, the choons here are going to be ballistic.

Sub City x Kings Of Bass: SG Drum & Bass 12 DJ Livestream, 26 June 2020, 3pm-3am. Watch via this stream link.

The next episode of United We Stream Asia in Singapore will feature producers such as .gif and Intriguant (Credit: Elias Soh, Matin Latif [front] / Somewhere Facebook page [rear])

Local live acts make their debut on United We Stream Asia

For weeks now, United We Stream Asia has brought the diversity of club culture in Asia to the fore, from the beach clubs of Bali to the mountainous fields of Ulaanbaatar. The Singapore-based Homeaway Agency has been instrumental in this continent-spanning endeavour, in a bid to support these nightlife establishments in this floundering period. On our shores, Tuff Club and Upstairs (the upper floor of Headquarters) have participated so far, with Somewhere next on the list with a stream on 24 June. Focusing on the producer circuit, this midweek showcase will feature live performances from .gif, Fzpz, Halal Sol and Intriguant, for a mix of electronica, house, bass music and more.

United We Stream Asia Live From Somewhere, Wednesday 24 June 2020, 7pm-12am. Watch via this stream link.

White Label Records might be gone (for now), but the essence of these sets find new life on the stream (Credit: White Label Records Facebook page)

Singapore Community Radio streams shows following White Label Records’ closure

An announcement that ripped hearts, White Label Records revealed that it was shutting down its treasured store at Ann Siang Road due to the struggles of COVID-19. For years, the record store and bar served as a performance space for diverse series like the Asian Boogie-centric Night Cap and indie-focused Teenage Riot. With the establishment’s closure, its owners are now channelling their energies into the revamping of Singapore Community Radio, and that includes the porting over of these series to its digital channel. This weekend alone will see streams from Night Cap (with Itch), Teenage Riot (with Kim Wong), Inner Space (with Eden) and the new Funk Fenomena (with KiDG); keeping the spirit of White Label Records alive.

Funk Fenomena, 25 June 2020, 8pm-10pm | Teenage Riot, 25 June 2020, 10pm-12am | Inner Space, 26 June 2020, 9pm-11pm | Night Cap, 27 June 2020, 9.30pm-11pm. Watch all streams via this link.

Darker Than Wax hops onto Habbo again with Ice Cream Sundays

Local label, Darker Than Wax, flipped the formula when they took live-streaming to the next level, recreating their Chye Seng Huat Hardware party venue in the virtual world of Habbo. Following its success – with all its bizarre idiosyncrasies including avatar fashion shows and hidden warp pads – the crew is now assembling the rave-famous carpark atop Golden Mile Complex in Habbo, an undertaking that will certainly be chock-full of surprises. To enliven the festivities further, Darker Than Wax has roped in Ice Cream Sundays for their signature jaunty selections. Who said partying safe had to be a downer?

Ice Cream Sundays x Darker Than Wax: Open Door Online, 28 June 2020, 2pm-8pm. Watch via this stream link.