Cheerful Countdowns: 5 New Year’s Music Events To Make 2022 Feel A Little Less Mopey

North East Social Club is bringing their notorious NYE show back to The Projector (Credit: North East Social Club, taken before the pandemic)

Undisputedly, 2021 has been a roller-coaster year of highs and lows for the local music scene. To keep our chins up for the year ahead (no matter how ominous Omicron may seem), we can always rely on the unifying power of music as we count down the clock. Thankfully, several entities in the scene share this sentiment, and they’ve organised a bunch of New Year’s Eve celebrations – both physical events and online streams – that will make the prospect of 2022 seem less glum.

Loof puts on a 12-hour radio show before it says goodbye in February (Credit: Loof)

Loof delivers one final hoorah

The cherished rooftop institution shocked the scene when it announced its departure from its Odeon Towers home after 17 years. But it did also promise a surprise on New Year’s Day. That surprise has since revealed itself to be Loof FM, a 12-hour radio festival featuring a stuffed roster of local DJs who have graced its decks over the years.

In collaboration with Singapore Community Radio, Loof FM will revisit its past residencies including the vinyl-focused Wax On Wax Off (with Dean Chew, KiDG and DJ Itch) and the indie-centric Pops Of The Top (with Ginette Chittick and Kim Wong). It’ll also go full steam ahead with The Loof Mix, presented by the veteran ensemble of KFC, Daryl Knows, Cats On Crack, Joshua P, Tyler Made, Ramesh and Jean Reiki. Loof FM will also feature candid conversations with local creatives hosted by Tracy Phillips and Elias Soh, where they will cover topics ranging from womenswear to dream interpretation.

Loof FM, 1 January 2022, 10am-10pm. Find out more here.

Yes, it’s happening again (Credit: North East Social Club)

North East Social Club makes it happen

From managing talents like BGourd to organising pop-up marketplaces, North East Social Club is a collective that’s been on the scene’s radar for a while now. Come New Year’s Eve, in conjunction with the Spikyfruits imprint, NESC brings the revelry back to The Projector, which is notorious for hosting boisterous NYE gigs in the past. Called This Is Happening, this event takes on a milder temperament with social distancing rules in place, but it still features a fiery lineup of emo, math-rock, hip-hop and post-rock. Unfortunately, it seems like tickets are already sold out for this, but do keep tabs on them for any last-minute ticket cancellations. Good luck.

North East Social Club presents This Is Happening, 31 December 2021, 6.30pm-1am. Find out more here.

Marian Carmel and Jean Seizure will take over the indiego airwaves (Credit: Khairul Ameer [left], Josslin Yeo [right])

indiego keeps it intimate

Perhaps you’re looking for something a little cosier to wind down from the hectic year. indiego, the new alternative radio station from Mediacorp, recently announced its official launch and its staggering breadth of programmes. Part of this programme includes indiego Recess: Let’s Celebrate 2022 Edition, an online gig that will be live-streamed on Mediacorp’s TikTok page (is this how the youth digest gigs these days?). Slated to perform are popular singer-songwriters, Jean Seizure and Marian Carmel, who will crank up the chill with a soothing soundtrack of r&b, soul and pop-inclined tunage.

indiego Recess: Let’s Celebrate 2022 Edition, 31 December 2021, 10.45pm Find out more here.

Ring it in with Eurodance euphoria

If hitting midnight with Vengaboys and Haddaway sounds like your kind of bash, then you’d best get acquainted with DJ Chris. For those in the loop, the charismatic selector – he also happens to be an engaging hype-man – has been hosting his CCBC (Chris Circuit Breaker Club) live-streams since the pandemic hit, where he pumps out a supercharged blitz of Eurodance anthems. He intends to do no differently for this special 2022 countdown edition, spewing out positive energy for all you Mr. Vains and Barbie Girls in the house.

DJ Chris presents New Year Countdown 2022, 31 December 2021, 10.30pm. Find out more here.

You can’t go wrong with a live show at The Esplanade (Credit: WOKFUNK)

WOKFUNK cooks up a celebration

What’s stirring here? The musical twosome of WOKFUNK comprising Benjamin Mah (Astronauts) and Billy Chua (Disco Hue) have partnered with The Esplanade to curate a NYE show called WOKFUNK: Class of 2022. Hosted by the dynamic duo, this jubilant performance will showcase an evening of hip-hop, pop, folk and r&b; featuring Akeem Jahat, Vivien Yap, Dominic Chin, Sambal Snake, Owen Li and Marian Carmel (yes, she performs twice for New Year’s). And the best part? This three-set show will be a live gig that’s open to audiences. So if you don’t wish to hole up in your living room on the last day of 2021, this concert is giving you an excuse to head out.

WOKFUNK: Class of 2022, 31 December 2021, 7pm, 8.30pm and 10pm. Find out more here.