Rave Etiquette In Singapore: Protect The Scene With These 12 Things To Do (And Not Do)

Unleashing your party animal in this period of rave revivalism is great, but are you doing your best to keep the scene safe? (Credit: Ice Cream Sundays)

There’s no stopping this freight train; the momentum of comeback parties has left bitter memories of the pandemic far behind. But with the return of raves comes the emergence of a new generation of revellers, one that’s only experiencing the sweet taste of party culture for the first time in their lives. Their enthusiasm is understandably unbridled and they deserve to be uncaged, but to what degree? Are today’s peeps partying responsibly and graciously, and in a way that bolsters – and not damages – the local music scene as a community?

For those freshly acquainted, and perhaps even those who’ve forgotten how to behave at a party, here’s some rave etiquette 101 for the sake of everyone’s protection and enjoyment on the floor. Let’s spread the word and safeguard our scene.

Whether you’re queer or straight or anywhere in between, there’s always a space for you on the dancefloor (Credit: Club Kiki)

Respect everyone’s freedom of expression

Inclusivity has always been the bedrock of party culture. And in a day and age where people are more empowered to own their identities and express themselves aesthetically on the floor, raves have become a liberating space of freedom. You will see more unorthodox get-ups and non-conforming outfits. You are going to see profiles across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. You might see a naked butt or two. However you feel about it, embrace the power of self-expression and keep any negativity to yourself. We’re all here for the music.

It just ain’t worth it (Credit: Maurício Mascaro)

Stay off the substances, kiddos

From hyperbolic CNB videos to swarming headlines of national Olympic swimmers, the stance on drug abuse in Singapore couldn’t be any clearer. Unlike the hedonism of other party capitals in the world, the situation in this surveillance state remains very much prohibited. It’s partially this perceived view of raves and drug-soaked debauchery that hindered the reopening of the party industry after the pandemic – in the government’s eyes, we’re a hotbed of vice, it seems! So let’s not prove the authorities right and give them a reason to wipe us out again. Behave. Just rave.

What’s your go-to party chant? (Credit: Zouk Singapore)

Regulate your chanting, eh? (wah)

Look, we’re all for werewolf howlin’ and spiritual ululating and whatever form of vocal expression you’re into (we draw the line at “eh-wah” gang chants). But if you’re doing it on every single drop, it becomes particularly jarring and distracting for those on the floor looking to lose themselves in the music. It’s great that you wanna show your support. But you don’t need to be a part of the vocal track. No one needs your remix.

Institutions that embrace pop-up parties like The Projector need to be safeguarded (Credit: Afrodisia)

Protect the space like your own home

You’d think this is a no-brainer, but it still needs to be said. Ask any pop-up promoter, and they’ll tell you that party venues in Singapore are a limited resource. So let’s do better to take care of them even when we let loose, like not leaving holes in walls or cigarette stains on furniture or condoms on the floor (yes, it happens). Or holding it in – on either end – till you make it to the bathroom or the bushes. If you see a cup or bottle rolling around on the dancefloor, help clear it instead of having it kicked around like a pinball. We’re party animals, not savages.

Unique events such as ice factory raves aren’t easy to organise (Credit: One With Aldrin)

Listen to the licence rules

And on that note, there’s another reason why party venues are so hard to find in Singapore. The necessity for licences is another excruciating bane for organisers of parties. And when they are fortunate enough to secure the licence, they’re also bound by a laundry list of rules and regulations in order to ward off any gatecrashing po-po. So when a party says it’s gotta end by 3am, respect the organisers and don’t overstay your welcome. Encores are a luxury.

No, I don’t want to watch the DJ through your screen (Credit: Heineken Singapore)

Put down your phones 

Raving’s all about being in the moment. We didn’t endure two years of party annihilation just to experience them through our phone screens all over again. But if you must use it, keep your phone screen dim in dark settings; no one needs to see your drunken texts. Don’t film others without their permission (you voyeur), keep recording to a minimum and turn off your flash. “I like being blinded by a bright white light in the middle of a brooding techno set!” said no one ever.  

Mind your manners and don’t be a vibe killer (Credit: Eatmepoptart)

Practise spatial awareness – it’s common sense

Some people think they can defy the laws of physics – two things cannot occupy the same space at the same time. There’s a difference between dancing as one and forgoing spatial awareness altogether. Don’t be that one person who barges through everyone and spills everyone’s drinks. Watch where you step, don’t be grabby, and be mindful of your Muay Thai elbows. And if you must part the Red Sea and bob from one end of the room to the other, an “excuse me” goes a long way.

Get tipsy and support the venue – it’s a win-win (Credit: Sivilian Affairs)

Show some love for the bar

You love parties, don’t you? Then support the people who make them happen. Aside from purchasing your entry tickets (see the next point), you’ll be doing them a solid by boosting their bar and food sales. Their survival depends a lot on this once you consider their expenses on venue procurement, equipment rental and artist fees. Don’t sneak in booze flasks or pre-drink at the entrance. Besides, you might just discover your new favourite concoction.

Guestlist for you and 20 pax? Not cool (Credit: Blackout Agency)

Don’t push your way into the guestlist

Knowing the alias of the performing DJ does not grant you guestlist perks. Guestlists are a subjective arrangement between organisers, artists and associates; not something you force your way into. And if you’re lucky enough to land a spot, don’t rope in your whole posse. Being disrespectful and demanding a space on the guestlist will only lead you to another kind of list.

Opening sets are sometimes the best performances you’ll ever encounter (Credit: Thugshop)

Come early for the warm-up acts

The show’s more than just the headliner. Opening DJs have the daunting task of warming up the floor, and you’ll be surprised with what you might stumble upon if you drag your butt out early. You might find sets that tend to be more experimental in nature, and even different sides of your favourite DJs. Promoters also make efforts to curate a perfect programme for the whole event; often a narrative that deserves to be heard from beginning to end. Help your DJs out. Playing to an empty floor ain’t ideal.   

It’s not your time to shine (Credit: Neosiam 2021)

Don’t interrupt a lineup with the “I’m a DJ” card

Toss a pebble into a crowd these days and it’ll most likely land on a bedroom DJ or two. While the rising interest is definitely heartening, it’s not an excuse to hijack someone else’s set and making it all about you. Give DJs some space when they’re performing (don’t ask to Shazam every track you hear) and save your networking till after they’re done. Work your way up and hustle through the proper channels. Humility is key. Your ego will backfire.

Miss partying with masks? We don’t (Credit: Marquee)

Feeling sick? Go home

Did COVID teach you nothing? Do we really wanna risk another purge of parties? If you’re feeling like a flu monster, just stay home. You don’t wanna be patient zero V2.