JUICE December 2016 - ZoukOut 2016 | Issue #219

DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE #219

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zoukout 2016

the zoukout issue

ONE TRIBE

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December is a time for thrills and spills but we can’t help feeling a tinge of melancholy amidst all that raging party buzz. Yes – this month, our beloved party mecca, Zouk Singapore, will move out from its long-time home at Jiak Kim Street to a new address in Clarke Quay. And while the music will go on, the playground at which we had our many firsts will no longer be. Click through to irememberjiakkim.com and take in the beauty of the space and place we so love.

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On the flip side, we are soooo looking forward to the annual Siloso outing that is ZoukOut 2016. To get you all psyched up alongside us, we’ve plied this issue with all the info and tips you may need – from the all-star lineup (page 14) to beach-ready get-ups; and cameras you’ll need to document all the action (page 86). Plus, our cover girl AKA ZoukOut 2016’s ‘People’s Choice’ winner, Chloe Choo (page 59), lets us in on what makes her tick. So, hang tight; the party is on.

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CONTENTS ZOUKOUT 2016

14 006

Since its inception in 2010, ZoukOut has emerged as one of the biggest dance festivals in the region. This year, its roster of international DJs consists of 15 of the biggest and most buzzing names in dance music. But it also packs an immense homegrown arsenal with next-level local acts who’ll be holding court at the local-only Kaleidoscope Stage. Meet the various tribes that will congregate at ZoukOut 2016.

Image courtesy of Zouk Singapore

22

time of your life

32

Eight of the most epic live moments in music history.

JUSTICE

New album Woman will unlock limbs and close the year in dashing style.

43

naughty but nice The

54 60

2016 X’mas gift guide.

STYLE BEATS

This ZoukOut, take style direction from your favourite DJs.

9 5 midnight moves chloe choo

Z o u k O u t ’s ‘ P e o p l e ’s C h o i c e ’ w i n n e r a n d cover girl talks favourites.

No dull party in sight with this selection of threads.

game face on

Beauty essentials for the best festival looks.

86

take action

78

Action cams that offer new perspectives on your outdoor escapades.

AFTER HOURS

Palate-gratifying spots for your late-night fix.

88

DECEMBER 2016

social

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SNAP OF THE MONTH CONGRATULATIONS @DENNC! FOR GIF TING US WITH YOUR PRESENCE ON OUR 18TH BIRTHDAY, HERE’S A LIT TLE SOMETHING I N RETURN. THIS MONTH’S SNAP OF THE MONTH WINS A BENJAMIN BARKER SHIRT WORTH UP TO $99.90, COURTESY OF BENJAMIN BARKER.

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obsessions

where da party at?

NO SHINDIG IS COMPLETE WITHOUT THESE ESSENTIALS.

ROLLIN’ GOOD TIMES If you ask me what is the number one non-negotiable when it comes to throwing a b i g o n e ? I ’d s a y a g o o d s p e a k e r t h a t d e l i v e r s t u n e s t h r o u g h t h e n i g h t . T h a t ’ s w h y I a m l o o k i n g t o t h i s n i f t y o n e f o r m y y e a r - e n d r e v e l r y. F o r a t h u m p e r p l a y e r that’ll survive drunken tumbles and accidental booze spills, the UE Roll 2 doesn’t disappoint. Armed with a waterproof body (it even comes with its own float for pool- or beach-side shenanigans!) and available in four striking colours, it plays music via Bluetooth from up to 100ft a w a y, h a s a 1 5 p e r c e n t l o u d e r v o l u m e t h a n i t s p r e d e c e s s o r , a n d c a n dish out tracks non-stop for up to nine hours. Can I get an Amen?

$149, available at authorised retailers.

THE ROCK SHOW 010

If you disagree, please forgive the douchery of this sweeping statement: everyone likes to party. Having hosted and attended many of such things, I’ve found that the first thing I think of when it comes to ‘party essentials’ is the music.

These days, I just trap it out. But before, Blink-182’s live album, The Mark, Tom and Travis Show , worked just fine, all the time. That disc had every ingredient necessary for sobriety-and-awkwardness-killing fun like catchy, irreverent songs, puerile humour and onstage banter sure to induce smiles and eye-rolls. There’s something about d*ck jokes, an un-emo dose of nostalgia and “What’s My Age Again?” that makes people less responsible, adult-like or decent. Played at an ‘inviting’ volume and cued with beer, they’ve soundtracked some pretty beautiful and epically off-the-hook times.

US$13, available on amazon.com.

ottle

oo ne

Fact: parties are fun; morning-afters not so much. Perhaps that’s why, more than ever, I’ll be relying on Seed & Soil to get me through the next day. Unlike standard juice packs from the supermarket, the local juicing company serves up a delicious dose of nutrients and vitamins in each bottle to ensure none of that processed crap goes into your system. orking i h a nu ri ionis o cul iva e a holis ic menu of avours he juice is col resse o re ain all he enefi s o le fresh aily an is eliciously refreshing. seedandsoil.com

TOP OF THE POPS

I make no secret about my love for karaoke – even if I do try to hide the excitement when Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” is next in the song queue. But when it comes to rounding up mates to actually go to a KTV bar, the hassle and lack of liquid courage are convenient excuses to expect . So, I’m thrilled to discover that local start-up, Popsical, is releasing an affordable and portable karaoke system that can be set up anywhere with an Internet connection. Contrary to the typically gargantuan jukeboxstyle systems, Popsical’s petite size and wireless connectivity (along with a Spotifyinspired smartphone app) means it can effortlessly turn any home into a makeshift karaoke bar, with a music library that’s updated daily. Friends, I’m sorry in advance.

POA, visit popsical.tv for more info.

Ready for more

Warm. Dry. Waterproof.

SINGAPORE

SERVIN’ UP THE FRESHEST CONTENT

OUR EXCLUSIVE WEB HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH CHAT: MYRNE

THE HOMEGROWN PRODUCER FILLS US IN ON LIFE AND MUSIC AFTER BEING SIGNED TO DIPLO’S MAD DECENT IMPRINT.

H&M HOLIDAY COLLECTION

THE FASHION BRAND’S THREADS GET A MERRY MAKEOVER, WITH A SHORT FILM BY WES ANDERSON TO BOOT.

CHAT: TAKASHI MAKINO

THE JAPANESE AUDIO-VISUAL ARTIST ON HIS SURREAL VISUALS FOR EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC EVENT, CLOSER TO THE EDGE.

ACTUALLY… MART THE PURVEYOR OF LOCAL FASHION PUTS A FRESH SPIN ON THE GROCERY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE WITH A UNIQUE POP-UP CONCEPT.

REPORT: ANTI-FLAG

TWENTY YEARS AFTER THEIR DEBUT ALBUM, THE PITTSBURGH PUNKS FINALLY BRING THEIR ANTI-AUTHORITARIAN ANTHEMS TO SINGAPORE.

BEAUTY ON A BUDGET BEAUTY ESSENTIALS THAT’LL HAVE YOUR SECRET SANTA RECIPIENT SMILING, WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK.

LET IT SNOW! THE COOLEST CHRISTMAS COVERS TO BRING DOWN THE SINGAPORE HEAT DURING THE HAPPIEST TIME OF YEAR.

YANTRA BY HEMANT OBEROI THE CELEBRITY CHEF TAKES DINERS ACROSS A CULINARY LANDSCAPE OF REINVENTED INDIAN CLASSICS.

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global beat 011

Text Indran P Images Various Sources

In the data-swirl of the Internet exists a very passionate endorsement of Bonzai – the newly minted underground singer-songwriter – by dance doyenne Annie Mac. Like the geographical boundaries that collapse behind her, the music this Indiana-born, Dublin-raised, and London-based artistic force makes is a rave-ready fusing of industrial, grime, hip-hop, dancehall, Irish folk, and soul. Her new EP Lunacy heaves with a wonky-led swell of grinding synths and lethally juddering bass that, for all their heft, do nothing to unsettle her honeyed soul side.

Treats like “I Did” will surely open up sweat glands on packed dance floors and frenetic raves, but they’re also perfect for when you’re sitting still and focussing on something or other with a berserk energy.

soundcloud.com/b_o_n_z_a_i

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GATHERING OF TRIBES THE ALTERNATIVE CROWD

wiwek

rac

Underground music has been around for as long as there’s been a discernible mainstream. While you had to dig for it back in the day, the alt, left-leaning underground is now just as visible as what’s popular. ZoukOut 2016 celebrates this great state of affairs with programming that includes three of experimental dance music’s most exciting names: RAC, Tiga and Wiwek. As RAC, indietronic producer André Allen Anjos is a mainstay in the indie dance scene because of his lush, intricately arranged remixes for acts such as Lana Del Rey, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Death Cab For Cutie.

For his part, Tiga is the Puck of the dance world and whose touch has resonated throughout disco, techno, electro, and garage. As for Wiwek, he trafficks in moombahton and jungle terror, so you know he’s going to groove you in unorthodox ways.

tiga

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THE BANGER-LOVERS

No matter which side of the divide you’re on, you can’t deny that EDM is invincible. For years, purists and haters have been preaching its end but it just won’t go away. And there’s a simple reason for that: nothing rocks a large crowd of bodies harder. This may be ZoukOut’s least EDM-oriented outing in recent years but that hasn’t stopped it from enlisting some of the most earth-shaking, planet-quaking names in the game to get our collective dance on. Returning ZoukOut heroes Hardwell and Zedd are not only responsible for some of contemporary dance music’s biggest hits, they’ve also helped define the mode of popular contemporary dance music itself. If you’ve memorised the hooks and drops to floor-crushers like “Spaceman”, “Zero 76”, “Spectrum”, “I Want You To Know”, and “Clarity”, then this is your tribe.

Forget what the haters say – dance your dance, and live your party.

THE HIP-HOPPERS

snakehips

hardwell

This tribe is arguably the most passionate and swagged-out of the lot.

2016 has shown us that hip-hop is a global concern that has also defined the tone and tenor of the zeitgeist. Trap has been fully co-opted into club culture’s playlists and American duo GTA embody that perfectly. Following gta through on the message its moniker abbreviates, ‘Good Times Ahead’, the twosome applies a hard, electro-led touch to hip-hop grooves. Just peep their remix of Rihanna’ “B**ch Better Have My Money”, and while you’re at it, cue up Snakehips. Electronica wizzes with a deep love for r&b, the UK duo has been chiming in beautifully on the alt-r&b craze, remixing for the sound’s poster artistes, The Weeknd and Banks. And then there’s TOKiMONSTA. The FlyLo-certified, classically trained sensation is famed for her heady soundscapes that are complex but dancey, drenched with a bass-buoyed hip-hop thump. tokimonsta

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SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2010, ZOUKOUT HAS EMERGED AS ONE OF THE BIGGEST DANCE FESTIVALS IN THE REGION. IT HAS ALWAYS ATTRACTED DANCE-LOVERS OF DIFFERENT SOUNDS AND SCENES WITH ITS BEYOND-ECLECTIC LINEUPS, MORE THAN FULFILLING THE ‘ONE TRIBE’ IMPERATIVE THAT IS PART OF ZOUK’S MOTTO AND THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S EDITION. BELOW, MEET THE VARIOUS TRIBES THAT WILL CONGREGATE AT ZOUKOUT 2016.

THE SPACE CADETS

One of dance music’s main draws is its irrefutably transportive nature. Yearly, many of ZoukOut’s memorable highlights include revellers being teleported to an ‘extraterrestrial’ dance party, particularly by the trance-influenced sets. And though ZoukOut 2016 doesn’t feature a clear-cut trance act, there’s no shortage of acts that will take you to space. The leaders of this pack/ tribe are Martin Garrix and KSHMR, makers of stratosphere-busting songs that pack a levitation-inducing payload. While the former has been associated with the EDM movement for most of his career, it’s for expansive progressive house and, increasingly so, future bass, that the Dutch star has made his name on. His recent Bebe Rexha-sung hit “In The Name Of Love” is a shimmering testimony. KSHMR, who recently ranked 12 on DJ Mag’s poll of the Top 100 DJs worldwide, is another musical voyager, evinced by his Eastern-inflected big room house, best felt on chart-toppers such as “Wildcard” and “Dharma”.

martin garrix

THE HOUSE HEADS

lost frequencies

House is a classic sound that many regard as the foundation upon which its brasher cousin, EDM, stands. But that’s the thing about foundations – they’re building blocks to new possibilities. This year, ZoukOut will present three DJs who, guided by the inspiring pulse of house music, have won party people the world over with their patented artistic imprints. A dillon francis dubstep advocate in his earlier days, Dillon Francis is now embracing subtler, starlit sounds that, though intense, don’t overpower his songs.

Cue his latest single “Anywhere” and his Kygo collab “Coming Over” and you’ll experience the sense of contemplation house tends to evoke.

Similarly, Belgian tropical house upstart Lost Frequencies and Norwegian electro house prodigy Alan Walker are palpably harnessing hooky-butunconventional sounds and textures to impress their songs on the dance world’s consciousness. Their tribe doesn’t fist-pump as much because they’re too captivated by the music suffusing their psyche. alan walker

Text Indran P Images Various Sources

THE BEAT-MARCHERS

Revered techno impresario Jeff Mills once had this to say about the sound he helped made a dance staple: “This music isn’t for followers, it’s for innovators. It’s truly the music of the future, it has no boundaries, no structures, and it can go as fast as time goes”.

Members of this tribe are not only thoroughly discerning, they’re also well aware of music history. In their own ways, Fritz Kalkbrenner and Hot Since 82 are purists who’ve crafted respectively distinct sounds by simultaneously sticking to their guns and evolving. While many DJs have dissolved their sonic signatures in a claim for mainstream acceptance, these gents have grown their profiles by making a soulful variant of techno that dips into house for a measure of melody and grace. Peep the latter’s percussive shuffler “Yourself” and the former’s sombre-but-kinetic “In This Game” for the good stuff.

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fritz kalkbrenner

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LOCAL-MOTION

CHERRY CHAN

ZOUKOUT 2016’S ROSTER OF INTERNATIONAL DJS CONSISTS OF 15 OF THE BIGGEST AND MOST BUZZING NAMES IN DANCE MUSIC. BUT IT ALSO PACKS AN IMMENSE HOMEGROWN ARSENAL WITH NEXT-LEVEL LOCAL ACTS WHO’LL BE HOLDING COURT AT THE LOCAL-ONLY KALEIDOSCOPE STAGE – PRESENTED

BY STATE-OF-THE-ART SOUND SYSTEM, REBEL DECIBEL, AND LOCAL RADIO STATION, LUSH 99.5. GET ACQUAINTED WITH THEM BELOW.

DURIO

Highly respected on our shores for piloting cutting-edge audiovisual collective, Syndicate, with Kiat, Cherry is the doyenne of drum & bass on our shores.

Her glitchy ways are a constant encouragement to dancers whenever she commands the decks, and her efforts in developing the scene are admirable and heroic. Over the years, she’s also made her mark overseas, participating in the Red Bull Music Academy and playing alongside FlyLo and Four Tet.

HAAN

As DuriO, Serene-Rene Ong is part of the trail-blazing girls-only collective ATTAGIRL!. Thanks to her efforts and chops, punters can now expect top quality dance music that is free of bottom-of-the-barrel cliches. An alumni of the FFF Girl DJ Bootcamp, and inspired alike by Mancunian greats such as Dub Phizix and dancehall thumpers like Urban Knights, she favours a bass-first approach that will surely rock your world.

Techno heads, this is good news for you. Making his ZoukOut debut is Singapore’s melodic techno ambassador. With more than a decade of experience to his name and sets alongside legends such as Surgeon, Answer Code Request and Oxia, Haan is set to baptise your body with that almighty 4/4 beat. As a member of the Tropiclab collective, Haan also flies the flag for house and minimal. Expect left-field hooks when he’s on.

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INTRIGUANT

KAYE

Syndicate’s young gun Louis Quek has emerged as a veritable scene-stealer. Urged by his twinned interests of turntablism and production, he released his critically heralded debut EP, Ellipse, in 2014. A heady exploration through electronica, soul and hiphop, and shot through with a techno-aided thrall, it proved to be a hit overseas as well. You can expect his upcoming ZoukOut stint to be as enchanting as it is kinetic.

Give it up for Kaye, a true stalwart in every sense of the term. In cofounding Darker Than Wax, he’s helped broaden an awareness and appreciation of black music – which is foundational to most of the music the world consumes today, dance or otherwise. Pairing his ear for improv with his mettle on the sax, Kaye has built his sets to be feats of experimentation and discovery – also, there’ll be grooves aplenty.

SENG WEI

ZIG ZACH

This local veteran doesn’t allow the seeming incompatibility of different genres to stand in the way of visceral sonic experiences.

Culling from rock, electro, jazz, and even classical cannons, he’s served up a compelling definition of what it means to really burn boundaries in music. As one-half of the duo, Two Shades, he’s also responsible for deep- and tech-house of an exciting, nocturnally-tinged shade. Brace yourselves for a feast of sounds once he’s up.

The former Muay Thai sensation has starred in The Contender but he’s been packing as much of a punch in the local underground dance scene via his distinct blend of nu-disco, deep house and techno. He’s the rare DJ who is adaptable yet uncompromising – be assured of versatile set writ large with his signature moves. And don’t even try to resist when he lands that knockout combo on you.

ZoukOut returns to Siloso Beach from December 9 to 10. For tickets and more information, visit zoukout.com. music

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SHAPE UP

THE PLACE TO BE If you’re a Citi Credit Cardholder, you’ll get exclusive entry into its VIP marquee, where besides the best vantage point of the fest, you’ll be treated to free-flow drinks!

Additionally, 10 per cent off advance tickets and one-for-one drinks are also yours for the taking. Skipping the long lines and soaking in the best views the festival has to offer is a beyond-great deal. So, snap up the card with the best cash back in town.

There’s a reason why Heineken is the official beer of ZoukOut. Its crisp, refreshing taste is very hard to beat. This year, as part of its Shape Your City campaign, Heineken is calling on you to step out of your comfort zones, get creative, and #ShapeYourCity. While you’re drinking and raving responsibly, watch out for exclusive giveaways taking place throughout the night and become part of the city-shaping action.

FEST THREADS This ZoukOut, H&M will see to it that you’re comfy and looking fly all rave long.

From November 25 to 27, Priority Queue wristbands that allowed partygoers through the express lanes into the festival were on sale at H&M Orchard Building. Those who purchased the wristbands were also given a 20 per cent off discount voucher. If you missed it, fret not, you can still get in on the action with the exclusive sale of official ZoukOut x H&M merchandise.

SEE YOU ON THE FLIP SIDE For the first time, a new ladies line has been added to the Havaianas x ZoukOut limited edition bundle pack. Joining the monochromatic men’s pairs will be pastel-hued combinations for the fairer sex. Guys can cop perennial favourite, the Havaianas Top, which features Modish straps and geometric prints, while the ladies can now rock the newly revealed elegant Slim Block model. Both versions come with an exclusive dry bag that will keep your belongings safe during your revelry.

ACHIEVEMENTS UNLOCKED WHEN THE GOING GETS EPIC, THE EPIC GET TREATS. AT ZOUKOUT THIS YEAR, YOU WON’T JUST BE IN GREAT MUSICAL HANDS. THE FESTIVAL’S OFFICIAL SPONSORS HAVE ALSO GOT AN EXCITING ARRAY OF PARTY-AMPLIFYING PERKS FOR YOU. DON’T SAY “BO JIO”.

THE PLACE TO CRASH If you intend to make Sentosa island your home for the ZoukOut weekend, we strongly recommend hitting up W Singapore – Sentosa Cove’s exclusive room packages.

Get your digs sorted with the Marvelous Suite and you won’t have to battle the crowds for a taxi home. Instead, you’ll get to recharge in a suite fit for a king/queen.

From $600++, you’ll get two two-day festival passes (worth $436), transfers to ZoukOut, breakfast for two, and late checkout at 4pm. Talk about a good deal.

THE ROBOT DJ The brainchild of Japan’s public broadcasting organisation, NHK, DJ Domo is a bipedal robot with a unique set of party-ready features. Its goggles have 28 LED light bulbs that are synced to the rhythm of the beats it’s playing, while its full-metal body houses a sampler installed with a massive range of ethnic instruments from around the globe. It’s very likely that DJ Domo will give his human DJ counterparts a run for their money at ZoukOut!

TUNES FOR THE TAKING Singtel Music and Spotify, together with ZoukOut, offer a body-lifting array of music to the masses. So, to prep for the festival, study up on the tunes you might hear on Spotify’s ZoukOut playlist at http://spoti. fi/ZoukOutSG. Subscribe to Spotify Premium with Singtel Music and enjoy unlimited ad-free music with no data charges. What’s more, enter this exclusive promo code ‘ZOUKOUT$1’ upon checkout at singtel.com/ singtelmusic and pay just $1 for your first three months. music

AIRPLANE MODE There’s no place we’d rather be as the end of year draws near. But if you feel so inclined, Scoot and Tigerair will take you beyond our shores – just as they’re bringing in artistes and ravers for ZoukOut. Flying you to international destinations on the combined network with Tigerair this year, we are certain you’ll enjoy yourselves wherever you are (maybe not as much as we will at ZoukOut).

Hit up the official ZoukOut budget airlines and soar to a new adventure.

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STAR ACT

THE RED STAR RETURNS TO SILOSO BEACH FOR ZOUKOUT 2016

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Every year for the past decade, Heineken has constructed its iconic green tent on the sands of Siloso Beach, Sentosa, to elevate the party for all who converge to be immersed in electronic music until daybreak. Reinterpreting the ZoukOut theme each year to complement the wall of heart-pumping tunes and bouncing crowds at the festival’s many stages, Heineken has consistently raised the stakes and innovated new experiences at the annual dance affair.

Past efforts to immerse ravers and revellers saw Heineken install an interactive dance floor that reacted to the movements of dancers’ feet, culminating in a visual marvel that reflected every step registered throughout the night and a 10m-tall man-made sun to mark the end of 2013’s beach blowout. The following year, Heineken pushed music lovers to make it to ‘First Light’ by supplying attendees with LED fans, rave bands, sunglasses, and other limited edition goodies, before being snapped and time-stamped at the Heineken Limelight Podium to prove they made it to see the rising sun. In its most ambitious and impressive spectacle yet, last year Heineken’s 3-D face projection

installation turned partygoers’ selfies into motion graphic marvels, displaying euphoric faces on a 3m-high structure through projection mapping technology.

While ZoukOut delivers a hedonistic celebration of both performers and audiences within the ever-growing electronic music community each year, Heineken’s commitment to encouraging responsible partying has also promoted the love for music without wiping out too early in the evening. Initiatives like last year’s #PartyAsOne social media movement had attendees coming together to take pride in looking out for each other’s wellbeing, showing the world that what starts as a good time doesn’t have to end up in a bad one.

As Heineken helps to shape party habits, this year, the beloved beer seeks to also shape our city as part of the Heineken CITIES movement. Transforming a part of the Singapore skyline to promote out-of-the-box creativity for the ‘Shape Your City’ initiative, Heineken will also be bringing this spirit of shaping new experiences to the beach by working in conjunction with ZoukOut’s Star Stage. A fitting platform for Heineken’s iconic star symbol, partygoers will stand a chance to score exclusive giveaway prizes during certain hours of the event. No need for wishes when it comes to this lucky star; when Heineken’s in on the action, the party is set to be a worldclass affair.

Look out for Heineken’s show-stopping installation at ZoukOut 2016 on December 9 and 10. For more info and updates, visit heineken.com/sg.

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Text Trent Davis Images Heineken

There are some things that never change: partygoers coming together in rapturous movement, the involuntary tapping of feet to an unstoppable beat, and a beloved beer celebrated by generations, no matter what soundtrack defines the moment.

Like the heritage-steeped recipe to Heineken’s yellow-gold, world-famous lager, some friendships, too, remain steadfast. The Amsterdam-born brewer’s partnership with annual beach rave, ZoukOut, is one such bond that continues to stand the test of time.

boombox

“AMBITIONZ AS A RIDAH” 2PAC When I was young and trying be a thug, this was the jam that came closest to making me feel like one.

“SUMMERTIME” DJ JAZZY JEFF & THE FRESH PRINCE From watching The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air as a kid, to discovering Will Smith as a rapper, I realised this one is just a feelgood number! And I can’t deny DJ Jazzy Jeff as one of the greatest of all time.

“NEVER BEEN FEAT FOX” DUB PHIZIX Dub Phizix has this unique sound that I can’t describe. Out of all his massive jams, this one still cuts the cake for me with the ragga vocals over an insanely nasty beat.

“WANT YOU IN MY SOUL FEAT STEE DOWNES” LOVEBIRDS This is one of the most beautiful tracks I’ve ever heard. Every single word in the song has a deep meaning for me.

“RUIN” LAMB OF GOD “Fear. Pain. Hatred. Power / This is the art of ruin!” Oh, and that drum fill at the third quarter.

“PARADISE CIRCUS (GUI BORATTO REMIX)” MASSIVE ATTACK Gui Boratto, to me, is so damn versatile. And his rendition of this Massive Attack number gets me grooving whenever I drop or hear it.

Text Indran P Images Various Sources

ZUSHAN

DUMMY PORTISHEAD I can’t decide if I like “Glory Box” or “Roads” more, so I just put the whole thing here. They are musical geniuses.

A DJ RESIDENCY AT ZOUK IS A SUPREME HONOUR. THE RANKS OF THE LOCAL MEGA CLUB’S ROSTER ARE FILLED BY SOME OF SINGAPORE’S MOST ESTEEMED AND GIFTED NIGHTLIFE VETERANS. BUT IT’S ALSO HOME TO A SELECT BREED OF YOUNGER DJS, INCLUDING ZUSHAN. WITH FAR-REACHING TASTES AND A BRAG-WORTHY RESUME – FILLED WITH HIGHLIGHTS LIKE SHARING THE STAGE WITH FLOSSTRADAMUS, YUKSEK AND KRAFTY KUTS, AND WINNING THE PIONEER DIGITAL DJ BATTLE SINGAPORE IN 2012 – THE BASS AFICIONADO SEEMS DESTINED TO COMMAND THE SOUNDS THAT’LL FURNISH A NEXT-LEVEL NIGHT. GET IN ON HIS SPECTRUM-DEFYING PICKS BELOW.

“ON AND ON” ERYKAH BADU The story’s too long but it involved a troubling time, soul-searching in Tokyo, stepping into a record store and picking this one out on wax. Badu’s is the most beautiful voice to ever grace my ears.

DCD & GPG EP O$P$ Am I a slut to put my own EP in this? The main number on this still shocks me each time it drops. Also, “Chin Swee Sunset” was featured on National Geographic online recently!

“ALL YOURS (S.P.Y REMIX)” SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA Master Race (O$P$) and I both agree on this track’s power. Within our drum and bass selections, there’s a limit to its soul, but you can’t ignore how the Reese Bass drives the main segment so well.

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MOVERS AND SHAPERS WHILE HEINEKEN’S CELEBRATED RECIPE REMAINS UNCHANGED, THE AMSTERDAM-BORN BREWER SEEKS TO DO QUITE THE OPPOSITE FOR THE CITIES IN WHICH THE RED STAR IS FOUND. WITH SINGAPORE AS ONE OF THE SPECIALLY SELECTED GLOBAL CANVASES FOR THE HEINEKEN CITIES CAMPAIGN, FIVE HOMEGROWN ‘CITY SHAPERS’ WILL USE THEIR SKILLS IN SIGHTS AND SOUNDS TO TRANSFORM A NATIONAL ICON AND RESHAPE THE CITY, WHILE REIMAGINING THE POSSIBILITIES OF OUR CREATIVE SCENE’S REACH. HERE, WE SPEAK WITH THE TRAILBLAZERS TASKED WITH REINVENTING A CLASSIC.

JAMES LYE THE SOUND ARTIST

Leaving a lasting impression

The idea of creating music and sound excites me. Each piece of work is like a time capsule, locking in the moment forever. I have also seen first-hand the success of my mentors and various veterans; the positivity and contribution they brought to our younger generations and society at large is truly heartening. Knowing that my creative output will someday impact someone’s life, however minute it might seem, motivates me continuously.

Tearing down boundaries

They say art should exhibit freedom of expression, but many a time (willingly or unwillingly) we are working within a set of boundaries. It is when these boundaries turn invisible that creativity blossoms.

Making a mark on the world

We are definitely on the right track to make a significant mark as an arts hub. The fact that Singapore is chosen as one of the cities for Heineken’s CITIES campaign is a great example. For a nation with just 51 years of independence, I reckon we are doing a pretty excellent job, but there is still a whole lot more that can be done.

YAH LENG YU THE AMBASSADOR OF DESIGN

Fresh perspectives

The challenge has always been, “what is not obvious?” It is usually much simpler to see what is obvious. A creative seems to have a ‘lens’ to do that. Creativity allows us to re-think, re-frame and re-imagine. It’s fun.

Young and aspiring

Our creative community is still considered young.

Relative to the global powerhouses found in the likes of the British, Danish and Japanese, for example, we are still considered a ’toddler’.

That said, the local creatives are a vibrant lot.

They are motivated and hard-working. In many instances, the works that come out of our local creative community are actually quite refined and sophisticated. That is a good sign. It shows that our creative talents here are creating good work that bodes well for our development of this industry.

Pursuing passion

Go with what your heart tells you. Whatever job we take up (creative or not), having a deep passion for what we do underpins the probability of success and joy that we will have in our chosen career. Nothing comes easy. I encourage anybody who would like to pursue a creative career – we absolutely welcome you to join our tribe!

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MYRNE

TRACY PHILIPS

WILLIAM KOH

THE ENTERTAINER

THE ANCHOR

THE VISUAL CONCEPTUALIST

Thinking outside of the box

In school, I was always more inclined towards subjects that encouraged out-of-the-box thinking – I couldn’t tolerate open-ended questions that only accepted one kind of answer over others. I always enjoyed music from a young age, so that helped a lot in directing my creative energies towards something useful.

Daring to break the rules

Creativity is knowing what the existing rules are, and making conscious decisions to break them. It’s also a lot of discipline, commitment and hard work.

It isn’t enough to be talented but lazy – it takes a lot of effort. Creativity for me isn’t something mindbending, or out-of-this-world. It’s just thinking about and seeing the world in a slightly different way.

Shaping the city

Heineken CITIES has put me in contact with so many creative people – I love that we’re able to bounce ideas off each other so readily and that everyone has a clear sense of direction with regards to the goal. It also concerns a city we all love, and given how we wouldn’t normally have such an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the place, there’s no problem thinking of ways to reinvent it.

Connecting the dots

I think my real motivation was to be able to indulge and deepen knowledge in my interests – predominantly music and culture – and be around other people who shared similar passion points. Along the way, I realised my strength was in connecting the dots and understanding the way creative people think. This enabled me to help translate their vision into something tangible and experiential, and ultimately put my practical approach to a creative use.

Looking to the future

Like the rest of the world, we have a broad spectrum, which includes world-class talent to the fresh and emerging. Considering how young the nation is and our population, I think we’re in good stead. I think it’s because we are very open and exposed to global movements and trends.

Embracing your talent

The world has already shown us that there are no safe choices anymore; no iron rice bowls. The best thing you can do for yourself and society is to live up to your potential and celebrate your unique talents, because we usually have no idea what the world needs till it needs it.

The Heineken CITIES campaign is set to #ShapeYourCity on December 14.

For more info and updates, visit heineken.com/sg.

Inspired to create

I was always inspired by the visuals in films and games, which are created by artists who are creative thinkers, problem solvers and storytellers.

I found that very inspiring and I wanted to be a part of it.

Driving success

As an artist, you need to follow your passion and be persistent in constantly improving your work. It is very different from conventional jobs, as there is no stability, given the nature of the industry.

Having that drive to improve your work will pay off in getting hired and finding success.

Connected by collaboration

This will be my first experience collaborating with individuals from other industries. It will open up new perspectives for me seeing how different industries within the creative field work together creatively.

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time of your life JIMI HENDRIX AT THE MONTEREY POP FESTIVAL

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE AT LOLLAPALOOZA

The Monterey Pop Festival held in California at the dawn of the Summer Of Love is a hugely monumental milestone in the annals of rock & roll.

Not only did the three-day event draw an estimated crowd of 90,000 to the Monterey Fairgrounds, and not only is it one of the defining moments of the counterculture of the ’60s, it marked the stateside debut of two feuding U.K. sensations, Jimi Hendrix and The Who. But it was Jimi who made the bigger mark. After his set, he doused his guitar with lighter fluid, set it ablaze and pummelled it to pieces.

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Though dreamt up by Jane’s Addiction frontman Perry Farrell as a celebration of all things ‘alternative’, even the alt bastion that is Lollapalooza was unable to digest Rage Against The Machine’s outburst at its ’93 edition. Peeved at having its lyrics scrutinised by morality watchdog, the Parents Music Resource Centre, the band took to the stage completely naked, mouths covered in duct tape and bodies painted with the organisation’s acronym PMRC. The backlash by seething advocacy groups was real but during the band’s utterly blistering set, that didn’t matter. It was so intense that many security personnel sustained injuries after that one particular set.

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THE WHO AT WOODSTOCK

Context is everything and Woodstock 1969 will forever be remembered as one of the one of the ripest moments in turn-of-the-decade music. The larger picture is this: over a three-day span that accelerated the mass acceptance of rock music, 32 acts played to a crowd in the region of 400,000. But here’s the main highlight: The Who. Touring behind its critically bedazzled rock opera, Tommy, the band was expected to turn in highly bombastic rock showing. Benefitting from its sunrise timing, that’s exactly what it did. Besides a heroic sevenminute rendition of “My Generation”, one indelible moment was when Townshend broke his guitar on a stage-crasher.

THE ROLLING STONES AT ALTAMONT

For all intents and purposes, Altamont is a tragedy and a cautionary tale. Here’s the gist of it: Unable to play Woodstock, The Rolling Stones had their own shindig at California’s Altamont racetrack. Trouble arose when the venue was unable to accommodate the crowd, which had ballooned to 300,000-strong.

Add drugs to the mix and what you had was a powder keg situation.

It hit the fan when the Hells Angels biker gang, which was bafflingly providing security and paid only in beer, stabbed and kicked a concertgoer to death after the latter, high on methamphetamines, pulled a gun. To this day, the Stones maintain ignorance of this.

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THIS MONTH, WE’RE CELEBRATING BODY-ROCKING, RABBLE-ROUSING, PARTY-STARTING GOODNESS. IN THE WORLD OF MUSIC, THAT MANIFESTS VIA LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. BELOW, DELIGHT IN EIGHT OF THE MOST EPIC LIVE MOMENTS IN MUSIC HISTORY.

RADIOHEAD AT GLASTONBURY

M.I.A. AT BONNAROO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis describes Radiohead’s ’97 outing as “the most inspiring festival gig in 30 years”. Given that he’s not a Radiohead diehard, that’s a tremendous endorsement. One element that made the set the event that it was is that it coincided with the release of the band’s third full-length, Ok Computer, which many regard as one of the best, most spine-crushingly fantastic albums of all time. Then, there was the unrelenting rain, which gave the band’s eerie-butbeautiful-but-angsty songs a sweepingly cinematic and epic feel.

That the last two songs played were “High And Dry” and “Street Spirit (Fade Out)” gives you a sense of how it went down.

Dealing with powerful and erratic personalities like M.I.A. is always a tricky proposition.

The rapper affirmed that much when she remained non-committal about showing up for her scheduled set at Bonnarroo until the very last moment. But she came through and treated the massive crowd to a body-shocking mix of jungle-disco bangers in the form of “Bucky Done Gun” and “Galang”. It seemed as if her energy levels were ever-increasing as she manned the decks, prowled the stage and worked the crowd into a frenzy. She also announced her retirement from music thrice but we can’t be certain that the crowd took her seriously.

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Text Indran P Images Various Sources

ORBITAL AT GLASTONBURY

Unlike its festival-monolith counterpart Coachella, Glastonbury – it can be said without launching into a dissertation on the competing cultural ideologies of the U.S. and the U.K. – is more about the music. One such musical watershed moment in Glastonbury history was when brothers Paul and Phil Hartnoll played uncompromising, complex and fantastically thudding electronics to a crowd unused to anything that wasn’t guitar-driven indie rock. History was being made not just in the minds and bodies of the attendees but in the very structure of the festival. A year later, a Dance Tent was introduced. Now, there’s a whole Dance Village.

DAFT PUNK AT COACHELLA

Coachella is a pop cultural phenomenon whose yearly embarrassment of musical riches is somehow the least interesting thing about it.

There’ve been many headline-clogging moments in the festival’s history but none as riveting as Daft Punk’s 2006 appearance. Widely received as the best Coachella set of all time, Daft Punk’s 2006 Sahara Tent display sparked the 2000s American EDM explosion.

A whopping 40,000 people tried to squeeze into a tent designed to fit 10,000. Adding to the thrall of the duo’s discography-spanning hits, design firm Bionic League supplied a spellbindingly maximal production that was an artistic achievement in its own right.

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TOO REAL

DONALD TRUMP IS NOW ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL MEN IN THE WORLD. AS ALWAYS, TO MAKE SENSE OF BEWILDERING MOMENTS IN HISTORY, WE HAVE TO TURN TO THOSE WHO DON’T MERELY KNOW BUT UNDERSTAND THE SCORE. TWENTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD CHICAGO RAPPER MICK JENKINS IS ONE SUCH INDIVIDUAL. BEFORE HIS LANEWAY 2017 APPEARANCE, HE DELVES DEEPER INTO HIS ASTONISHING ALBUM, THE HEALING COMPONENT, AND MAKES SENSE OF THE RECENT U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS WITH US. Critics have billed The Healing Component as an “optimistic” work.

Do you agree?

In my opinion, it’s not really optimistic – it’s real. There are really dark songs there that I arrived at because of the reality of my situation. In the face of all the turmoil, corruption and disaster, there’s not really much to do if you’re looking for a way out. We’re doing everything else like protesting and making noise but none of it is working swiftly enough. That’s why people feel like there’s nothing to do but spread love.

Love functions in the album not optimistically, but as a last resort. It’s absolutely necessary.

How do you feel about the vulgar, ‘ignant’ form of trap rap, then?

I like it; I party to it. It’s not on my iTunes but when I’m chilling or vibing out, I’ll play it. I don’t have a problem with that music but I take issue with people’s reception of music like that. It’s like sweets versus vegetables – the problem isn’t candy, but how much of it you eat, not the fact that it exists. I don’t fault those artistes. They’ve gotten here via the same corrupt justice system that brought me to this place. The problem of perception only exists because more thoughtful rap music isn’t pushed forward as much by the media as the flashy, aggressive kind.

As a young black man, how do you feel about the election results?

It’s a bit disappointing but, at the end of the day, nothing really changed.

Personally, I don’t feel the positive effects of the Obama administration at all. Nothing really changed about my life, about the struggles as I face as a black man. There was a lot of change that didn’t affect me, personally.

The temperature in the streets right now, more than ever before, is such that I could get shot just for standing there and not doing anything. I don’t think Hillary or Trump will have the power to change that.

Catch Mick Jenkins at Laneway Festival Singapore 2017, happening at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay on January 21, 2017. For tickets and more information, visit, singapore.lanewayfestival.com.

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Text Indran P Image Laneway Festival Singapore

How did collaborators like Kaytranada and BADBADNOTGOOD add to the recording process?

They’re super talented musicians so it was great working with them.

BADBADNOTGOOD, in particular, were special because they still record with analogue tape. So, every time we did a take, it was as if we were performing it live. That was cool – an experience I haven’t had with anyone else. I’ve never actually worked in the studio with Kaytranada because he just sends me beats and they are amazing. I think he’s one of the best producers of our generation so I’ll always work with him.

MICK JENKINS

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Since this is your debut album, was there anything special about the experience of making it?

Yes, it was really just how I sat down with the producers and made it.

It was the first time I had an executive producer and one that was out of Chicago. They were able to give the record a sense of continuity and make it all sound good. I normally just put the sounds together at the last second but they made it feel like a story from the very beginning. That was the most different thing.

21 JAN

THE MEADOW

2017

GARDENS BY THE BAY

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HELD IN

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THE BEAUTY OF PUNK THE CANADIAN TRIO OF FRONTWOMAN MISH BARBER-WAY, GUITARIST KENNETH WILLIAM AND DRUMMER ANNE-MARIE VASSILIOU IS PROOF THAT BUZZ BANDS DON’T HAVE TO BE TREND-HAWKERS. AS WHITE LUNG, THE BAND HAS A BLISTERING FLOURISH THAT’S FOUR ALBUMS DEEP – INCLUDING THIS YEAR’S PARADISE, A MANIFESTO DELIVERED IN LIGHTSPEED INTENSITY, BUT ALSO WITH A BEATIFIC SENSE OF MELODY. LANEWAY FESTIVAL SINGAPORE 2017-DESTINED, WAY GETS ON A CALL WITH US AND PROVES TO BE A GREAT HANG. What’s kept you busy lately?

I’m in Chicago, Illinois, right now. We’re about to play a show here.

We’ve been touring for a long time so I’m looking forward to going home over winter. It’ll be nice to be home for Christmas. My brother just had a baby and that’s really exciting. After that, we’re coming to you guys in Singapore!

what I wanted, vocally. My friend had just released a poetry collection of dead starlets and I wanted to write a song about beauty and art. I love that song. It’s fun and it always makes me happy; I’m proud of it.

As a female punk fan, did you ever get annoyed or frustrated with punk’s overwhelmingly macho outlook?

No, I find it interesting and funny. If you look at machismo carefully, you’ll see that there’s a whole lot happening. But the main thing people don’t realise is that a man is just a person. For a lot of people, the macho thing is a big deal, but not for me. Also, a lot of maledriven bands have been very supportive of White Lung from the very beginning, so there’s positivity there. Being in punk is fine. Being a waitress was way worse!

Speaking of tours, you toured with punk legends Refused last year.

Oh, it was great. They’re all very nice men but frontman Dennis Lyxzén is particularly sweet. It’s very hard for us to find bands that gel with us, especially when we’re opening for them. They asked us to do another run with them but, regrettably, we couldn’t.

You recently said that Nickleback is underrated. Please explain.

Look, I know everyone hates Nickleback but we in White Lung love listening to Nickleback. We’re probably the only band that feels this way. In fact, we just listened to them this morning, for a few hours – unironically. That’s called Canadian Pride. Their music is cheesy but it gets people pumped and most importantly, it’s entertaining.

Dark Horse is a great album.

Your songwriting has also shifted dramatically in tone and theme, as expressed most powerfully on “Below”.

Thank you. That song was kind of a surprise. Kenny played it for me initially and I didn’t like it. It was only after he changed it up that it clicked with me. It gave me a lot of room to do

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Text Indran P Image Laneway Festival Singapore

Catch White Lung at Laneway Festival Singapore 2017, happening at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay on January 21, 2017. For tickets and more information, visit, singapore. lanewayfestival.com.

WHITE LUNG

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Stylistically and emotionally, Paradise is vastly different from Deep Fantasy. Was this a conscious decision on your part?

When we were writing Deep Fantasy, I was treating myself very poorly.

I was depressed about being in Vancouver and was generally being a brat and feeling sorry for myself.

That resonated with some people who saw value in bringing vulnerability and anger together. When we were making Paradise, it was the opposite. I was fine with where I was at in my life and, partly because we made the record in L.A. and not Vancouver, it just sounds different. This time, we treated it as a collage so we could really play with the sounds we came up with it.

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HAPPY TOGETHER

LOCAL NATIVES

Text Indran P Image Bryan Sheffield Interview courtesy of Hostess Asia

THIS L.A. QUINTET’S MUSIC EXUDES A SENSE OF BOUNDLESSNESS THAT’S INSPIRED BY THE BAND’S OWN BIOGRAPHY. FOR ONE, MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST RYAN HAHN ACTUALLY LIVED IN SINGAPORE FROM 1994 TO 1998, AND THERE’S THE FACT THAT THEIR NEW ALBUM SUNLIT YOUTH WAS RECORDED IN STUDIOS IN THAILAND, MALAYSIA, NICARAGUA, HAWAII, AND OJAI, CALIFORNIA. LIKE THE SINGAPORE THAT HAHN REMEMBERS, MUCH ABOUT THE BAND’S SOUND HAS CHANGED. HE HELPS US UNDERSTAND HOW, BELOW. Recording all over the world I think it was just an extension of us wanting to try new things when we were making this record. We wrote songs in different ways and came up with ideas in entirely new processes. Instead of being in one studio or rehearsal space, we thought it’d be fun if we changed scenery and saw what came out of these different writing trips. It was a ‘why not?’-type of thing.

captured us at our youth as well. Hummingbird, our second record, was darker. We were working through some harsher realities there. Sunlit Youth is us coming out of the other side of the darkness, feeling hopeful and wanting to reclaim some of that happiness that we felt when we were younger. It feels like a trilogy. We all turned 30 this year and ‘sunlit youth’ is a good description of our current outlook.

World music Generally – for some reason that we can’t quite put a finger on – the songs seem to have an overall brighter quality to them. There’s more of an optimistic feel. Though it wasn’t our intention, all the places we chose to write and record in turned out to be sunny. Each time, we just felt drawn to these beautiful, open places where things seemed possible. For instance, we went to Nicaragua, which is pretty far off the beaten path, and it was so conducive for writing.

No guitars “Villainy” is the first song we ever wrote without a guitar. I think that happened because, this time, we wrote so many songs and just felt that we didn’t have to be five guys in a room with a typical setup. A lot of the songs, like “Villainy”, came about on flights. We were en route to a festival when one of us wrote it on a laptop. It wasn’t even going to be a Local Natives song. But that was what excited us so much about it. With Sunlit Youth, our motto was to follow whatever excited us and was out of our comfort zone. “Villainy” is a good example of that.

A homecoming of sorts This is our third album and it contains elements of our first two. Gorilla Manor was an uplifting record and it had this nice energy about it; it

The mark of hip-hop We’ve always been influenced by hip-hop

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production and now’s when it comes through directly. The samples here are culled from some old songs and our own field recordings. We collaged these together to get certain effects for the songs. The band, as a whole, has always liked Madvillain’s stuff, Kanye West’s production on Pusha T’s My Name Is My Name, Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly, and Chance The Rapper’s Acid Rap. I love that, as a rock band, we adopted hip-hop’s freeform approach to make our record. I know it’s not a hip-hop record but D’Angelo’s Black Messiah has also been hugely inspiring to me.

The best road story We’ve done the whole sleeping-in-the-van thing and begging people for floors to crash on. And when you do that, you definitely encounter your fair share of weirdos. Every tour has its own surprises and over the years, we’ve definitely had our ‘how did we get here?” moments.

With Sunlit Youth, we tried to hold on to that perspective and not take it for granted – we are lucky to be doing what we enjoy.

thelocalnatives.com

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JAMIE LIDELL

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SOUL ETERNAL IS IT RIGHT TO CALL JAMIE LIDELL A ‘BRITISH’ SINGER WHEN HE NOW LIVES IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, THE EPICENTRE OF COUNTRY MUSIC? MAYBE. THOUGH POSITIVELY BASKING IN THE INFLUENCES OF HIS NEW HOMESTEAD, THE ELECTRONICA ICON WITH SUMPTUOUSLY SOULFUL CHOPS HASN’T LOST ANY OF THE WIT FROM ACROSS THE POND THAT ESTABLISHED HIM AS SUCH A SCINTILLATING PRESENCE IN THE DIY ELECTRO SCENE. RECENTLY SIGNING OFF ON HIS SEVENTH LP, BUILDING A BEGINNING, HE BREAKS OUT THE BUBBLY WITH US.

What does it mean to you to have another album out this long into your career?

It really means that I need to keep making music for my soul’s survival. I was thinking that maybe I didn’t need to release any more music as Jamie Lidell. Working with lots of other musicians as a co-writer made me miss making my own personal work that really meant something to me.

What made you want to release Building A Beginning independently?

I went to various major labels and none of them seemed right. I think the state of the industry is quite bizarre, right now. Big labels are not the right fit for me. I think after 14 years on an indie label (Warp Records), I’m not ready for the major label methods.

You’ve mentioned that your wife helped with writing some songs for this album.

What was the experience like working with your better half?

Better! Seriously, it was an absolute pleasure. I think we both complement each other in life and in art. I love the feeling of reaching for something with her. When we reach the goal, it’s that much sweeter. Who prefers a dinner for one?

You collaborated with an all-star cast of musicians on this album. How did you decide when to maintain control of your vision and when to be influenced by someone else?

I think my process made that an easy thing to decide, luckily for me. I tend to make quite ‘full’ demos for most songs and rarely would I have a bunch of musicians come and track together. I tend to feel that’s the time when things can get tricky. When I work one-on-one with a musician, I feel like we either vibe and work well or we don’t. I won’t work with the ones that don’t click with me.

Who, in your opinion, is the singer with the most soul?

Obviously, that’s a tricky question… I’m not sure all the great singers have even been recorded – there’s probably an amazing bunch of talent we’ve never imagined. But I guess on record, I would say a great soul sound to me would be Donny Hathaway singing “A Song For You” live at the Troubadour in L.A. That one kills me!

How did “We All Fall Down” with A-Trak come about?

We had been talking about a collab for a while

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and were both in L.A. He arranged a day or two for us to write and we did two full song demos. I wrote and recorded my lead vocal on day one and he reworked the track. It was just one of those funky days in the room when things come together. A-Trak is a lovely guy; very smart and open to ideas.

Congrats on the birth of your baby boy.

How has fatherhood been for you?

Thank you! He’s the best boy (yes, I am biased!). I’m loving it so much. It’s terrible being away on the road, though. I miss him and my wife rotten. It definitely makes the musician’s life a little more ominous. I miss his crazy ways, sounds and smiles.

Lastly, can we expect you in Asia any time soon?

I really hope so! I’m very happy to have such an amazing band that’s really ready to blow minds all around the world. The band is called The Royal Pharaohs and it most certainly lives up to that name.

jamielidellmusic.com

Text Indran P Image The Windish Agency Interview courtesy of Love Da Records

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BANGKOK INVADERS

RUN BKK

BEFORE KEITH APE AND RICH CHIGGA, THERE WAS BANGKOK INVADERS. THE THAI COLLECTIVE OF DJS, COMPRISING CORE MEMBERS DJ ONO AND DJAYBUDDAH, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR USHERING ASIA INTO THE CONVERSATION ABOUT HIP-HOP. THE GROUP DID THIS BY MARRYING THICK BASSY HIP-HOP GROOVES WITH AN EDM BOUNCE THAT PREFIGURED THE EDM BOOM. AT THE RECENT SEA-FARING PARTY, IT’S THE SHIP 2016, WE RUN INTO THEM AND SHOOT THE BREEZE.

Text Indran P Image It’s The Ship 2016

This is your third stint on It’s The Ship.

What’s different about this year’s edition?

To be honest, the ladies are a lot more intense! Every year, the energy and vibe get better. More people are getting to know about this and it is reflected in the diverse crowd with people from different cultures and backgrounds – and that’s a good thing.

It’s good to know that Asia’s spreading the love through music. In a couple more years, this will be an even bigger event.

As one of the first groups in Asia to mix dance music with hip-hop, what do you make of the current popularity of this hybrid?

This style allows people to do what we call ‘party-rock’. It works so well today because genres are crossing over and electronic music has evolved to become pop. Whether it’s EDM, trap or twerk, the kids are plugged in and no one can deny that. Everyone loves it – this trend is universal. As DJs, we have to keep up with the trends but also put our own brand on things. That’s why we switch it up the way we do.

So what would say is the best hip-hop song of 2016?

We like Desiigner’s “Panda” a lot. To be honest, we were sceptical about the song when we first heard it, but we met Desiigner in New York and realised he’s a great guy with great energy. Performance-wise, it’s hard to match his level; he’s set to 1000. Skrillex’s collab with Rick Ross, “Purple Lamborghini”, is hard as well. And anything that DJ Snake does flies with us. Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles” is a good one, too.

With the sheer number of big-name EDM DJs playing regularly in Asia right now, have you been approached for any collabs?

Whether it’s for hip-hop or EDM, we always do things organically. We believe strongly in vibes. If a musician vibes well and is cool with us, something good will happen – and it may not even require money. We did a collab with Snoop Dogg and we didn’t have to pay him. It was done just off a vibe. Building relationships with artistes is very important to us; we don’t believe in forcing anything. Our biggest aim is to put Asia on the map. We’ve got roots in New York but we represent Thailand to the max.

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Having made an impact outside of Asia, what are some tips you’d want to share with younger DJs hoping to break out?

Do your homework, build your brand and go out there and connect with people. It’s just about making music. You have to promote what you make too, and that’s hard work.

Meeting people and forming friendships is the key to that. Be up-to-date with what’s around you and hit every aspect of DJing.

If you’re a club DJ, play the circuit and get your name out there and earn the respect of the scene. And always make sure to hit the studio. If you make good, original music, that’s half the battle won.

How has the DJ life been treating you this long into your career?

Well, our sleeping schedule is messed up!

We’re in the clubs six to seven nights a week and we tour so hard, so we try to keep healthy. Our diets are getting better. We juice every day, for one. Discipline comes with age and we’re glad to be in the place we’re in now.

djtodj.com

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THE BEST OF BAR How do you feel winning the regional round of the BARocker contest?

I’m happy because I’ve been practicing this routine every day for the whole of last year. Now that it has paid off, I can finally go back to Bali with this trophy of mine. It’s an absolute honour to be representing Hard Rock Café Bali and my country, Indonesia, at this competition.

What was your preparation like going into this competition?

I’ve been bartending for six years, but I only joined Hard Rock Café Bali last year. I feel that this competition isn’t only about the flair, but also about getting the measurement of ingredients and recipies right, as well as perfecting the techniques and being in control of

my movements. I had to take all these into consideration when I worked on my routine.

I tried my best to focus on all these aspects when I practised.

What made you want to establish yourself as a BARocker?

Firstly, I joined Hard Rock because it is one of the most popular cafes in the world and I knew that I’d be able to expand my capabilities and grow there. I found out about this competition back home and I wanted to make a name for myself and be part of the whole experience. It’s great that I got the opportunity to compete with other Hard Rock bartenders based throughout South East Asia. I loved the whole experience.

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HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL HAS ALWAYS STOOD FIRMLY FOR TWO THINGS: ROCK & ROLL AND PALATE-GRATIFYING NOSH AND TIPPLES. IN THE SPIRIT OF BOTH, THE RESTAURANT AND ROCK INSTITUTION GATHERED ITS SEASONED BARTENDERS FROM HARD ROCK CAFÉS IN SINGAPORE, AUSTRALIA, MALAYSIA, THAILAND, INDONESIA, VIETNAM, AND CAMBODIA TO COMPETE IN THE REGIONAL ROUND OF THE FOURTH ANNUAL GLOBAL BAROCKER COMPETITION. ACCORDING TO CINDY BUSI, THE BRAND’S SENIOR WORLDWIDE BEVERAGE DIRECTOR, HARD ROCK CAFÉ’S BARTENDERS ARE “ROCKSTARS” WHO WOW AND DELIGHT WITH THEIR SHOWMANSHIP AND FLAIR FOR MAKING GOOD DRINKS. HARD ROCK CAFÉ BALI’S FERNANDO BARTHEL EMERGED VICTORIOUS AFTER FLIPPING, TWIRLING, POURING, AND SPINNING FOR A SPOT BEHIND THE BAR AND A CHANCE TO MOVE ON TO THE FINAL ROUND IN PANAMA CITY, PANAMA. IT WAS AN EXHILARATING DELIGHT TO WITNESS HIM SATISFYING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RECIPE KNOWLEDGE, POUR TESTING, ACCURACY, SPEED, FLAIR, AND SHOWMANSHIP. AFTER HIS SPIRITED TURN AT THE BAR, HE SAT DOWN WITH US TO REFLECT ON HIS TRIUMPH. Which is your favourite drink to make?

It would have to be the mojito. It’s a famous drink with lime, mint leaves, syrup, and soda.

Due to its timelessness and simplicity, you can find various versions of the drink in every bar.

But at Hard Rock, you’ll be served a special version of it because we make sure to use only the freshest ingredients when we make it.

Do you have any advice for young bartenders?

Keep practising and never give up. Perfecting your craft can be a painful process sometimes.

You will get sick of it or break a bottle along the way, but if you are patient enough, you will be a champion.

hardrock.com/barocker

Text Indran P Image William Lai

FERNANDO BARTHEL

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NEON IS THE NEW BLACK CRX

FUN ON THE SIDE MUSICAL PHILANDERERS WHO BRANCHED OUT AND WON THE RACONTEURS

Jack White is a mad genius, pure and simple. For a long while, Meg White was the dutiful foil to his frenzied, brilliant ways but with The Raconteurs, he had the right people with him to meld garage rock and blues into a stunning singularity.

ATOMS FOR PEACE

With a lineup that includes Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, producer Nigel Godrich, Beck drummer Joey Waronker and renowned percussionist Mauro Refosco, Atoms For Peace is a rare musical offshoot where every member is a star player. These are list-topping names.

GORILLAZ The Strokes just didn’t give a damn. Julian Casablancas actually likened his band to The Rolling Stones.

And for a generation of skinny-jeaned rock fans, that comparison is infallibly valid. But all the while, with an enigmatic gleam in his eyes, lead guitarist Nick Valensi played a mostly silent role in his band’s conscious manifesto thumping. He was the one member in the band who seemed to transcend its all-black, fashionforward outlook and he’s only now made it explicit. CRX, his new band where he’s singer and principal songwriter, is serving up unburdened electropop and alt-rock steeped in the brightest neon hues.

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Side projects will always be a tricky proposition for members of sound- and scene-defining bands. The symptoms of this are amply present in Valensi’s conundrum. Musically, he doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone, but everything he does will be judged against his more famous band’s output. But CRX’s debut album New Skin convincingly presents Valensi’s way around it – he made the most un-Strokes music that any Stroke could’ve possibly conceived.

Whether or not this was a conscious mandate is immaterial, but it sure sounds like it is. Enlisting drummer Ralph Alexander, guitarists Richie Follin and Darian Zahedi, and bassist Jon Safley, Valensi has turned in a propulsively catchy set of songs. With influences culled from a well in which wisdom from Cheap Trick and The Cars coexist, he’s sugar-dipped the alternately spiky and melodic guitar-playing he’s known for and surrounded himself with a supporting cast that makes everything sound good. That Queens Of The Stone Age honcho Josh Homme produced it is also what gives New Skin’s Technicolour pep an off-kilter edge. These days, with the separation between a rock stage and a dance floor almost non-existent, highlights like “Ways To Fake It” and “Anything” are utterly effective and on-brand.

And for those of you who question Valensi’s smirking disregard of his indie cred, heed his words on closer, “Monkey Machine”. “Who knows what’s true with all these points of view?”

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Damon Albarn’s expansive musical involvement has long meant that his day job at Blur was a bore to him. Gorillaz is one such instance where he created a virtual band and gave us tenfold the fun he had while he brought it to life.

DIVINE FITS

Indie purism reached peak levels of joy when Spoon’s Britt Daniel, Wolf Parade’s Dan Boeckner, and Sam Brown from New Bomb Turks became reconstituted as Divine Fits. Though only four years old, their debut album A Thing Called Divine Fits is a modern left-field rock classic.

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JUSTICE

essentials

There’s a powerful truth to the axiom that to know where you’re going, you first need to know where you’ve been. Justice, the Parisian duo of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, spent its prior two albums, 2007’s Cross and 2011’s Audio, Video, Disco, reconfiguring indie-minded dance music for the masses. In the ever-increasingly accelerated culture within which its music lives, Justice’s evolution from abrasive electro-pop bangermakers to prog-facing head-trip purveyors has been reflected in the similar trajectory of the non-EDM sectors of the dance world. And on their latest full-length, Woman, Augé and de Rosnay are out to take things further yet again.

In a recent press run for Woman, the pair obliged a revelation that informs, in a big way, the thematic universe of the album.

They stated that besides showing up for their scheduled DJ sets, they don’t normally go to clubs and, apparently, never liked what passes for club culture as we know it. This means that all the hard-edged, grooves-aplenty music came from a place that privileged the raw, unfiltered enjoyment of electronic music over any sort of culturally mandated pre-existing context. And that is awesome.

DANCE OF THE AGES IT’S A PARTY FOUR TIMES JUSTICE MADE YOU DANCE

“WATERS OF NAZARETH” (2005) This four-minute single entered the charts with the force of a brick through a club’s bottle display. At a time when house music was sorely lacking a charismatically propulsive edge, the duo set things right on its very first try. Like the best ones, this is a song turned statement.

“D.A.N.C.E.” (2007) Forget that this one comes with a gloriously innovative music video and just focus on the music. Apparently inspired by Michael Jackson – several of whose song titles are part of the lyrics – this single dominated the year and broke the duo to a wider audience. The music video was merely a bonus.

“DVNO” (2007) You should know that the people who accuse(d) you of dancing and singing along to this allegedly “corny” song are/were likewise guilty of those things, too. No one was immune to its bouncy-butdreamy nu-disco thrust. Looking back, it’s amazing how surreal it was, especially for a mainstreambreaking hit. music

“ELECTRIC FEEL (JUSTICE REMIX)” (2009) That even the vanilla-blooded, stiff upper-lipped Grammy committee was won over enough to award this “Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical” is telling of this song’s unassailable appeal.

Into the already perfect, exquistitely chilled atmosphere of the MGMT original, Justice brought a next-level-destined distorted electro edge that slapped hard.

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So when you encounter Woman – so titled because the duo means it as an homage to all the women in their lives – you’ll meet the patented hybridised rock-dance adrenaline blasts as well as a new guest: disco. Honouring the past with its distinct signature and thereupon charting a whole new course, the guys bring the compressed grit of electro to bear on the freeform abandon of disco. Lead missives like “Randy” and “Safe And Sound” are seamless combinations of dance canons, all lovingly and knowingly invoked to unlock limbs and show you a good time no matter where you are. In blurring the line between sampling and creating, the Frenchmen have closed the year out in dashingly exemplary style. Let’s all dance to this.

Transitioning from a foolhardy teenager into a (sort of) responsible adult is a timeless premise that has recurred in more films, songs and literature than one could count. Put simply, turning 18 is kind of a big deal. So when it came to ’s official entrance into adulthood, marked by 18 years of keeping readers in the know – everything from the stadium stages to the dives, the runways to the streets, and the globe to right here in sunny Singapore – we thought long and hard about the best way to celebrate how far we’ve come, before finally arriving at the question, “What era epitomised coming of age more than the ’90s?” Having first put words to the printing press in 1998, it seemed only appropriate to blow out the candles while surrounded by all the over-thetop cheesiness and unadulterated fun that characterise our favourite decade in history.

As our final chance to throw a birthday bash at the iconic nightlife mecca’s Jiak Kim Street stronghold before its big move to Clarke Quay, we took the opportunity to transform Zouk’s confines into a retro wonderland one last time – transporting partygoers back to their own nostalgic memories of the bygone era, while reprising the best that the naughty ’90s had to offer.

We remember a time when cereal boxes still had toys hidden inside them, so it only made sense to greet our guests with our signature tote bags

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NOW T H AT ’ S W H AT WE CALL A PA R T Y filled with surprises. In addition to goodies from OPI, Lush Cosmetics, ZA, Happy Socks and – of course – the latest issue of our magazine, the first 400 people through the door also scored a number of special pins and patches to adorn their backpacks and denim jackets with, made in collaboration with Pindemic and Pew Pew Patches. And could we really call it a party without, well, juice? We didn’t think so – that’s why we had the fine folks at Seed & Soil hand thirsty guests icy bottles of cold-pressed juices at the door. After a refreshing cool-down, hundreds then captured their excitement for the evening ahead at the Phootprint photo booth with neon zig-zagged glory, turning their snaps into GIFS ready for sharing. Just search for #juicesg on the ’gram if you want a case of FOMO blues.

The comforting smell of warm popcorn and sweet candy floss teleported all who walked through the main corridor back to childhood, as JNR Entertainment served up the carnival treats as a prelude to the surprises that awaited. Upon arriving at the main room, the hyperactive sounds of oldschool arcade machines flanked the dance floor, with classics from Pac-Man and Donkey Kong to King Of Fighters and Metal Slug X engrossing fans as a steady soundtrack of ’90s staples filled the space. And because we’re aware of how tiresome frantically moving those joysticks to claim the high score can be, we made sure thirsts were quenched with free-flow Heineken, Martell and Chivas filling partygoers’ glasses. Props also to Bratpack for having our backs.

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’S 18TH ANNIVERSARY AT ZOUK

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We couldn’t let hundreds of guests go hungry either, so to make sure stomachs weren’t growling during the night, UberEATS hooked us up with mouthwatering grub from Burnt Ends, Alt. Pizza, MeatSmith and Vatos Urban Tacos, delivered straight into the hands of salivating revellers, house party style. And for those that missed one of the drops or weren’t diggin’ the menu, we’d supplied guests with discount UberEATS order codes in our goodie bags so that folks could order whatever their hearts desired to Zouk’s doorstep.

It’s fair to say that all the food, drinks, and arcade games came to a standstill when the show-stopping musical acts took to the stage. Each channelling elements of ’90s nostalgia in their own way and, with the help of the fine folks at National Youth Council, we couldn’t have been more proud of the alllocal line-up charged with throwing us back to unadulterated good times. Kicking off the performances was awesome foursome Disco Hue, dishing out pastel-tinted nostalgia in dollops of retrophilic synth, funky bass-lines, and sexy wah guitar riffs that held feet hostage in a permanent groove. The Summer State soon had those feet mid-air in a synchronised bounce, with jump-inducing songs like

035 “Enough” erupting in “na na” sing-alongs. Last but certainly not least, THELIONCITYBOY closed the evening with a certifiably ‘lit’ performance, with infectious, hard-hitting beats culminating in involuntary nodding and dabbing across the dance floor. And while “HRLY” set off unstoppable movement for the duration of the set, the rapper had no trouble putting that movement to an end when he had the entire room participate in an impromptu mannequin challenge that set a new standard for the rest of the Internet. Ya did good, people.

Though age becomes a bit of a scary notion after passing the 18-year mark, and ‘grownups’ will occasionally allude to wanting to relive their younger glory days, we can’t wait to grow another year older to party down again with explosive musicians, supportive industry chums and our beloved readers. Turning 19 may not have the same impact as the preceding year, but we just know it’s going to get even bigger from here. See you next year!

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THAT WAS FAST

CHILDISH GAMBINO

Earlier in the year, London shoegaze pioneers Lush played their first show in 20 years, released the critically celebrated Blind Spot EP, and even spoke to the press about recording a new album. All signs were pointing at the eventuality of a full-scale and lasting reunion but sadly, it wasn’t to be. After bassist Phil Knight wanted out last month, the band has released a statement announcing its dissolution. “It is now time for us to return to our families and homes, and bring our time together as a band to a close”, are pretty definitive words.

THIS IS A BAD TIME

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This is just what the millennials ordered. Like his fanbase, Childish Gambino’s tastes are varied and his outlook so personal and self-indulgent that even when he expounds on issues bigger than the ebbs and flows of his heart, he still comes back to, well, the ebbs and flows of his heart. But because he’s an excellent wordsmith and songwriter, and a savvy manipulator of pop culture, he’s become the indie hero/prophet for a whole new generation of fans who hang on to his every word. “You better believe in something”, he coos on lead single “Redbone”, off his forthcoming third album, Awaken, My Love!. And you can bet his fans already do. iamdonald.com

A NEW CHAPTER

LEGENDARY ROCK Since its heyday in the ’90s, the guitarprivileging, underdog-championing aspect of indie rock has receded to relic status. But Jason Narducy – Chicago indie impresario and the man responsible for inspiring Dave Grohl to pursue music – is determined to make sure we never forget the good old days. With his new project Split Single, featuring Wilco bassist John Stirratt and Mountain Goats drummer Jon Wurster, he’s just released his new album Metal Frames, a backward-facing but present-addressing power-chord extravaganza. If you like your riffs hard and your choruses screamed, standouts like “Glori” and “Untry Love” are worthy earworms. splitsinglemusic.com

In one of the more bizarre musicand-fashion-world collabs, Swiss luxury watch brand HYT has hitched its wagon up to Guns N’ Roses mouthpiece Axl Rose. The artistic offspring of this questionable union is an Axl-inspired collection dubbed ‘Skull Axl Rose’. As per the product’s specs, the case is made of titanium with microblasted finishes, operates mechanically with manual winding movement and measures a whopping 51mm in diameter. But the most ridiculous part of this horological ‘edifice’ is its price point: $100,000.

For what it’s worth, the skull boasts a “Damascus steel treatment”, so…. hytwatches.com

WELCOME BACK Vampire Weekend has mostly kept silent since its list-topping 2013 album, Modern Vampires Of The City. When producerkeyboardist Rostam Batmanglij left the band this year, we feared for the future of one of the pre-eminent forces in contemporary indie rock. But it looks like all will be well. Industry insiders have reported that the Rostam-less band has signed a deal with major label powerhouse Columbia Records and plans to release album number four next year. What’s more, Rostam also hinted that he might lend a hand. Something good this way comes; it’s only a matter of when. vampireweekend.com

2016 has been a rocky year for music.

But amidst all the tragedy (and the Trump victory, ugh) a recent upside was revealed to us: The xx has a new album out. Breaking the four-year silence following its sophomore album Coexist, the dark pop trio announced I See You, due next January. In a recent tweet, the band acknowledged the global state of affairs with, “We know these are uncertain times and we hope the joy and love we found making the record will get out into the world, in however small a way”. thexx.info

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the ones we lost

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

In order to stride towards 2017 with openhearted confidence and optimism, we need to properly close the book on 2016. And so, we honour the musical greats who left us recently.

SHARON JONES Following a battle with pancreatic cancer, the vocalist and leader of the retro-soul band, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings bowed out last month. Her talent was titanic and her charm irresistible and inspiring. Following her death, musicians from all sounds and spectrums offered their condolences. Here are two particularly poignant tweets: St. Vincent’s “Sharon Jones.

We haven’t heard so much as a peep from Phoenix after their 2013 blockbuster album, Bankrupt!. The French indie-rock greats have opted for a weird kind of silence that’s literally just that. No tabloid fodder, no lineup changes and, of course, no new music. But lo and behold, late in November, the band updated its long-dead socials, changed its profile photo and announced that it’ll be playing its first show in three years at the Spanish festival, Bilbao BBK Live.

History has shown us that this pattern of activity usually leads to a new album, so let’s hope Christmas comes early. wearephoenix.com

Thank you for everything” and Mark Ronson’s “Sharon Jones had one of the most magnificent, gut-wrenching voices of anyone in recent times. She’ll be so missed. Too sad”. Throughout her life and even during her affliction, Jones remained optimistic, performing when she could and always bringing the house down.

DAVID MANCUSO Dance music’s collective heart is heavy and heaving as it comes to terms with the death of David Mancuso, the New York party-thrower and DJ who helped usher in the disco boom and light the way for all kinetically thumping dance music. While no cause has been revealed, the legend is dearly remembered for single-handedly building a global scene around his invite-

MUSIC FOR THINKING

Ambient music pioneer Brian Eno has got a new album in store for the dreary months ahead. Titled Reflections, it’ll be released on New Year’s Day. Composed of a single 54-minute track, which he was working on all the way back in 1965, it’s the forum in which he’ll tackle with the very notion of ‘ambient’. In an accompanying press release, he states, “Reflection is so called because it makes me think back. It makes me think things over. It seems to create a psychological space that encourages internal conversation”. Get ready to dive right in. brian-eno.net

only parties at the Loft, his own apartment.

Attendees have testified that those shindigs were feel-good, musically progressive affairs where people from all backgrounds bonded over a shared love for the game-changing music they were receiving. Rest in dance, good Sir.

MICHAEL BELL In August this year, the seminal post-rock brotherly twosome of Jared and Michael Bell as Lymbyc Systym released its astoundingly great EP, New

Varieties. So, to know that Michael expired

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suddenly and so young, at 35, is utterly devastating. Details as to the cause of his death have not surfaced, just as it is unclear whether or not Jared will continue to record and tour under the band’s moniker or retire it entirely. What’s certain is that if not for Michael, a lot of the forward-thinking synth music in the indie musicverse wouldn’t sound as good as it does.

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THIS SICK BEAT Elusive Norwegian dance wiz Cashmere Cat added to his run of surprise single drops with this splendid house-pop cut featuring Selena Gomez and Tory Lanez. He is the latest in a long line of erstwhile niche producers who have locked arms with pop megastars in the studio, a trend that announced itself in undeniable fashion when Diplo and Skrillex teamed up as Jack Ü last year. Cashmere Cat doesn’t have recourse to the showy theatrics of his counterparts in EDM. Instead, his approach here is to craft a quirky soundscape where bass keeps everything in check, but not totally. cvshmerecvt.com

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MUSIC FOR THE FUTURE

BY SKII CHUNG

CULTURAL CAPITAL

2016 marked the end of an era for iconic clubs Fabric London and Space Ibiza. For close to two decades, these nightclubs left an indelible imprint on the global electronic music circuit, and their demise caused a significant dent in the U.K.’s and Spain’s capitals of culture.

It is even more disheartening that countless recent articles and surveys conducted in the U.K. and U.S. signal that millennials no longer frequent nightclubs as often as their Gen X counterparts. Besides, they have countless other alternatives to meet like-minded people who also enjoy discovering new tunes. The surveyed millennials rather hang out in intimate spaces such as bars, house parties or restaurants, than wait in line for a drink at a club’s crowded bar.

Back home, the question remains: Will clubbing remain relevant in Singapore, or will it eventually fizzle out with time?

Although naysayers label Singapore as a sterile, cultural wasteland, an alternative music scene continues to grow, and music tastes continue to evolve. We witnessed a handful of cosy clubs bubbling to the surface this year. More notably, The Council – a luminescent hotbed of house and techno – welcomes international guests such as GoldFFinch.

Another popping venue is Cherry Discotheque, a hipster-styled club that operates out of York Hotel, which pays tribute to all things old-school and hip-hop.

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As clubs come and go, the scene’s stalwart, Zouk, continues to hold its ground and was ranked #6 in DJ Mag’s latest annual poll of nightclubs worldwide. Zouk remains a staple in the nightlife scene, with a topnotch sound system and a booking team that works around the clock to secure luminaries of electronic music, such as John Digweed, Sven Väth and Paul van Dyk, to get behind the decks.

YOU WANT IT DARKER Leonard Cohen (Sony Music)

Call it opportunistic pandering (or whatever you will), but our stand remains: the late Leonard Cohen’s last album is the perfect closer on this singer-songwriter-poet’s life.

Like David Bowie before him, he must have known that the end was near – “I’m ready my Lord”, Cohen sings on the sparse organ-choral title track. Later, he brokers peace for love in “Treaty”, says goodbye to a lover in “Traveling Light”, and takes his bow in “Leaving the Table”. Listening to the gravelly-voiced one singing his final words is revelatory, bleak, and also inspiring. Cohen has never compromised on how he’s made his music, how he’s heard and how he’s left the world in his finest hour with this artistic testimony.

Twenty-five years. That’s how long Zouk has kept the fire burning, despite having to deal with lifestyle changes from Gen X, to Gen Y, to the present millennial crowd; and having to constantly battle with noise complaints from the residential area surrounding Jiak Kim Street. When the government refused to renew its lease to operate there, many had thought that marked the end of the beloved Singapore nightclub. They thought wrong.

At the tail end of 2015, the Genting Group, operator of casinos and resorts around the world, took over the steering wheel from Zouk’s founder Lincoln Cheng to pilot the club into the future when it reopens in Clarke Quay. Last month, Dream Cruises (part of Genting Group), an Asian luxury cruise-liner that can carry up to 3,400 guests, launched Zouk At Sea, alongside cabaret shows, slot machines and submersibles – the first of its kind in Asia. It doesn’t end there. Next on its plate is the transposition of Zouk’s clubbing DNA to Las Vegas, home to countless casino empires. Redefining the lifestyle experience to suit the ever-changing taste of millennials while still staying true to its roots is not going to be easy, but this is a challenge Zouk is prepared to take.

Reflecting on 2016, Singapore is seemingly on a cultural upswing, for a country that once outlawed males with long hair – a ridiculous rule that barred Kitaro and Led Zeppelin from performing in the ’60s and ’70s. Now, a sizeable number of independent event promoters populate the scene with world-class acts. Live music festivals such as Laneway Festival and Neon Lights consistently draw throngs of people, and nightclubs continue to seethe and pulsate.

How do we move ahead from here? Quality music is most certainly an answer.

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BLOOD BITCH Jenny Hval

(Sacred Bones Records)

Take a deep breath and just take it in: vampires, menstruation, blood, femininity, conceptual art, and experimental pop. If you are still reading this, then you are made not to fear Jenny Hval’s latest avant-garde sonic work. The Norwegian artiste calls her music “soft d*ck rock” (we swear it’s true) and it’s work that she makes with noise producer Lasse Marhaug. It’s really just Hval’s girlish voice blended with electronic fluorescence, but if soundscapes are really not your cup of (artisanal) tea, no worries, there’s always “Conceptual Romance” and “Secret Touch” that are pop enough to get your head around – just try not to interpret any of her lyrics.

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PICKS OF THE MONTH THE SERENITY OF SUFFERING

AMERICAN FOOTBALL LP2

GOODBYE, TERRIBLE YOUTH

(Roadrunner Records) It’s been 23 years, but nu-metal heavyweights Korn are still ploughing away. They’ve been through patches (electronic and commercial hard rock) but it’s a return to basics this time. “Insane” opens the album with death metal growls from Jonathan Davis, monstrous riffs and thundering drums. Fans will have a field day with this new lashing of classic Korn, while others might just find nu-metal, well, old.

(Polyvinyl Records) It’s the return of emo, but not in the kohl-ed, adolescent-angsty way that you remember it. American Football is a luminary of the sophisticated, softer version of emo – it’s a sound that you can even trace all the way back to their debut (and only other full-length) album 17 years ago. This is jazzier, with a Midwestern folk feel: “I’ve Been Lost So Long” and “Desire Gets In The Way” are the songs showing the way.

(Fat Possum Records) Lo-fi bedroom rock shot through with both melodicism and wistful (but sober) reminiscences of youth; Gary McClure sure knows how to hook us rockers who never grow old. It’s only nine songs of megapleasant shoegazey power-pop, but they are enough to show what McClure can do with a real band on hand; daydream the (past) days away with “Give Up” and “Someone Far Away”.

CODY

THE ALTAR

RUMINATIONS

Korn

Joyce Manor

American Football

Banks

(Harvest Records) (Epitaph) Alt-r&b isn’t quite that alt anymore, and Shuttling between indie power pop and its one-time vaunted purveyor Banks pop-punk is Joyce Manor. While on the surface, they may come across as another didn’t quite take the throne (FKA Twigs owns that, with a bolder and odder Jawbreaker/Blink-182 copy-band singing sound). She returns with more of the about angst, the Californian quartet has same down-lit songs that are more actually grown up, as shades of death textured, but limp, in the light of what and the darker side of love get thrown other r&b artistes are doing. At least on into their lyrics. It’s their most polished yet: “Last You Heard Of Me” and “Do You “Trainwreck” and “This Is Not About Us”, Really Want To Not Get Better” certainly she tries to break out with higher-octane (read: commercial) tracks. get our attention.

Text Sanvean Wang Images Various Sources

DEVIL MUSIC The Men

(We Are The Men Records) Basement punk-garage rock banged out in one weekend – that’s The Men’s latest effort. It reeks of gritty rock & roll a la The Stooges and MC5. Distorted vocals, and squealing and crashing instruments; it’s an unfettered and feisty clutch of 10 songs (and they come with some sax playing too!). Hear the Brooklyn band’s devil music in the psychedelic “Patterns” and noise-punk single “Lion’s Den”.

American Wrestlers

Conor Oberst

(Warner Music) This County Down trio are famous for making the kind of indie synth-pop that characterised every other band some six years ago. Will their “comeback” (read: third album after four years) get the same kind of embrace? They tip into a mellower mix of ’80s-lensed dance with funk and neo-disco – good for a jog, but with not much legs to go on for the long run. Maybe the kids will just chill to this.

Moby & The Void Pacific Choir

(Little Idiot) Most would remember Moby as making friendly downbeat electronic songs but his latest would awaken you to the fact that he was originally quite the punk (as the Animal Rights album attests to). Likewise, this is Moby ranting at the world at large through 12 industrial techno tracks that recall NIN. It surprises at first, but then the fuzzy synths and vocals wear thin, and we start wondering if rage is really no longer this quinquagenarian’s schtick.

BUCKET LIST PROJECT Saba

(Nonesuch Records) Conor Oberst has been a critic’s darling with a prodigious output, loved for both quality and range (from being the wide-eyed musician Bright Eyes to folk bandleader of Desaparecidos). His unexpected latest (recorded in 48 hours in Omaha) is just him and a guitar, piano and harmonica. It’s so pared-back, it feels like we are voyeurs of his very private collection of songs – that’s just how desolate they sound.

(Saba Pivot, LLC) Outta Chicago is Saba and the 22-year-old makes it into the ranks of Chance The Rapper and Noname with his latest release. His rap skills are undeniable – he keeps pace with Twista on “GPS” and pairs up with the equally fly Noname on “Church/Liquor Store”. The synths and boom-baps float (not for clubs), keeping Saba’s rapping (rightfully) front-and-centre.

SIRENS

FAREWELL, STARLITE!

(Other People LLC) It seems that Nicolas Jaar has lived in fear of the success of 2011’s Space Is Only Noise, which possibly explains why he played around with all manner of music-making (as a duo, starting a label, etc.). On his latest, Sirens, he shows his incandescence – and it’s golden. Spectral and glorious, and also catchy and noisy at points, it will end the year as a top avant-electronic album, even at six tracks long.

(KTTF) This guy’s got friends Drake, Kanye West, and Bon Iver, in a list of many others, have worked with Francis Farewell Starlite, enough to make him famous without much of a discography to his group’s name. Expectations are high, and he barely meets them here, only ‘cos his past work with his pals sounds better. “Friends” is a case-inpoint here. It’s alt-r&b with a pleasant ’80s Peter Gabriel-esque touch.

GAMESHOW

Two Door Cinema Club

THESE SYSTEMS ARE FAILING

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Nicolas Jaar

Francis and the Lights

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REWIND FEAT. SHIGEKI

CANVAS X SINGAPURA DUB CLUB PRESENTS S.P.Y & GENERAL LEVY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 2 AT KYO Shigeki discovered his love for house music when he was hitting the clubs in Sydney, and the rest is history. With his impeccable mixing, ear for deep grooves and his unique sound, Shigeki has earned a rightful reputation internationally. Let loose this Friday and let Shigeki run the show. clubkyo.com

SATURDAY DECEMBER 17 AT CANVAS When music, food and culture come together, you know it’s a good night out. Treat yourself to an authentic Jerk Chicken brought to you by Suka Suka Jerk Sauce grilled on Jamaican style grills while grooving to reggae, dub, jungle, and everything in between, via two of the U.K.’s most exciting heavy-hitters. canvasvenue.sg

LEFTBANK FEAT. SHANE O’NEILL, DEEN AND MUDDY

ZOUK AT JIAK KIM FINALE WEEKENDER

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY DECEMBER 2 AND 3 AT ZOUK ‘Finale’ is right. As Zouk decamps from its longstanding Jiak Kim Street fortress to its new base in Clarke Quay, it’s time to bid adieu to the place where it all began. Zouk veterans like Andrew Chow and djB will bring their finest beats to shake up this historical night. zoukclub.com

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23 AT CATO CATO’s experimental Leftbank nights will provide your Friday outre fix with this trio of DJs. Known for its extensive range of underground music ranging from seductive techno beats to house jams, this homegrown night has been gaining much buzz for its move-inducing powers. Mark your calendar for this treat of hard grooves. catosingapore.com

PLAYFREELY X ASIAN MEETING FESTIVAL PRESENT: CLOSER TO THE EDGE

CANVAS X KITSUNE CLUB NIGHT PRESENTS PAT LOK

DARKER THAN WAX & G-SHOCK PRESENT NEW TIMES

SATURDAY DECEMBER 24 AT CANVAS In this season of giving, French tastemakers Kitsuné will be bringing in Pat Lok to get you into the swing of things. Fusing soul and r&b with classic house jams, the Vancouver sensation has been winning floors over throughout areas as disparate as Mexico, Spain and the U.S. Time to rally the squad. canvasvenue.sg

FRIDAY DECEMBER 9 AT CATO Darker Than Wax turns five this year, and to commemorate this milestone, it’s throwing a party bursting with bass and soul. Expect a wild time courtesy of special guests like FUNK BSTRD, KAYE, RAH, and Daryl C, to name a few. Firm believers of staying cutting-edge while respecting music history, they’ll take you on a beat-laden trip. catosingapore.com

FORWARD FEAT. DEE MONTERO

ONE DANCE FEAT. VIANI

SATURDAY DECEMBER 17 AT KYO Versatility is key, and that is what Dee is all about. Unravelling sounds from sexy sunset grooves to disco and tech house, Dee knows just how to make the dance floor come alive. Pump up the stereo with his Full Body EP while prepping yourself for the big night out. clubkyo.com

FRIDAY DECEMBER 30 AT ZOUK Rejoice for this whole new beginning! As Zouk embarks on its next course, celebrate with beats and bombast as Italian EDM band of brothers Viani take the decks. The pair is the perfect choice for the occasion, given its consistent track record of scaling DJ Mag’s annual poll of the Top 100 DJs in the world. zoukclub.com

NYE CREW LOVE FEAT. GRIZZLE GRIND CREW AND .WAV(Y)

SATURDAY DECEMBER 31 AT REFUGE They say all good things come to an end, but we beg to differ. Close off 2016 on this great, fresh slate of rap, trap and hip-hop riches from two of Lion City hip-hop’s dopest collectives. Bringing the heat to the decks will be DJ NashD, Deejay XG and Prav, as well as MCs from GGC. refuge.sg

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Text Indran P & Izza Sofia Images Various Sources

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THURSDAY AND FRIDAY DECEMBER 8 AND 9 AT THE PROJECTOR Helmed by Singapore’s preeminent musical radicals The Observatory, the Playfreely music festival returns for its fourth outing Closer To The Edge. Jointly presented by Japanese experimental event, Asian Meeting Festival, it’ll feature next-level Asian explorers such as Singapore’s Dharma Shan and Yogyakarta’s Senyawa. Come for a legitimately mind-expanding experience. theprojector.sg

THE X’MAS GIFT GUIDE 2016

Text Aaron Kok Coordination Aaron Kok, Indran P, Jazmin Kelly Six & Trent Davis Images Various Sources

N AU G H T Y BUT NICE SUFFICE TO SAY, 2016 HAS BEEN A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE THAT SHOT US AROUND ENDLESSLY WHILE WE TRIED TO KEEP OUR LUNCHES DOWN AND SCREAMED ABOUT GETTING OFF THE DAMN RIDE. AND WHILE IT’S GOOD NEWS TO MOST THAT THE YEAR IS COMING TO A CLOSE, THERE’S STILL THE ANNUAL PANIC-INDUCING EVENT OF BUYING GIFTS FOR THE NEAR AND DEAR. WELL, SCREW THE NICETIES AND TAKE A WALK ON THE NAUGHTY SIDE WITH OUR GUIDE, INSPIRED BY THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS. FROM SELF-LOVING SPLURGES TO THE MOST OUTRE PRESSIES FOR YOUR BAE, WE’VE GOT YOUR BACKS.

P R I D E

#SUPPORTLOCAL. BECAUSE THE WEALTH OF TALENT DESERVES TO BE LAUDED.

x-mini speaker portable bluetooth kai 2 capsule blue, $59, x-mini.com mock croc pouch, $64.90, luxemono

leather bag, $389, omitirconcepts.com

the observatory august is the cruellest, $45, theobservatory.bandcamp.com

body scrub, $45.90, mandy t

'01nato' watch with nylon strap in 'electric orchids', $111, hypergrand

2017 organiser, $29.90, paper bunny

metal and grosgrain necklace, $109, in good company ball-chain zip wallet, $110, sbtg surplus & co. at sbtgsurplus.bigcartel.com

'thoughts' a4 print, $25, theletterjsupply.com

'juliette' edp, $200 (50ml), code deco

antique brown nut and bolt bracelet, $170, carrierocks.com

'tomgirl' 180g black vinyl lp, us$29.99, tomgirlband.com

d2m earphones, $28, alpha & delta at lendmeurears.com

soy candle gift set, $57, hush candle at naiise.com

L U S T

THE MOST COVETABLE ITEMS TO OWN, WITHOUT HAVING TO TAKE OUT A SECOND MORTGAGE.

metal-rimmed sunglasses, poa, christian dior

rubber iphone 6 case, $89, off-white

moto z, $899, motorola

om-d e-m1 mark II, poa, olympus

grand hotel cafe, $76, too faced at sephora

gear s3, $548, samsung

iphone7, poa, apple

zenbook 3, $1,998, asus

enter the wu-tang (36 Chambers) deluxe 7-inch casebook, us$84.98, getondown.com your place or mine? five-piece travel brush collection, $210, marc jacobs beauty at sephora outdoor x pac-man day pack in maze pattern, $125, outdoor

pro-ject debut carbon dc, us$800, amazon.com nike air jordan 4 ginger, $698, endclothing.com

lomo instant mumbai edition, $188, lomography

utopia headphones, poa, focal at audiobar.com.sg

E N V Y

AS EXCLUSIVE AS THEY COME. YOU MIGHT MAKE A FEW PEOPLE GREEN, BUT HEY, THAT’S THE POINT.

leather shoulder bag, poa, loewe

m-p grip, poa, leica

customised adidas originals "nmd" sneakers, us$249, amac-customs.com

rimowa x ong Shunmugam, classic flight multiwheel53 case, poa, rimowa moore & giles x crosley commonwealth c10 turntable, us$840, mooreandgiles.com leather 'journey' champagne holder briefcase, $8,600, berluti for krug

advent calendar , $825, jo malone london

appetite for destruction limited edition coloured vinyl, $42, ccvinyl.com

war mouse by clogtwo, $100, mightyjaxx.rocks

naruto vs. sasuke final battle memorial nw-a25 walkman, $299, sony

philosykos limited edition edp, $231 (75ml), diptyque at escentials

faber-castell x karl lagerfeld, karlbox, $4588, tangs.com

adidas yeezy boost750 grey gum, $2794, hbx.com huawei mate 9 porsche edition, â‚Ź1,395, porsche-design.com

j dilla the diary (rsd 2016 exclusive), $55, the analog vault

S L O T H

FOR DAYS WHEN YOUR BED HAS WON THE BATTLE, MAKE SURE YOU CONCEDE DEFEAT IN STYLE.

really relaxing colouring book 2 colour me calm, $11.63 booksdepository.com

the constant gatherer refreshing body care duet, $101, aesop

cushion denum, $00, hk living at naiise.com

middlemarch by george eliot, $33, kinokuniya

hydrating face mask, $12.90 (50ml), h&m kiehl's x jeremyville handy treasures trio hand cream set, $39, kiehl's

ideacentre y710 cube, $3,099, lenovo playStation 4 pro, $599, sony

actually x maiden noire objet black soy wax candle, $59, actually.sg

sam smith in the lonely hour, $38.80, vinylicious records brian eno another green world cd, us$21, amazon.com

oversized snow globe, $220, maison margiela

christmas gift set, $118, ashley & co at ashleyandco.com.sg

wool knit jumper, poa, bimba y lola

gs mini-e koa acoustic guitar, $998.99, taylor at swee lee singapore

W R A T H TURN YOUR FRUSTRATIONS INTO FITNESS GOALS, AND GET A BETTER BOD IN THE PROCESS.

curved peak cap, poa, topman

w800bt wireless headphones, $489, onkyo

michael jordan the life by roland lazenby, $25, amazon.com swimming goggles, $47, arena at royal sporting house

quick 3 electric scooter, $1,499, inokim at falconpev.com.sg

skipping rope, $22, nike kyrie 2 battle grey, $199, nike at limited edt.com

titanium sunglasses, poa, rayban

wsd powerlock training gloves, $99.90, everlast

mesh and rubber sneakers, $250, atheletic propulsion labs at pedder on scotts sweater, $239, lacoste l core colossus bag, $320, lonsdale

sutton mid volume duffle bag, $139, herschel at robinsons touch fitness tracker, $239, tomtom

apple watch nike+, $588, apple

G L U T T O N Y IT’S THE HOLIDAYS, SO A LITTLE INDULGENCE WON’T HURT. AFTER ALL, ISN’T THAT WHAT NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS ARE FOR?

nut butter gift set, $35, hunters kitchenette advent calendar, $387,50, newby teas ice cream subscription, $29 per month, pint society

framed print, $750, katie zimpel at minted.com

tumblers, $24.90 to $39.90, starbucks

festive tin in frosted berries, $29.60, the body shop

leather lbananal fan, $120, pu bu me su at gallery & co.

2016 whiskey advent calendar, £124.96, mastersofmalt.com

'commissary kitchen – my infamous prison cookbook' by albert "prodigy" johnson & kathy Iandoli, us$14.57, amazon.com

pompom (box of eight), poa, laduree

pure lungo cups (set of two), $55, nespresso

habanero & tomatillo, €5.99 (100ml), crazybsauce.com logcake, $59.90, o' coffee club ultimate 80-40 holiday gift tower, us$275, compartés chocolatier at compartes.com

G R E E D

GO FOR GOLD, BECAUSE AMIDST THE TURMOIL AND THE SURMOUNTING WORKLOAD, A LITTLE GLINT OF LUXURY GOES A LONG WAY.

cruiser briefcase record player, poa, crosly x uo at urbanoutfitters.com

fiji chain bracelet, $410, monica vinader

superga x star wars, c3p0 2750 sneaker, $129.90, superga.com.sg orientalist scented diffuser, us$81 (200ml), tom dixon at tomdixon.net

ombres lamees de chanel, $113, chanel beauty

metal link bracelet watch, $120, nixon

charm bracelet, from $398, jetset candy

orange bitters decorative candle, $382, jo malone london ghd v gold styler premium gift set, $295, sephora pause gold stationery kit, $44.90, kikki.k

beaded gold-plated silve bracelet, $329, thomas sabo thin modern screw cuff diamond bracelet, $10,561.45, miansai at miansai.com

aromatherapy associates the ultimate bath collection, poa, sephora

schlumberger woven knot cuff link, poa, tiffany & co

metal aviator sunglasses, poa, dolce & gabbana

eat, sleep, rave

Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

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As the year crescendos into party season, leave it to the hyper-imaginative mind of Johnson Hartig at Libertine to present a standout collection of frocks and coats – perfect for women who want to turn heads.

Looking to French sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle to inform his designs, Libertine’s Fall/Winter 2016 collection is a re-envisioning of rave party apparel through a fresh perspective. Cracked mirror tiles form floating hands, while exuberantly coloured sequins shift into cartoonish shapes of eyes, hearts, eggs, and just about everything else.

Tufts of neon-hued fur, French lace and patchworked prints add contrast and maturity to the mostly-bejewelled pieces, but there is no doubt that in Hartig’s world, the Libertine girl rules the dance floor.

ilovelibertine.com

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RETAIL THERAPY

THIS CHRISTMAS, MAKE CAPITOL PIAZZA YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP TO GET ALL YOUR PARTY AND GIFTING NEEDS SORTED. The holiday season is upon us, but as warm as the seasonal cheer is, pre-party planning and the annual exercise of gifting can be quite a pain to navigate. Fortunately, these eight must-visit stores at Capitol Piazza are here to help take the burden off. With a medley of uber-cool products to tantalise and thrill, find all you need to conquer this holiday season within the mall’s cool enclaves.

CLOUT9 B1-32

No one likes a late guest, or a turkey left in the grill for too long.

Keep time with a stylish new watch this season and choose from a wide selection of Nixon watches at CLOUT9. Whether you prefer a more rugged ticker set on a leather-backed canvas strap, or a gold chain watch with its face awash in delicate shades of blush, find yourself a new wrist companion here.

CONVERSE B2-46/47

With the monsoon season threatening to dampen holiday spirits, a pair of weatherproof shoes will help keep you dry and comfortable amidst the year-end storms – and there’s no better place to sort yourself out with waterproof kicks than at Converse. After all, the brand has long specialised in the production of galoshes since 1908.

Get fitted in a pair of counter-climate boots, and tuck a rubber poncho into your bag for good measure too.

DR. MARTENS B1-31

Going to a rock party, or know someone in your life who’s very much into jamming? Pick up a pair of Dr. Martens boots for that perfect finishing touch to any punk-inspired look. With the brand’s signature air-cushioned sole engineered by its German founder, Dr. Klaus Martens, the Dr. Martens boot has evolved through time to achieve its universal status of being the quintessential kicks for the cool crowd.

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G-STAR RAW B1-34/35

Holiday party pieces aren’t necessarily the most evergreen items to own, but G-Star RAW might just offer a thing or two you can throw on for the party circuit, and still wear throughout the new year. Whether it’s a pair of distressed jeans that takes cues from biker pants or a classic denim jacket made cool with the addition of abstract shapes, you’ll get plenty more wears from them even after the tinsel is packed away.

MOLESKINE B2-14

Technology is great, but sometimes, it really does help one’s memory when special moments or to-dos are penned down in ink. To help you keep tabs on all that you have to juggle – from seating plans to who’s getting what present – a classic Moleskine notebook will definitely come in handy. And if you’re not in the habit of making manual notes, leave one open at the door and let your party guests do the writing for you!

OUTDOOR PRODUCTS B2-34

All that shopping is going to leave you with an endless supply of paper and plastic bags. So while you think of the near and dear, think of the environment too and consider getting yourself one of Outdoor Products’ hardy tote bags. Thanks to the wide array of roomy sacs in attractive prints and hues, you can rely on these handy options no matter the season.

SABRINAGOH 02-14

For the hostess with the mostest, get decked out in a dress from SABRINAGOH. Known for her sleek cuts, play on textures and knits, and attention to fit, founder and designer Sabrina Goh offers modern fashionable options for today’s cosmopolitan woman.

There’s also a range of cards, beauty products, accessories, and packaged grub to check out, all created by local or regional artisans and curated by Goh herself.

THE RECKLESS SHOP 02-32

Set up by the design duo behind homegrown label Reckless Ericka, you can find outfits for the holiday season for the entire family within the racks of The Reckless Shop. The quirky ready-to-wear collections will appeal to those who like a dose of the unexpected in their dressing, while kids can get in on the fun as well with a select range of childrenswear available.

For more information, visit capitolpiazza.com.

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style beats DILLON FRANCIS

pile-lined leather jacket, $399.90, h&m

Aside from his infectious brand of electro house music, the straight-talking DJ from Los Angeles is also known for making more-than-colourful comments on all subjects, as well as his dad jokes. In the same vein, channel his high-energy tracks with a wardrobe of electric-coloured separates. Experiment with clashing hues, and play up silhouettes for an unabashed entrance to the party.

embroidered wool coat, $2,593, christian dada

distressed leather biker jacket, $3,822, off-white

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TOKIMONSTA

Jennifer Lee, better known as TOKiMONSTA, is adept at blending textural beats with a warm, sensual fluidity that turns tracks into pop-friendly earworms. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a lazy weekend in, when wearing loungewear to an afternoon with your girls is a totally acceptable thing to do.

Accessorise with a pair of chunky earrings, stacked bracelets and a bellini in hand.

embellished denim jacket, poa, valentino

viscose t-shirt, $76.90, topshop

silk shirt, $244, joseph

polyester shirt, $106, topshop

polyester top with frills and bow, $89.90, zara polyester aviator jacket with patches, $169, mango man

polyester jacket with faux shearling collar, $196, topshop

FRITZ KALKBRENNER

silk lace skirt, poa, moschino

rayon rib knit skirt, $215, t by alexander wang

With the use of low bass kicks and tangos, Fritz Kalkbrenner’s penchant for infusing his tracks with warm, soulful beats and a dubby feel has hypnotised fans across the world. To reflect his sound, toss a heavyweight jacket over your getup before you catch the flight to your year-end holiday destination. After all, there’s no better excuse for splurging on that hulking jacket than this, is there?

polyester top, $55.90, mango

satin jumpsuit, $156, river island at riverisland.com

leather pouch, $155, comme des garcons suede heels, $1,293.50, nicholas kirkwood at on pedder

silk satin trousers, poa, chloe

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MUCH LIKE THE FACTIONS OF FASHION, EVERY DJ BELONGS TO A CERTAIN TRIBE BASED ON THEIR SIGNATURE SOUND. BRING YOUR FANDOM TO THE NEXT LEVEL BY TAKING STYLE DIRECTION FROM YOUR FAVOURITE DJ’S MUSICAL LEANINGS. THESE SIX FROM ZOUKOUT 2016’S LINEUP WILL END YOUR YEAR ON A CHIC NOTE.

WIWEK

Mention Wiwek to any EDM enthusiast and the immediate association with the Dutch DJ is his pioneering take on jungle terror. The Dutch producer’s high-intensity sets are the perfect club fuel, laced as they are with frenzied drumbeats that keep dancers going. Channel his tribal rhythms with prints of the same vein – employ everything from lush foliage to a ruckus of animal prints.

LOST FREQUENCIES

nylon blend dress with cut out, $99.90, h&m

velvet and mesh dress, poa, maison margiela

As evidenced by over 200 million YouTube views for “Are You With Me”, Lost Frequencies’ brand of tropical house is an obvious hit. Utilising an entrancing mix of deep, bassy sounds with warm synths and uplifting lyrics, his music inspires scenes of chilled-out beachcombers on the strip. Naturally, only the best resortwear would do here – think vivid colours and wellfitted cuts.

metal earrings, $35.90, zara rayon halterneck top, $59.90, zara

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cotton bomber jacket, $196, topman cotton shirt, $56.90, zara

faux fur coat, $175, topman

metal mesh dress, poa, paco rabanne at club 21

cotton shirt, $79.90, topman

crystal necklace, $715, swarovski

HOT SINCE 82

cotton shirt, $297, msgm

Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

cotton trousers, poa, neil barrett at club 21 men’s

With deep beats forming a large part of his sound, Hot Since 82 has an arsenal of forward-thinking tech house at his fingertips. His crowd-pleasing tracks often employ steely tempos, so take a leaf from him and look to the season’s best sci-fi inspired threads for a statement-making turnout.

Here, silver is for winners.

polyester swim shorts, $286, orlebar brown

polyester swim shorts, $25.90, h&m

straw panama hat, $215, borsalino at tangs

cotton t-shirt, poa, marni

cotton socks, $14, happy socks at actually

cotton mesh espadrilles, $81, rivieras at kapok

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focus label

Characters and personalities often inform fashion designs, but few would look to wayfaring personality, Bear Grylls, as a source of fashion inspo, let alone base an entire collection on his on-screen adventures.

Mumbai-based Miuniku is one such label. Like Grylls, who’s made a name for himself eating raw snakes and bouncing off every rock face imaginable, its Fall/Winter 2016 collection pays homage to the daring escapades explorers embark on.

Launched in 2012 by the sisterly design duo of Tina and Nikita Sutradhar, the fledging womenswear brand is carving out a name for itself amidst the hypercompetitive scene in London. Favouring bright colours and quirky shapes, the collection, titled ‘The Explorer’, exhibits the sisters’ skill in tailoring and colour-mixing to achieve unexpectedly fun combinations.

Outerwear is a key focus this season. A classic varsity jacket retains its silhouette, done up in a mix of black and baby blue melton wool, with a curving button placket in front and pleated pink inserts on the sleeves and hemline. A less showy (though no less spectacular) coat is done up in modest navy and black, with a wide sash belt placed at the waist to create a feminine cinch. Not only is it a classic piece, it will also serve modern explorers well this year-end as they embark on their winter travels.

SCALE ON UP Seemingly drawing from Grylls’ mountaineering escapades, several nods to the sport of rock-climbing are included in the collection. Body-skimming Lurex turtlenecks in glittery shades of moss and blue would serve climbers well post-workout, while a key pattern that features topographical map lines are sparsely placed on a dress – resembling the colourful nubs on an indoor rock wall. Wave panelling in alternating layers of velvet and silk resemble sedimentary maps, while cut-outs on tops and skirts call to mind abstract rock shapes. With a collection this strong in both creative and commercial aspects, the Sutradhar sisters are poised for an upward climb.

miuniku.com

MIUNIKU FALL/ WINTER 2016 fashion

Text Aaron Kok & Izza Sofia Images Miuniku

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focus label

DOWNTOWN BOOGIE If anything, the slumping note that end-2016 has taken is giving fashion designers even more reason to create clothing that captures a hopeful sense of exuberance. Perhaps this is why New York-based label Area is taking a trip back to the heyday of Studio 54.

The hazy disco nights of the ’70s have long been a goldmine for designers, but Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk make a commendable effort to steer clear of being too literal or cliche. Rather, they borrow from the era in terms of silhouettes and colours, and put them through a modern filter to cater to the brand’s millennial following. For example, skinny pants kick out into ankle flares with the addition of ruching, while a high slit dress is reminiscent of the asymmetric bodysuits that might’ve appeared on an episode of Soul Train.

AREA FALL/ WINTER 2016

Where the pieces are pared-down – as in the case of the skin-tight pants and matching tops that give the illusion of a onesie – the spotlight falls onto the fabrics; and that’s where the magic lies.

Area has always been known to use tech-driven fabrics in its collections. This season, it includes hydrophobic and sweat-wicking materials in the mix. Pairing influences from the ’70s with futureforward fabrics sounds like trouble, but Fogg and Panszczyk makes it work.

While the inclusion of real fur could’ve been entirely avoided (a fur bralet is still cute in chubby faux fur), its partnership with Swarovski has led to some gorgeous pattern renditions that the brand has crystalised since starting out two seasons ago. Flecks of brilliantly cut crystals accent obi sashes and adorn sharply tailored jumpsuits, and, in one case, create a blinged-up version of a pinstripe on an asymmetric top with matching trousers.

With a restraint on colours that’s limited to blush, fuchsia, black, blue denim, and olive, the designers aim to push focus on the fabrics, and their deft skill at cuts. And though the collection harks back to the verve and euphoria of Studio 54’s dwellers, it still feels relevant enough to be worn to a party in 2016.

area.nyc

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Text Aaron Kok Images Area

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hit list

CHLOE CHOO

Skin Food I swear by using natural greek yoghurt as a mask. It’s given me my snowy complexion.

Cool Off Give me a big glass of ice-blended watermelon juice any day! It’s my fave fruit, and the perfect drink for a scorching afternoon.

Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources Interview courtesy of Zouk Singapore

Unmissable Act I’m excited to catch KSHMR at this year’s ZoukOut. His deft use of Indian influences in his music is the bomb.

Lick It Up My fave ice cream is soft serve, and it doesn’t even matter where it’s from. Frozen, creamy milk is the best thing in the universe.

Making Scents I can safely say that I’ll be obsessed with Chloé’s EDP for the rest of my life. I just love how distinguishable the scent is! And no, it’s not because of the name.

Sunny Staycay Favourite hotel room in Singapore is the Treetop Loft at Resorts World Sentosa. It’s like staying in a tree, but you get all the premium comforts that the hotel has to offer.

Jean Pool I’m not a jeans type of girl, but my stack of denim consists mostly of Topshop buys.

They fit well and last long, so it’s a win-win.

Shoe-fie The last pair of shoes I bought were Tat Seng slippers! We had a party and we had to show up in retro gear.

WITH AN INSTA-FOLLOWING OF CLOSE TO 70,000, CHLOE CHOO HAS BUILT A SIZEABLE SOCIAL MEDIA AUDIENCE THAT LAPS UP HER CHARISMATIC, COOL-GIRL SHENNANIGANS. WHETHER SHE’S LOUNGING 35,000 FEET IN THE AIR OR THROWING DOWN AT CLUBS OVER THE WORLD, CHOO’S VERITABLE INFLUENCE AND APPEAL IS RELATABLE AND ASPIRATIONAL AT THE SAME TIME. WE ROLL WITH ZOUKOUT 2016’S ‘PEOPLE’S CHOICE’ WINNER FOR SOME ONE-ON-ONE TIME. chloeandchoo.com

Buy Happiness I visit Poppy Flora Studio a lot. It makes me happy just looking at the flowers, and they have a great selection of fragrances too. It’s my go-to place for gifts.

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Kick-Back Quarters Zouk (duh!). As they say, you can take the kid out of Zouk but you’ll never take Zouk out of the kid.

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MIDNIGHT MOVES FROM FERVENT RED AND ANIMAL PRINTS TO WINTER FLORALS AND A SMATTERING OF SEQUINS, THERE’LL BE NO DULL PARTY IN SIGHT THIS HOLIDAY.

PHOTOGRAPHY MUN KONG PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT MELVIN LEONG STYLING AARON KOK STYLING ASSISTANT IZZA SOFIA MAKEUP KEITH BRYANT LEE USING NYX COSMETICS HAIR JANSON TAN / KIMAGE STUDIO MODELS BRAD D / UPFRONT & NATALIIA S / LOOQUE

ON BRAD WOOL ROLLNECK JUMPER TOPMAN FLANNEL SHIRT WITH ZIP COACH DENIM JEANS WITH APPLIQUÉ NASIR MAZHAR X TOPMAN WOOL VARSITY JACKET OFF-WHITE SUEDE SK8-HI SNEAKERS VANS ON NATALIIA COTTON SHIRT WITH RUFFLED SLEEVE H&M SEQUINNED POLYESTER SKIRT H&M SILK DRESS WITH LACING DETAIL DKNY LEATHER LACE-UP HEELS CHARLES & KEITH GOLD AND CRYSTAL EARRINGS ATELIER SWAROVSKI

BY PETER PILOTTO CRYSTAL BRACELET (WORN AS CHOKER) ATELIER SWAROVSKI

BY ROSIE ASSOULIN METAL NECKLACE TOPSHOP CRYSTAL BRACELETS SWAROVSKI METAL RINGS (WORN THROUGHOUT) TOPSHOP

POLYESTER T-SHIRT MANGO LACE AND POLYESTER TUNIC TOP TOPSHOP DENIM JEANS ZARA SEQUINNED DENIM JACKET TOPSHOP CRYSTAL EARRINGS SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL AND METAL CUFF SWAROVSKI LEATHER HEELS H&M

WOOL TURTLENECK JUMPER COS COTTON SHIRT TOPMAN DENIM JEANS DR DENIM AT ACTUALLY FAUX FUR JACKET QUEEN AT SUPERSPACE

WOOL ROLLNECK JUMPER SANDRO DENIM SHIRT ZARA DENIM JEANS UNIQLO EMBROIDERED AND PAINTED LEATHER JACKET CHRISTIAN DADA PRINTED CANVAS SHOES VANS

VISIT YOUTUBE.COM/JUICESG FOR A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THIS SHOOT.

SEQUINNED POLYESTER BACKLESS DRESS H&M SHEARLING COAT BIMBA Y LOLA CRYSTAL AND HORSEHAIR EARRINGS TORY BURCH CRYSTAL AND METAL CUFF SWAROVSKI SUEDE BOOTS CHARLES & KEITH

wardrobe trend

versace

METAL ARMOUR

silk bomber jacket, poa, strateas carlucci at strateascarlucci.com

METALLIC TEXTURES GET A BIG PUSH THIS SEASON, AND STANDOUT JACKETS AND A PLETHORA OF MIRROR-LIKE SEPARATES – SUCH AS THIS GLEAMING NUMBER FROM STRATEAS CARLUCCI – WILL SET YOU UP FOR A GALVANISING FASHION STATEMENT. TO AVOID ‘WALKING FOIL’ REFERENCES, TEMPER YOUR LOOK BY KEEPING EVERYTHING ELSE IN MONOCHROME.

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calvin klein

katie eary

dsquared2

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wardrobe trend

flecked cotton sweater with zip detail, $59.90, mango man

pu shirt, $718, comme des garcons

polished sterling silver cuff, $440, le gramme at mrporter.com

pu skinny belt, $12.50, asos at asos.com

cotton t-shirt, $182, mcq alexander mcqueen

cotton t-shirt, $34, adidas originals

Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

denim jeans, $1,200, maison margiela

trashed denim jeans, $49.90, h&m

metal and plastic rings (pack of 3), $22, asos at asos.com

tapered denim jeans, $49.90, uniqlo

distressed canvas and leather sneakers, $715, golden goose at pedder on scotts

cotton jumper with pocket detail, $39.90, h&m

viscose trousers, $296, christian pellizzari at farfetch.com

nylon backpack, poa, calvin klein

fashion

polyester bow tie, $17, topman

leather brogues, $800, acne studios at club 21b

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wardrobe trend

nylon dress, $116, topshop

SHIMMY YOUR WAY THROUGH A MONTH OF MERRYMAKING WITH HIGH-WATTAGE GLAMOUR, COURTESY OF THIS SEASON’S BEST SEQUINNED PIECES. FROM TOPS AND DRESSES TO FANCY FOOTWEAR, PAIR YOUR SEQUINS WITH EYE-GRABBING ACCESSORIES AND WRAP UP THE YEAR IN HIGH DRAMA. THIS GLITTERY NUMBER FROM TOPSHOP IS RIGHT AT THE TOP OF OUR WISH LIST.

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ashish

gucci

sonia rykiel

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dolce & gabbana

ALL THAT SPARKLES

wardrobe trend

poly blend beret, $351, superduper at luisaviaroma.com polyester sequinned and pailette-embellished scarf, poa, bimba y lola

silk-georgette camisole, $495, tibi at tangs

silver-plated stretch bracelet, $38, nine west

jewel and metal earrings, $14, asos at asos.com

polyester dress, $59.90, h&m

stackable diamond rings, $525 each, monica vinader

069 polyester skirt, $116, topshop

viscose t-shirt, $444.50, p.a.r.o.s.h. at farfetch.com

Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

silver plated crystal necklace, $1,570, dannijo at pedder on scotts stretch tulle pants, poa, michael kors

polyblend pleated skirt, $158.90, tfnc at zalora.sg

polyester bucket bag with grosgrain ribbon, $45.90, zara

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denim jacket, poa, ashish at ashish.co.uk

leather, pom pom and fur mary jane heels, $1,445, dolce & gabbana

vault

gold-plated strass ring with crystal, $300, marni

metal ring with stones, $9.90, h&m crocheted cotton bag, $290, sophie anderson at net-a-porter.com

metal drop earrings, $29.90, mango

DATE WITH THE NIGHT

metal and rope necklace, $35.90, mango

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MAKE LIKE KAREN O AND EMULATE THE QUEEN OF DANCE-PUNK WITH A BOLD, ARTSY FROCK AND SPIRITED ACCOUTREMENTS.

suede platform sandal, poa, michael kors

leather platforms, $1,567, stella mccartney

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jacquard asymmetric dress, $196, topshop

embellished linen wedges, $2,124, charlotte olympia at pedder on scotts

Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

cotton t-shirt dress, $29.90, zara

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tortoiseshell and metal sunglasses, $790, dior homme

acetate and metal sunglasses, $240, carrera

tortoiseshell and metal sunglasses, $660, prada tortoiseshell and metal sunglasses, $395, giorgio armani

metal sunglasses,$370, prada linea rossa at prada

BRIDGE CLUB COME TIME TO WHIP OUT YOUR SUNNIES FOR ZOUKOUT 2016 ANNUAL SUNRISE SET, ARM YOURSELF WITH A PAIR OF DOUBLE-BRIDGED SHADES TO SHIELD ’EM PEEPERS FROM THE PEEKING RAYS.

tortoiseshell and metal aviator sunglasses, $380, marc jacobs

Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

metal sunglasses, $90, polaroid

metal sunglasses with tinted lenses, $255, tommy hilfiger

acetate sunglasses with embossed leather sideflaps, $460, givenchy metal sunglasses with mirrored lenses, $255, emporio armani

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profile

FAMILY FOOTSTEPS

BEING PART OF A THREE-GENERATION FAMILY BUSINESS, PEDRO GARCIA HAS HAD TO FILL THE SIZEABLE SHOES LEFT TO HIM BY HIS PREDECESSORS. SINCE JOINING THE EPONYMOUS BRAND – A NAME HE SHARES WITH HIS GRANDFATHER – IN 1991, GARCIA HAS REVOLUTIONISED IT AND CREATED AN APPEAL THAT GARNERS FANS FROM VARIOUS AGE BRACKETS ACROSS THE WORLD. IN TOWN FOR PEDDER ON SCOTT’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY FETE, THE EARNEST DESIGNER SITS DOWN FOR A CHAT ON HIS WORK, INSPIRATION AND THE HALLMARKS OF HIS LABEL.

Was it stressful stepping into the management role?

Absolutely. It’s a big responsibility, even for me. The fact that my taking over meant it was a continuation of tradition, and that we are a relatively large company with about 100 employees in our stable, means that there’s a lot for us to look after.

Being a ‘Made In Spain’ brand, how do your shoes represent the Spanish spirit?

We try to highlight the rich culture, as well as the diverse landscapes and locations all over Spain. We’re proud of the diversity that Spain has to offer, and apart from just designing a collection and photographing it across Spain, we also make it a point to highlight Spanish artisans that we feel a connection with, and that our customers will like. The fact that we say it’s “Made In Spain” is to say that our shoes have the same potential and quality as something that is made in, say, France or Italy.

Who inspires you the most?

It’s not “who” exactly, because we find that we are inspired by everyday life in Spain. We

visit museums a lot and we pay attention to the streets to find that stroke of inspiration before we design, but on the other hand, the materials also provide a starting point for us. Usually there is a specific range of materials that get us excited, and that gets the ball rolling. Take our satin Albany flats, for example. The design is in its 10th year now, but the material was something that we looked at applying on the Albany because it felt very ‘now’.

Inspiration also comes to us when we are trying to solve problems, because the most interesting discoveries often happen during the process of making. Sometimes it’s an accident, and when we try to rectify it, the unexpected results are the most beautiful.

Which would you say is more important – design or comfort?

Well it’s integral, no? Design is comfort, and for us, there is not one without the other.

Lastly, which is your personal favourite from the collection?

The satin pieces are some of my favourites. We’ve been toying with the idea of when would be the best time to bring it out for customers to enjoy, and we feel like this is that moment.

Pedro Garcia is available at Pedder On Scotts, Scotts Square Level 2. pedrogarcia.com

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Text Aaron Kok Interview and images courtesy of Pedder On Scotts

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You’re the third generation to take the reins at the house. Was it always your dream to be involved in the family business?

In all honesty, it wasn’t [laughs]. At the end of the day, it feels great to be the third generation of my family to helm the business, but if you’re asking if it was my dream to be in the business of shoe designing, then I can’t say it was. I was studying to work in the creative industry because I liked the various disciplines – architecture, photography, product design, and so forth – but I wouldn’t have seen myself running the business if it wasn’t for my father.

He encouraged me to take over the reins and after going to Fashion Institute Of Technology in New York, I went to Italy to learn about the work that goes into making leather goods. It was after all the education and honing my skills that I decided I was ready enough to take over the brand.

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ALL COSIED UP FROCKS FOR A FETE Fronted by a who’s-who of It-girls, including Lottie Moss and Kiki Willems, the Topshop Holiday collection offers a wide range of apparel ranging from casual sportswear to dresses that you can shimmy around in. Outerwear is largely anchored by military parka coats and down jackets, with standouts like a crystal studded velvet blazer and a bomber jacket cut from cherry-red satin embroidered with chinois patterns. Options for tops include graphic-printed sweaters, T-shirts emblazoned with band graphics, as well as high neck tops for that touch of Victorian romance.

Available at Topshop, #B2-01 ION Orchard.

No winter vacay will be complete without these Uniqlo essentials.

Introducing the new HEATTECH Ultra Warm pieces, which offer the highest tier of protection against the bitter cold. Designed to keep you comfortably cosy and well-ventilated underneath all the layers, specially knitted yarns are employed to better trap heat, while the brushed lining is designed for optimal heat generation. Furthermore, the line is also infused with argan oil, which helps to retain moisture and alleviate drying and cracking skin. The men’s line also features improved sweatwicking capabilities, so you’ll feel fresh and comfy amidst the chill. $19.90 to $29.90, available at Uniqlo Orchard Central.

SUPERGA X ZOUK

Jetting in from the Big Apple to our sunny shores, Jet Set Candy is dolling out its brand of quirky accoutrements and charms for the girl who wants to commemorate her trips around the world. With the philosophy of collecting one’s adventures in the form of precious knick-knacks, the jewellery label boasts a multitude of designs that draw inspiration from across six continents and nearly 70 countries. While frequent flyers will flock to the collection of luggage tags – each bearing international airport codes – it’s the selection of Singapore-inspired designs – like the Chili Crab and Singapore Sling charms – that catch our attention.

Available at Takashimaya Level 1.

Shoes take us places, and with its move from good ol’ Jiak Kim Street to Clarke Quay, these symbolic kicks are the best souvenir for any Zouk kid worth their salt. Featuring a white upper cut from supple, full-grain leather, the classic Superga 2750 takes on a sci-fi finish with silver leather trims. Zouk’s ‘Z’ logo is printed on the outer corner of each heel, while the heel loop is embossed with coordinates of both the Clarke Quay and Jiak Kim Street locations – marking 25 years of unforgettable parties and many more years to come.

$169.90, available at Superga, #02-73/75 Vivocity.

CLEAN SLATE GO PRO It’s been a busy year for Vans with its 50th anniversary celebrations, and the final instalment comes in the form of the Vans 50th Anniversary Pro Classics Collection. Bringing back the singular Full Cab model – the footwear of choice for skateboarding legend Steve Caballero – it honours the original design with Caballero’s name emblazoned on a side patch and the top of the shoe’s tongue. In addition, the Old Skool Pro, Chukka Pro and the Rowley Pro all make an appearance, paying homage to the legacies of legendary skaters Ray Barbee, John Cardiel and Geoff Rowley respectively. To sweeten the deal, Vans is also throwing in a complimentary copy of Illustrated: A Vans BMX Video with every purchase. $93 to $139, available at Vans, #02-68/69 Vivocity.

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When two local brands team up, it’s bound to get us a little excited. Enter the capsule collection by Inventory and The Authority, tailored to meet the needs of the modern man. With every piece available only on a made-to-measure basis, expect a minimalist design approach by the latter, with a focus on balanced proportions and premium fabrics. Unlined bomber jackets and overshirts make for outerwear that is light enough for our weather, yet smart enough for the boardroom. Meanwhile, the clean lines of a double-placket shirt and the use of denim in the form of a pair of tailored pants (albeit with an upturned, distressed hem) is just the thing for a casual weekend with the homies. $189 to $249, available at The Authority,\#03-03 orchardgateway.

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take your time

three new watches that’ll make great holiday gifts.

SQUARESTREET

DANIEL WELLINGTON

MAHARISHI X G-SHOCK

This Scandinavian unisex watch brand places

The Classic Black design showcases the brand’s

This limited edition ticker features Maharashi’s British Bonsai Forest pattern, and impressive

emphasis on the intrinsic performance of a

penchant for minimalist leanings, with thin

timepiece, rather than the bells and whistles that

demarcations and elegant watch hands set against

specs including an atmospheric pressure

come with it. A mastery of minimalist design, the

a jet-black face. Available in two dial sizes of 36mm

barometer sensor, thermometer, and the signature Multiband 6 Technology that promises greater

‘One Hand A Series’ sees a singular watch hand

and 40mm – in rose gold and silver – each piece

doing double duty as both hour and minute marker,

comes with interchangeable straps to suit every

accuracy in keeping time. The exterior is also

while the seconds get counted in the date window.

occasion. NATO straps will take you to brunch with

tested to be mud-, shock- and vibration-resistant,

On the other hand, the ‘Aluminium Series’ uses

a sense of everyday elegance, while the leather

and is water-resistant for up to 200m. Complete

aircraft-grade aluminium for the watch case,

strap will turn the watch into a timepiece to be

with the ability to accommodate 29 time zones and

featuring quality straps and smaller watch faces.

worn with your evening suit.

with solar power charging abilities, this is gonna be

$299 to $429, available at Anté,

$229, available at COCOMI, #01-K31 Vivocity.

Level 3 Takashimaya.

a tough one to crack.

US$850, available at maharishistore.com.

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As if we needed another reason to cop a pair of NMDs. Teaming up with legendary streetwear label, A Bathing Ape, adidas Originals is releasing the exclusive BAPE x adidas NMDs to much hype and fanfare. Putting its spin on the unmistakable silhouette, BAPE’s iconic ape camouflage print is featured on the upper vamp, while additional branding is also seen on the heel tab. The rest of the shoe retains the traits of the NMD, including the white BOOST midsole.

Probably the coolest collab in today’s streetwear scene, we bet the rush to get a pair would be greater than what the usual NMD draws in, so better get a move on to avoid disappointment.

US$150, available at abathingape.com.

THIS LITTLE (MISS) PIGGY Fashion’s infatuation with animated fashion icons continues with the launch of kate spade new york’s Disney Miss Piggy Collection. The capsule features an assortment of accessories, knitwear, leather goods, and bags, each designed to bring out the muppet’s sense of style and sass. Her signature shade of pink threads through the entire collection, while rose gold accents and glitter add sparkle to the dullest of outfits.

Notably, Miss Piggy’s classic catchphrase “Who, moi?” makes its appearance across several pieces, including a box clutch, a pair of earrings and on iPhone cases. $90 to $620, available at kate spade new york, #01-24 Raffles City Shopping Centre. fashion

The final month of the year often brings with it a joyful helping of good tidings. Bringing the merriment to your feet, Happy Socks is gifting us with a complimentary pair of socks with every four purchased.

Having brought peppy peds to countless fans around the world, the Swedish brand is best known for its lively prints, vivid colours and high-quality combed cotton knits that feels good, even on sensitive, hypoallergic skin.

Available in all major department stores and happysocksavenue.com until December 31.

Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

BAPE X ADIDAS

colour pop

Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources

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As you rally your squad for the yearly dance party ritual that is ZoukOut, make an entrance on the strip with high-octane pops of festival brights. Whether it’s a simple band on the crease or full-on colour around the peepers, the runways are ‘lit’ with vivid cyan and bold yellow, all set for a psychedelic season. Take things up a fun notch with exaggerated lashes a la Emporio Armani, and keep orange, fuchsia and red at the ready for a look-at-me pout that wows.

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the christmas case

M.A.C NUTCRACKER SWEET COOL EYE COMPACT Featuring a 3-D woven pattern on the outside, the palette is sure to please those who like their colours and cases girly. Inside, expect a handful of feminine, beige-pink shades that’ll add a touch of vibrance to the peepers, as well as darker tones like plum and gunmetal. $105, available at M.A.C Cosmetics.

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MURAKAMI FOR SHU UEMURA

URBAN DECAY FULL SPECTRUM

Adorned with Takashi Murakami’s famous ‘Flower’ motif, the Cosmikawaii palette combines easy-to-wear pinks with pastel blue and yellow for a sweet day look, as well as darker shades of purple to take you through after-hour parties. There’s also a warm coral blush to add a touch of shimmer on the cheeks. $98, available at Shu Uemura.

This is not for the faint-hearted. Twenty-one electric hues (including 18 new ones) housed in a sleek, cool compact that most festival kids will appreciate – us included.

Nothing of the mild, pastel-y sort here; expect bold brights that run the rainbow gamut in matte, metallic, shimmery and glittery textures. $88, available at Urban Decay.

YSL SPARKLE CLASH

SARAH MOON FOR NARS

Way too pretty to resist. A gleaming gold case – marked with the brand’s logo – opens up to four eyeshadows in plum, gold, bronze and rose; a gilded pinkish highlighter; a versatile nude lippie for day wear, as well as a stunning crimson to heat up the night come dusk. $129, available at YSL Beaute.

Every holiday, we look forward to copping one of these NARS gems, which houses some of the most flattering cheek shades. Covered by imagery by renowned photographer, Sarah Moon, the True Story Lip and Cheek Palette holds four blush powders from light to dark, as well as a Velvet Matte lip pencil in Mysterious Red. $90, available at NARS.

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BESIDES THE FEASTING AND PARTYING THAT GO ON DURING THE HOLIDAYS, WHAT WE LOVE MOST ABOUT THE SEASON ARE THE BEAUTY GIFTING OPTIONS THAT SATURATE EVERY STORE. DRESSED IN BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS AND LOADED WITH COLOUR OPTIONS THAT BEFIT THE FESTIVITIES, EYESHADOW PALETTES ARE NOT JUST ONE OF THE NICEST PRESENTS TO RECEIVE, BUT ALSO THE BEST TO GIVE.

MAKE UP FOR EVER ARTISTIC SHADOW There’s something so nostalgically charming about tin cases that we just can’t ignore this looker. Housing nine alluring shades that feature textures like satin, metallic and iridescent, the beautiful case comes with a step-bystep guide so you can play around with sensual, mysterious looks for that sexy night out with bae. $72, available at Sephora.

Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources

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PONY EFFECT CUSTOMISING LIP

TOO FACED THE CHOCOLATE SHOP

Whether you’re a fan of the wildly popular YouTube beauty guru, this is bound to impress. Resembling an artist’s palette (there’s even a thumb insert) with five reds and four blending hues, the palette allows you to mix and match from the options to create your very own shades in the mixing area. $51, available at memebox.com.

We love it when our makeup smells like our favourite snack – chocolate. And in this box, you’ll get 21 eye colours infused with antioxidant-rich cocoa powder, as well as a gourmand chocolate scent. Also included are a bronzer, blush, highlighter, and deluxe sizes of some of the brand’s bestsellers. $89, available at Sephora.

STILA STAR LIGHT STAR BRIGHT

SEPHORA GEOMETRICOLOR

When it comes to bright lights and shiny nights on the dance floor, having radiant, glowy skin is a must. This trio contains shades of opal-pink, nude-pink and gold, so you can look ethereal, radiant, and sun-kissed respectively. Its hardy compact also ensures it’ll take you through holiday trips and outings to the beach. $60, available at Sephora.

This is it people – go big or go home. With 80 eye colours, 32 lip glosses, four blushes, face and eye powders, as well as six cream eyeliners, this is the massive colour collection every beauty geek needs. But as colossal as it is, the well-designed set can be just as easily tucked away into a handsome hexagon. $69, available at Sephora.

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GAME FA C E ON

IT’S THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR – ZOUKOUT AND A WHOLE SLEW OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES WILL HAVE US PLAYING WITH FUN HUES AND STYLES TO TURN HEADS AT EVERY SHINDIG. HERE, 10 COLOUR ESSENTIALS THAT WILL SURVIVE THE HEAT, EXTENDED HOURS AND SPLASHES IN THE POOL.

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liptensity lipstick in gumball, $39, m.a.c cosmetics

metallic velvetines in zenon, us$20, lime crime at limecrime.com

pressed eyeshadow in kim chi, us$13, sugarpill at sugarpill.com liquid moondust eyeshadow in vega, $38, urban decay

everlasting liquid lipstick in l.u.v., $31, kat von d beauty at sephora

intense gel pencil in 05 deep green, $17, sephora

lip pigment in mink beige, $19, 3ce at sephora

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artistic lip ink, $71, make up for ever

sketch stick in trip, $28, illamasqua at illamasqua.com

Text & Coordination Jazmin Kelly Six Images Marques Almeida FW16 and Various Sources

sarah moon for nars blush in impudique, $50, nars

trend

vanish seamless finish foundation stick in golden, $72, hourglass at sephora

air blush soft glow duo in 506 flesh & fantasy, $68, marc jacobs beauty at sephora

murakami for shu drawing pencil in me navy 61, $33, shu uemura

mascara, $37, nudestix at sephora

universal brow pencil, poa, billion dollar brows at sephora

079 facial radiance illuminating moisturiser, $58, first aid beauty at sephora

Text & Coordination Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources

sarah moon for nars matte lipstick in rouge improbable moon, $40, nars

OOH LA LA LA

paint can spray can nail polish, poa, nails inc at sephora

THIS AIN’T NO MISEDUCATION – PARTY SEASON CALLS FOR STRONG HUES AND WE’RE LOOKING TO LAURYN HILL FOR A LESSON IN COLOUR PLAY. BRIGHT, LOUD AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY CHIC – JUST THE WAY WE LIKE IT.

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powder eyeshadow in can can, $30, illamasqua at illamasqua.com

anti-age smoothing eye primer, $54, cover fx at sephora

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CHILL OUT

RED ALERT

The bath ritual has always been an uplifting routine for dreary souls to feel better, physically and emotionally. As an expert in this department, you can trust The Body Shop to deliver all the necessary to alleviate the effects of daily stress. Start with the Brazilian Cupuacu Scrub-In-Oil. Rich in fatty acids and polyphenols, it buffs away grime for smoother skin and veils it in a delightful, nutty scent. Then, try the Atlantic Seaweed Cream for a dose of comforting goodness. It is refreshing, lightweight, and infused with menthol to refresh and cool. $55.90 and $59.90 (350g) respectively, available at The Body Shop.

Is it a wonder? Red lipstick always steals the limelight.

With an ability to boost confidence and elevate the senses, you can count on the perfect red lip to pull your entire look together effortlessly. That’s why we are gravitating towards these new babies from Make Up For Ever. The lightweight Artist Lip Balm gives the pout a radiant, glossy finish, while the Artist Lip Blush glides on the lips to leave a velvet, matte finish. To really make an entrance, trust the intensity of Artist Acrylip to have your back. Sure to turn heads and charm, these fiery shades are just what you need to get in the festive mood. $42 each, available at Sephora.

PRECIOUS DROPS

BENEFIT ROLLER LASH BROWN 080

When Benefit first launched its Roller Lash Black, we couldn’t keep our hands off it. And boy are we mighty glad we now have Brown to opt for on light-makeup days. Richly pigmented yet naturallooking, it comes with an innovative brush with tiny hooks that work to volumise, thicken and lengthen every single lash. Adding much needed lift and curl to oft-straight and droopy Asian lashes, this formula does not clump or smudge, but offers a dramatic effect that’s so convincing, you can lay off the falsies for a long time.

We’ll call it: Photoshop-ing every selfie before it hits social media is hard labour in itself. But getting a good eight hours of sleep every night is a constant challenge for us urban party people. To mimic the benefits of adequate rest, try the Fresh Crème Ancienne Supreme Face Serum. Infused with nine precious root and botanical extracts – including several types of ginseng, ginger and echinacea – revered for their skin perfecting powers, this skin-booster helps improve luminosity, hydrate, and guard against ageing signs for a bright, youthful mien. $370 (30ml), available at Fresh.

$42, available at Sephora.

VICE GIRLS FINISH FIRST As if rolling out a massive 100-colour inventory wasn’t enough, Urban Decay is back to tempt our hearts with a special holiday drop – the Vice Lipstick Palette, in two colour combos. With each set boasting a dozen shades each, you’ll always be able to wear your heart on your lips, no matter where you are and what time it is. For wearable tones that are school- and office-friendly, the Blackmail will deliver with easy-wearing shades of crimson, nude and plum. But if you like to walk on the wild side – as we do – go for Junkie, which includes out-there options like deep purple and metallic green. $68 each, available exclusively at Urban Decay (Blackmail) and Sephora (Junkie).

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JOLLY GOOD TIMES ’Tis the season to be jolly, and there’s nothing jollier than soaking in a tub full of heavenly scented goodness, brought to you by LUSH. Just in time for the holidays, our favourite bath buddy is rolling out a wide array of gifts and treats to pamper you and your loved ones. Top picks include Mistletoe, a purple, jasminescented bath bomb that fizzles into a pretty, floral delight; Ruby Red Slippers, which smells of sweet carnations and warm, spicy clove oil; and Papa Noel, a citrusy, vegan facial jelly that rejuvenates, cleanses and exfoliates the skin.

Good times ahead!

From $10 to $29, available at LUSH.

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SMOOTH SOLUTION

OH YEH!

Ever the expert in hydration and anti-ageing, The Face Shop revitalises its Yehwadam series for updated formulas to keep skin happy. Made with traditional Korean herbs and flowers, the line combats the effects of cold weather – like taut, parched skin and fine lines – to bring about hydrated, plump skin that looks youthful and refreshed. The Revitalising Serum, in particular, uses lotus flower and honeysuckle extracts to ensure a fuller, wrinkle-free mien so you’ll always have your best face forward. $77 (45ml), available at The Face Shop.

Some get it good when it comes to the mane – locks are smooth, straight and soft. For those who drew the shorter straw and are battling rough, frizzy strands all the time, this latest drop from L’Oreal Paris could be the solution you seek. Meet the Extraordinary Oil Merveille de Paris. Housed in an opulent black and gold bottle with a monogram of the Eiffel Tower, this strand-saving elixir combines floral notes with nourishing ingredients to strengthen, protect and soften. It is also oil-free and lightweight so limp, clumpy hair will become a thing of the past. $27.90 (100ml), available at leading personal care stores.

BOING, BOING!

TAKE COVER We remember the craze behind its bio-cellulose masks when it first launched. Made from a gelatinous material that feels like second skin, For Beloved One’s famous skin comforter is an indulgent treat for whenever our skin is in need of TLC. This season, it’s rolling out the Advanced Anti-Ageing Ceramide Squalane Series, which helps to repair and enhance skin’s appearance. Rapidly improving the look of a dull, crepey visage, its fine fibres are infused with skin-firming ceramide and intense hydrators to restore youthfulness and bring about a healthy, rosy glow. $63 (box of three), available at Sephora.

Text Izza Sofia & Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources

We’ve had our fair share of experimenting with cushion compacts from the K-beauty world and all around. This month, we are turning our sights to this pretty number from ZA. Housed in a clean white compact with its logo in striking bold pink, the True White Cushion Compact is enriched with vitamins C and E to ensure that skin is nourished and hydrated for up to eight hours. It also has SPF 30 properties to protect your mien from harmful sun rays, and comes in three shades for a fresh and flawless finish. $28.50 (primary pack), $20 (refill), available at Watsons.

TALON TIME Prepping your hair and mien is key to making a grand entrance at all the year-end parties you’ll be gracing, but don’t forget to dress up those nails too. Sally Hansen steps in with the introduction of three duo packs for the holidays, each with one Miracle Gel shade and a 2X Volume Miracle Gel Top Coat. Choose from three shades, including 511 Plush Blush – a shimmery, semi-sheer pink; 611 Dig Fig – a warm and rich wine; and 711 Wine Stock – a slightly sheer dark red. Then, finish with the top coat, which helps to create fuller, more dramatic nails with a high-gloss, mirror shine finish. $16.90 each, available at leading personal care stores.

MASKED HEROES For as long as #multimasking has been trending, we’ve been trying to find the perfect combo that addresses all our skin woes at once. And thanks to Vichy, our search is over. Rolling out the Purete Thermal Volcanic Masks Collection of three solutions, the formulas work in tandem to unveil softer, smoother skin that’s luminous and refreshed. The Pore Purifying Clay Mask eliminates excess sebum and impurities, while the Thermal Quenching Mineral Mask replenishes moisture for supple skin. Lastly, the Double Glow Peel Mask revives weary skin for an overall brighter appearance. $39 (75ml) each, available at leading personal care stores. made up

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DEFY GRAVITY

SMOOTH THINGS OVER

It’s common knowledge that humidity is a very real problem here on our side of the globe – styled locks get limp and lose volume in a matter of minutes.

That’s where the new Hanz De Fuko Gravity Paste steps in. A cross between a pomade and a wax, the formula is made with certified organic and 100 per cent plant-based ingredients. Imparting a natural, medium shine, it delivers a strong hold on dry hair so your style and swagger last all day. $30 (56g), available at select retailers including Jermyn Street, 108 Amoy Street; and The Panic Room, 311A Geylang Road.

In humid surroundings, like ours, where hair goes out of place and takes on a life of its own, it’s imperative we have a handy helper to help keep things tame.

Enter the Living Proof Frizz Nourishing Oil. Packed with natural oils that mimic hair’s composition, it coats each strand to shield your mop from the gnarly effects of humidity and friction. Besides boasting fast absorption and a residue-free formula, it also ensures your mane is well-moisturised. $56 (100ml), available at Sephora.

CLEAN, FOR REAL Whether it’s on gym days or after long hours outdoors, getting a good wash at the end of the day is relaxing. Yet, sometimes our cleansers just don’t cut it. To help you get to the bottom of things, give the Foreo LUNA Play a go.

Available in sprightly hues to brighten up your daily routine, it uses sonic technology for serious deep cleaning at hard-to-reach areas, thanks to a nifty, smaller body. Offering up to 100 uses per charge, it is the perfect travel companion that’ll ensure you always look and feel fresh on the go. $69, available at Sephora stores.

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UNCOMMON GOODS For as long as it’s been a highly-coveted cult name, we’ve been praying for New York-based fragrance brand, Commodity Goods, to reach our shores. Finally, our wish is granted. Bringing with it 10 scents in two collections, ‘White’ offers notes that are bright and airy, while ‘Black’ takes a moody and intense turn. Our top pick? Tea and Moss respectively. The former has a cheery citrus base with hints of sandalwood, while the latter charms with a crisp, cool edge – like strolling through a thick, damp forest filled with intertwining vines, ferns and trees. $146 (100ml), available at Sephora.

We first fell in love with Ashley & Co for its stable of unique scents, available across everyday products like hand creams, candles and reed diffusers. This month, it rolls out yet another charmer that takes care of our mane. Meet Wash Locks and Soft Locks. The former combines vitamin B5, essential oils and an elegant infusion of mint, lemongrass and blackcurrant extracts to subtly perfume the hair, while removing dirt and grime at the same time. Completing the routine is the latter, packed with essential oils and vitamins to hydrate, soften and nourish every strand. $55 each (500ml), available at ashleyandco.com.sg. made up

MUD POOL Mud may be unwelcomed mostly, but when it comes to taking care of dirty, grimey skin, it may very well be our best friend. This is where the Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Cleansing Gel fits in.

Combined with volcanic ash, charcoal and hijiki seaweed, the acid- and tea tree oil-infused formula pulls out pore-clogging debris to unveil a face that’s mattified, clear and smooth.

In addition, willow bark extract also helps naturally exfoliate skin, while keeping blemishes at bay. $75 (250ml), available at Sephora.

Text Izza Sofia & Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources

WASH AND WEAR

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Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

Nothing conveys posh quite like having a Bang & Olufsen speaker sitting in the middle of a room. The Danish brand is known for making some of the most technologically advanced and beautifully designed speakers in the market. Commemorating the brand’s 91st anniversary, the Cool Modern collection comprises a variety of home electronics, including a television, Bluetooth speakers and sound systems, in sleek new shapes and gilded gold surfaces. Drawing inspiration from the Art Deco period and given the B&O touch of modernity, each piece is poised to become a conversation-starter at your holiday parties.

POA, available at Bang & Olufsen. bang-olufsen.com

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lit for a living ANDY WARHOL

Even today, people still quibble about the extent to which Andy Warhol is an ‘artist’. But one thing about which there’s no doubt is that he loved to party. After all, being a social butterfly, which is just a more polite version of the ‘fame whore’ charge, was part of his ‘artistic’ schtick. That he once famously remarked, “I have social disease. I have to go out every night. If I stay home one night I start spreading rumours to my dogs”, is indicative that his need to get lit was borderline pathological. Still, his parties at Studio 54 were said to be epic.

DAN BILZERIAN

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He’s been variously tagged as “scum of the earth” and #lifegoals, so at the very least, it’s safe to say that Dan Bilzerian is polarising. Unlike most of the dawn-todawn-and-back-again party people, Bilzerian is notable for having no discernible skill set besides partying.

Coupled with the fact that that’s all he seems to do, his commitment to the cause is a thing to be admired. As a trust fund beneficiary, he’s come into the kind of cash that allows him to drape his life with bikini-clad goddesses and routinely hurl them from the second deck of his yacht into the pool on the first level. And Instagram loves that.

CHARLIE SHEEN

One of the reasons why it’s hard to out-bada** Charlie Sheen is that he’ll always have the last laugh. Even though television critics panned Two And A Half Men, he was, at one point, paid US$1.8 million per episode, making him the highest paid actor on TV. And if you’re a volatile personality, that kind of bank can only make your other problems, like alcohol and drug abuse and domestic violence, worse. His love for cocaine and prostitutes is public knowledge, by now. And it’s telling that he’s the only Hollywood personality who seems to exclusively favour porn starlets for girlfriends.

F. S C O T T F I T Z G E R A L D

The staggering work of genius that is The Great Gatsby was set in an era known as the Jazz Age. It was a creative, freewheeling time where American society as a whole loosened up and embraced the freeform beauty and liberation that jazz afforded.

So, it seems sort of natural to expect the definitive scribe of the age to be a raging alcoholic and good time-seeker. Drinking heavily to begin with, during his undergraduate years in Princeton, Fitzgerald would come to drink close to half his weight in alcohol every evening once he became a household name. Sadly, he lost his life to the bottle at age 44.

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SOME THINK THEY’RE SO COOL BALLIN’ OUT AND FLEXING AT THE CLUB – BUT IT TAKES WAY MORE TO BE AN ACTUAL QUESTIONABLE-DECISIONS-MAKING PARTY ANIMAL. HERE ARE EIGHT FOR WHOM GOING HARD IS HOME.

KEITH RICHARDS

This photo pretty much sums up what a dashing rake that The Rolling Stones guitarist was. Swigging Jack Daniels straight from the bottle was just the kind of thing he’d do – a lot. But there’s more. When the police raided a party at his country estate in 1967, he was tripping so hard on LSD that he mistook them for uniformed dwarfs and welcomed them with hugs for all. Once upon a time, he almost burnt the Playboy Mansion to the ground after starting a fire while under the influence of a cocktail of substances. In this light, the rumour that the only reason he’s alive is that he had his blood entirely replaced at a Swiss clinic, is not entirely unfounded.

L I N D S AY LO H A N

It’s with an actual heavy heart that we say that Lindsay Lohan’s devolution from star of feel-good movies such as The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday and Mean Girls to human meme has been swift and stunning in all its train-wrecked glory. The chief ingredients of her very public downfall are easy to pick out: cocaine and alcohol, both of which she imbibes heavily when she’s out and about. Even before she started hanging out with undesirable characters like Courtney Love, she was already a liability to herself – getting convicted for drunk driving and drug use as early as 2007. To this date and numerous parties later, she’s spent more than 250 days in rehab.

LEONARDO DICAPRIO

The funny thing about Leo is that when it comes to tearing up the town conspicuously, he’s a late-bloomer. When he broke into the capital-M mainstream with his heart-melting portrayal of Jack Dawson in James Cameron’s Titanic, he was a blue-eyed 23-year-old whom girls the world over wished guys could be. But in real life as in the big screen, Leo’s taken great pains to distance himself from his days as a dreamboat. And, in real life, he’s a veritable beast. For instance, in 2012, he treated Jonah Hill to a yacht party full of topless women – and the resulting paparazzi shots showed Hill blushing throughout.

Text Indran P Images Various Sources

PA R I S H I LT O N

The heiress of the Hilton Hotels hospitality empire has long been held up as a signifier for the decaying moral standards of our times. The prudes that have aimed their pitchforks at her base their indignation on her wild all-night ways – which, if you ask us, are pretty damn revealing, in all senses of the term.

Pre-social media, she made headlines for attending parties in the U.S. with her revolving door of BFFs that included Britney Spears and Nicole Ritchie.

Then, she became a ‘DJ’ and expanded her blast radius to Europe. One notable escapade was when she ‘unintentionally’ treated punters at London’s BonBonniere Club to a view of her undies.

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TA K E ACTION NIKON KEYMISSION 360

The first wave of 360-degree cameras lacked the mettle to make allround angles anything more than a novelty, but Nikon is on a mission to change that with its latest action cam offering. The miniature camera still affords users the ability to shoot regular videos and photos with the benefit of a compact, adventure-proof build, but it also sports dual ultrawide angle lenses to capture perspectives that escape you in stunning 4K UHD. Seamlessly stitching images from both lenses in-camera to save you the hassle of editing later, the petite companion also grants the power to shoot videos in the speed-customised ‘Superlapse’, time lapse and looping video modes so you can relive your outings and ecstatic crowd moments from a number of creative viewpoints. $739, available at authorised retailers.

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3 6 0 F LY 4 K

With VR at the forefront of the tech world and becoming increasingly common on our everyday devices, it only makes sense to have a VRfriendly camera handy for when it becomes the norm. The 360fly 4K is just the kind of action cam that’s getting ready for this very near future, offering 360-degree video with the clarity of 4K, all with a single lens.

Equipped with a 16MP image sensor and six million pixels for sharp, vibrant images, switching between standard ‘first-person’ shooting and 360-degree is seamless, while dual omnidirectional microphones capture your moments in stereo audio so that they sound as good as they look.

And, thanks to its sturdy, spherical form, you can even play a game of catch on the beach and capture the entire exchange. A camera built for fun should capture moments that are exactly that.

US$399, available at 360fly.com.

YI 4K ACTION CAMERA

“The best action camera ever. Period”. YI isn’t beating around the bush with its 4K action cam, having daringly posted spec comparisons to GoPro’s HERO4 Black on its website. While the housing appears less rugged than its competitor’s and its protruding lens suggests a structural vulnerability, the compact action cam speaks to less of a daredevil audience, and more of a fashion-minded one. It’s certainly prettier than most, making for a stylish tech accessory that won’t look out of place with your festival get-up, while its 4K videos and 12MP stills are enhanced by lens distortion correction and image stabilisation features. Though we’re not sure if it’d survive wet water rafting, its vibrant retina touch-screen allows you to look over footage with clarity as you aim to get the perfect concert or festival shot. $359, available at yitechnology.com.sg

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WHILE SMARTPHONES HAVE MADE SHOOTING FESTIVAL FOOTAGE A PIECE OF CAKE, THE VIDEOS THEMSELVES LEAVE MUCH TO BE DESIRED. THANKFULLY, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ACTION CAMS THAT ARE BUILT TO LAST AND OFFER NEW PERSPECTIVES ON YOUR OUTDOOR ESCAPADES. PLUS, THEY’RE NOW SMALLER THAN EVER.

LG A C T I O N C A M LT E

These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find a digital camera on the market that hasn’t integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, but LG is looking ahead and taking camera connectivity one step further with the Action Cam LTE. As part of its ‘Friends’ series of smartphone companions, this friend is slightly better than others for its ability to showcase your antics as you are in the moment, and not a minute later. The Snapdragon-powered camera is fitted with LTE connectivity that allows you to stream live directly to social media sites like YouTube over 3G/4G networks at resolutions of up to 720p.

Housed in a durable, IP67-certified housing, the 4K-capable barrel is also equipped to shoot in full HD at a higher frame rate of 60fps, documenting the action with smoother, more lifelike visuals.

Price TBA, visit lg.com for updates.

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R I C O H T H E TA S C

From its sleek build to eye-catching range of colours, the Ricoh Theta SC is a chic alternative to the rugged form factor of many action cams, while still delivering a number of promising features. Built for the city slicker over the outdoor thrill-seeker, the SC isn’t the kind of device you’ll have mounted at all times to capture every waking second – rather, a device to whip out at moments that actually call for a photo op. Capable of capturing 360-degree stills and videos with its 12MP sensor, the camera’s intuitive buttons can be used to shoot blindly for those who prefer to live in the moment and risk a few misplaced images later, or paired with a smartphone to get picture-perfect snaps and clips. The SC also integrates with Google Maps and Street View to fill your followers in on all your bar-hopping, globetrotting adventures.

US$299.95, available at theta360.com.

Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

GOPRO HERO5 SESSION

GoPro has become somewhat of a gold standard for action cams the world over, and with each device it releases, it brings something new to the table. The HERO5 Session maintains the flagship’s stellar standing by introducing a number of key features not found in its predecessors – starting with its lightweight, cubic form that’s the smallest so far. Still just as rugged and waterproof as before, it can be handheld or mounted to shoot 4K video and 10MP stills, with a fool-proof, single-button operation.

Featuring enhanced video stabilisation for smoother clips that won’t give your viewers motion sickness, and sexy features like hands-free voice control and a time-lapse option that can condense any multi-day festival into a bite-sized movie, an optional GoPro Plus subscription allows you to upload your shots instantly to the cloud and onto the ’gram. $450, available at shop.gopro.com.

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CÉ LA VI

Not only is CÉ LA VI a DJ Mag-certified Top 100 club in the world, it also offers an extensive menu with offerings that keep coming late into the night. Tapping into the culinary traditions of specific Asian countries, its kitchen announced 80 new treats now available for order. As newly minted appetisers, the Marinated Angel Hair and Garlic Prawns ($48 as part of a four-course meal or $68 as part of the Chef’s tasting menu) are absolute delights. The former is served al dente and tossed with flying fish roe, boasting a pleasantly chewy texture, while the latter comes peeled, marinated with paprika and strips of chorizo, and sauteed to a lovely golden-brown crisp. This interplay between Asian and Western flavours also shines through in the big plates, like the Grilled Lamb Ribs ($68 as part of the Chef’s tasting menu). Braised and marinated in hoisin sauce, this Western classic has received a tantalising reinterpretation.

Open till 11.30pm, at 1 Bayfront Avenue Singapore, tel: 6508-2188.

Joining the growing list of ultra-hip eateries on Amoy Street is Le Binchotan, which serves casual-chic French-Japanese tapas. Done cold-dish style, the Madai ($25) puts smoked sea bream at the forefront, complete with eggplant, radish and sherry vinegrette that highlights the sweetness of the fish. The Wagyu Striploin ($15) is also a standout, thanks to succulent chunks of marbled beef skewered over white charcoal and infused with port wine and ume red plum liquer for an umami kick. Hungry diners should try the Iberico Pork Jowl ($35), where a tender chunk of pork is cooked sousvide for hours in a katsu curry broth, before being popped onto the grill. Served with charred pumpkin bits, the pork is juicy, perfectly flavoured and complemented by the acidic dollops of green apple sauce. Round off the meal with Coconut ($15), which puts together coconut cremeux, matcha powder and bits of raspberry for a light but sweet ending.

Open till 12am, at 115 Amoy Street #01-04, tel: 6221-6065.

AFTER HOURS

SINGAPORE IS A LITERAL FOOD PARADISE – GOOD, PALATE-GRATIFYING NOSH IS ALL AROUND YOU. BUT WHAT IF YOU’RE A NOCTURNAL ANIMAL WITH A TASTE FOR SOMETHING THAT ISN’T OF THE FAST FOOD OR PRATA KIND? WHERE DO YOU GO FOR YOUR LATE-NIGHT FIX? READ ON AND MAKE PLANS.

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PHAT CAT LAUNDRY

Taking over The Fullerton Pavilion that overlooks Marina Bay is newcomer Monti, where diners can expect sumptuous Italian food and a quiet respite from the bustling CBD. The menu – created by Luigi Calcagno who co-owns the buzzy Zibiru in Bali – employs the best ingredients used in Italian cuisine with a sense of elegant honesty. Start with La Grande Selezione ($90), with its impressive selection of cheeses like truffle pecorino and fresh burrata, as well as meats and accompaniments like prosciutto, fresh figs and carrot jam. Next, dig into the Invertiti ($34), which is deceptively light in texture without compromising on flavour. Freshly rolled ravioli pasta is stuffed with juicy braised veal osso bucco, with a creamy sauce of bone marrow and lemon zest gremolata. Lastly, chocolate lovers will appreciate Ho Dimenticato Il Sigaro ($16) – made with a lapsang souchong tea-infused chocolate ‘cigar’ and olive oil ash, which cuts the richness of the chocolate for a balanced finish to your meal.

Open till 1am, at 82 Collyer Quay, tel: 6535-0724.

Jiak Chuan Road is proving to be fertile ground for bold and left-field dining ventures. New addition Phat Cat Laundry is Singapore’s first laundromatthemed bar and restaurant, which puts a modern spin on Asian fusion cuisine.

By our standards, it ably succeeds. The strength of its menu syncs well with its trendy interior, which furnishes a casual-yet-intimate ambience. Most notable of its offerings are its Teahouse Cocktails, an infusion of gourmet selection teas to tested base spirits, mixed with hand-squeezed juices and homemade modifiers. Utterly refreshing yet punchy is the Black Tea + Bergamot ($22), a concoction of Earl Grey creme gin, rich syrup and citrus, topped with egg foam. Premains, tuck into the bestselling Truffled Prawn Egg Rolls ($14), a deep-fried coalescence of chunky prawns, black truffle paste, lemongrass aioli and fish roe. And for big eating, the Brontosaurus Char Siu Beef Rib’s ($25) char siew-glazed, slow-cooked, sweet-and-savoury, melt-in-mouth beef chunks are the main prize.

Open till 12am, at 4 Jiak Chuan Road, tel: 6221-8262

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Text Aaron Kok & Indran P Images Various Sources

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LE BINCHOTAN

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EATS AT UBER SPEED THANKS TO THE EASE AND CONVENIENCE OF UBEREATS, YOU’LL GET TO ENJOY PIPING HOT FOOD DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR, NO MATTER THE WEATHER OR WORKLOAD. FROM TAB TO TABLE, UBEREATS MAKES GETTING GREAT FOOD FROM HUNDREDS OF RESTAURANTS AS EASY AS REQUESTING A RIDE. WE’RE ALREADY WORKING UP AN APPETITE WITH THESE FOUR.

ALT. PIZZA We know what to expect with standard-fare delivery pizza, but trust us when we say that this is not some tired slab of dough with sparse, limp toppings. From the Truffle Shuffle ($18) – a white sauce pizza with parmesan, mozzarella, white truffle oil, roasted mushrooms, onions, and fennel sausage – to the signature Alpha Lima Tango ($18) – made with hickory smoked BBQ sauce, mozzarella, smoked cheddar, Wagyu short rib meatballs, and roasted onions – Alt. Pizza uses only the freshest ingredients to create explosive new pizza flavours. If that’s not good enough, you can also create your own flavour combos with the DIY pizza option ($8 onwards) to cater to your tastes.

BURNT ENDS The legendary Australian barbeque restaurant is known for serving up seriously succulent meats, so it’s understandable that getting a table at Burnt Ends might prove to be a challenge at times. With the help of UberEATS, you’ll save yourself that tummy-rumbling wait by having its juicy roasts delivered to your doorstep. The Sanger ($20) is a seriously addictive burger made from pulled pork shoulder that’s cooked for 10 hours, a generous amount of chipotle aioli sauce, and two fluffy brioche buns. Round off your meal with a serving of the tangy berry tart ($12), where fresh blueberries and red berries sit atop a buttery crust.

MEATSMITH Foodies looking to satisfy their carnivorous cravings will dig the proteinheavy offerings at Meatsmith. With a more-than-ample menu on the app to satisfy meat-lovers, you’re pretty much spoilt for choice with the juiciest, most flavour-packed meats around. The Beef Brisket ($17/100g) – made from 365-day grain-fed angus beef – tantalises with its savoury, smoky flavour. For extra-special occasions where you have more mouths to feed, go for the Premium BBQ Platter ($330). Together with the Mishima Reserve Wagyu Rib Eye, the platter also packs in fall-off-the-bone beef ribs, generous servings of smoked chicken, pork ribs, bone marrow, and three side dishes of your choice.

Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

VATOS

Famously hailed as Seoul’s “hottest new restaurant” by CNN, Vatos Urban Tacos is filling a niche in the local gastronomy scene with its KoreanMexican-style grub. The next time you’re too lazy to get off your couch for a food run, try Vatos’ Ko-Mex menu. The Kimchi Carnitas Fries ($16) is a crowd pleaser with its generous serving of seasoned fries topped with melted cheese, kimchi, tender pork chunks, sour cream, and hot sauce.

Another must-eat is the Galbi Taco ($17 for three), where crispy taco shells are stuffed with marinated short rib, spicy ssamjang aioli, Asian slaw, chopped onions, and sesame seeds – perfectly balancing hearty flavours with enough kick to make you want seconds.

Download the UberEATS app on iTunes and Google Play stores now. Available in select areas only. ubereats.com navigate

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CATCH OF THE SEASON FESTIVE BUNDLE FOR TWO, $57.95 A seafood lover’s dream come true, it features a Butternut Cream Broth-Pot that consists of white fish, prawns, blue mussels, and scallops, all fresh from the sea. Baked in a butternut cream sauce, this medley of seafood favourites promises an interplay of sweet and savoury flavours with each bite. With each type of meat cooked to a different texture – from moist to crispy – you’ll be spoilt for choice as to which you’d want to sink into first. Likewise, the accompanying side of paella rice offers a delectable slice of Mediterranean goodness, with its topping of sweet raisins complementing the moreish taste of the rice.

CORIANDER CATCH, $18.95 Fish & Co. also has all bases covered if you want to take things up a notch. After spending two years in hiding, the Coriander Catch ($18.95) is back again with an allnew recipe. Coriander is a herb with a distinctly strong taste and in this dish, it is coated generously over a cut of grilled fish. This is perfect for lovers of bolder, more robust flavours, and will surely impress your palates.

TRUFFLE CHIPS, $6.95 Everyone loves fries and the good people of Fish & Co. have your back when it comes to your craving for the good stuff. Part of the Festive Bundle’s treats includes a side of the signature Fish & Co. chips topped with premium truffles. Adding to the taste and crunch of this mouth-watering snack will be tangy spices and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This elevated treatment of a time-honoured comfort food works on multiple levels; an indulgence your taste buds will thank you for. The Truffle Chips can also be purchased a la carte, so if you’re hankering for some deep-fried potato goodness, you know what to do.

YUMMY CAKES, $6.95 No meal is complete without dessert and, this month, Fish & Co. will launch a whole new selection of cakes. The lineup includes the luscious Little Miss Red Velvet; Goldie’s Caramlised Locks, a salted caramel vanilla cake; and Toffee Milk Monster, a truffle cream-topped chocolate cake. Each is a rich, sweetly decadent prize.

To locate a Fish & Co. outlet near you and for more information, visit fish-co.com.

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Text Indran P Images Fish & Co.

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CHRISTMAS IS A TIME WHEN LOVED ONES GET TOGETHER TO MAKE MERRY AND REMIND EACH OTHER OF WHY THEIR SHARED BOND IS SPECIAL, AND FISH & CO. IS PUTTING A DELICIOUS SPIN ON THE PROCEEDINGS WITH ITS FESTIVE MENU. THIS HOLIDAY, THE HUGELY POPULAR CASUAL-DINING SEAFOOD CHAIN IS PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS SO THAT FRIENDS AND FAMILIES CAN USHER IN THIS MAGICAL TIME WITH THE FRESHEST CATCH OF THE SEA, ALONG WITH OTHER SCRUMPTIOUS GOODIES. WE’RE DIGGING IN WITH THESE MUST-EATS.

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MICHAEL MACNAB

Order Up My coffee order is usually an almond milk flat white. I’m really into almond milk now, which means there’s no need for sugar. Sarnies’ coffee has made me appreciate this a lot more as well, which is why we’ve struck a partnership with them to run our coffee programme.

Dear Santa For Christmas, I’d like to see Donald Trump impeached. That dude is crazy…in a bad way.

IF THERE’S ANYONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO THROW A GOOD PARTY, IT’S MICHAEL MACNAB (PICTURED CENTRE). TOGETHER WITH HIS PARTNERS AT THE DANDY PARTNERSHIP – THE RESTO GROUP BEHIND NEON PIGEON, FAT PRINCE AND THE NEWLY OPENED OTTOMAN ROOM – MACNAB BRINGS WIDE INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCES TO THE LOCAL DINING SCENE, CREATING EXCITING DIVERSITY AND NEW GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCES. THIS MONTH, HE LETS US IN ON A FEW OF HIS FAVOURITE THINGS. fatprince.sg

Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

Weird Tunes “When I Come Around”

by Green Day, from their Dookie album. When it comes on, I hold my nose and try to sing like my man, Billy Joe Armstrong.

Feels Like Home An amazing crab cake always reminds me of home. I spent my university years on the coast of Canada and it’s known for amazing seafood.

Our chef at Neon Pigeon, Justin, and his team make an amazing crab cake that I go to whenever I’m homesick.

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Chef’s Table I’m super impressed with Momofuku founder, David Chang. The guy went for something simple that he knew people would love, and he refused to compromise. He also elevates Asian food while still being authentic to his urban culture.

One For The Team I used to play rugby for the past five years, until I sustained an injury, so I’ve replaced it with rock climbing. I love team sports, so even though I can’t play rugby anymore, I plan to coach.

Dopest DJ Steve Aoki. In 2014, I saw him at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix. In Las Vegas, he also threw cake into the crowd. That dude is crazy!

Best Getaway Krabi is the best place I’ve travelled to. I love the simplicity and connection to the natural surroundings, and I loved taking the boats to the smaller islands to climb the jutting cliffs.

Essential Reading Bret Easton Ellis’ Less Than Zero is an amazing commentary on American life.

Snack Time My go-to snack food is roti prata, because it’s prata. navigate

arty

'TIS THE SEASON

COME DECEMBER, MALLS ACROSS THE WORLD WILL REACH OUT TO A SELECT GROUP OF MEN TO DON DUSTY RED COSTUMES AND POSE FOR PHOTOS IN THE ANNUAL TRADITION OF BRINGING BACK SANTA CLAUS FOR CHRISTMAS. WHILE THEY ARE WELL-DOCUMENTED DURING THE HOLIDAYS, AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHER MARY BETH KOETH CAPTURES ’EM ON LULL MONTHS AS PART OF HER ONGOING ‘OFF-SEASON SANTAS’ SERIES. HERE’S WHAT SHE HAS TO SAY ABOUT HER WORK.

What was the inspiration behind ‘Off-Season Santas’?

When I hit my early 30s, my Facebook feed naturally transitioned from smiling friends to screaming babies.

I was scrolling through photo after photo of little ones sitting on Santa’s lap one Christmas break, and I couldn’t help but wonder who these men are and what they do outside of the month of December. Being a total Santa skeptic in my younger years, I wanted to capture the real stories of the men behind the fuzzy white beards and sleek velvety duds.

How did you find the subjects for your series? Is it difficult to get them on board?

A good friend of mine was a member of Mensa – the largest and oldest high IQ society – and Santa John was president of the South Florida chapter. He was the first Santa that I photographed. There is an organisation called The International Brotherhood Of Real Bearded Santas, and I reached out to a few of the men after finding them on that website. I never got rejected. I think when you’re honest with what you’re looking to do and why, people want to share in your vision. It’s a beautiful thing.

In your portraits, we get a sense of honesty and candour. Is that intentional?

America, like all other countries, has wonderful and challenging people. While it’s disappointing that so much of what the world sees is media-driven, it’s inspiring to know that there are plenty of people here who are

confident and independent, and are positive influences on our lives. The Santas really represent individuality and honesty. It’s not about another side of America; it’s about another side of an iconic character.

There seems to be a backstory to every Santa you shoot. What’s a story that stuck with you?

Santa Gregg telling me he used to be a stripper with the stage name “Grizzly Gregg”, and then performing his opening dance to Blondie’s “Call Me” for me was memorable.

MARY BETH KOETH

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on a portrait series of ‘Porn Mums’. It’s about these women who thrill countless fans across the globe, but when the camera stops, they step out of that tantalising spotlight and into a world populated by friends and loved ones. Changing diapers, cleaning the house, attending parent-teacher meetings – the reality that plays out for these women every day.

mbkoeth.com navigate

Text Aaron Kok Images Mary Beth Koeth

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good noods

Dreary December storms make for perfect soup weather – satisfy your ramen urges at these veritable joints.

TSUTA

RAMEN KEISUKE TORI KING

In the hierarchy of gastronomic bliss-bringing food, ramen sits

These new menu additions are the ultimate combat to rainy-day

pretty high up. That’s why it makes our tummies rumble

blues. Crowd-pleaser, Tori King Ramen (from $11), now

to announce that Tsuta, the world’s first Michelin-

features a dashi broth that combines kelp and shaved

starred ramen restaurant, has opened its first

fermented skipjack tuna for a soup that’s light

outpost outside of Japan right on our shores.

and clear, without skimping on flavour. The Tori

With eight offerings to choose from, including

King Dipping Noodle (from $12.90), reminiscent

highlights such as the Shoyu Soba ($15), served

of the Sarawakian kolo mee, sees a delicious

with bamboo shoots, leeks and truffles and

hunk of chicken nestled over a serving of

pureed in truffle oil; and the Char Siu Ajiama Shio Soba ($22.80), served with bamboo shoots, leeks,

ramen, complete with a rich dipping gravy and a dollop of chilli sauce. For those who crave that

flavoured eggs and green olives, and pureed in truffle oil; the Singapore branch is sure to provide diners with the same excellence as its Japanese home base.

spicy kick, the Tori King Tan Tan Mien (from $13.90) will tantalise with a base made from white sesame paste, chicken soup and Ramen Keisuke’s special chilli oil.

9 Scotts Road, #01-01 Pacific Plaza.

100 Tras Street, #03-15, tel: 6255-2928.

GIVE AND GIFT

ROCK OUT

Scotts Square and K+ Curatorial Space have locked arms to present K+ SOTA: Hand, Head & Heart, an exhibition that also marks the firsttime involvement of the School Of the Arts (SOTA). A total of 19 works of art by 14 promising Year 4 to Year 6 Visual Arts students, across five artistic disciplines of Sculpture, Painting, Media Art, Design, and Ceramics, will be displayed. Besides giving young artists a platform to prove themselves, the event extends its good cheer to HCA Hospice Care, an organisation that provides comfort and support to patients with life-limiting illness, to which part of the sales proceeds will be donated.

Free admission, until Jan 7, 2017, at Level 3, Scotts Square.

HEARTY FLAVOURS

This is the month of partying. Whether you’re spending it in familial grace or wilding out at the club, December’s got revels for everyone. And as we approach the biggest of them all, the vaunted New Year’s Eve shindig, Hard Rock Café Singapore has got something special lined up for the occasion.

With a delicious five-course spread and free-flow Prosecco, wines, house pours, and draft beers making the rounds all night long, as well as musical gifts courtesy of local treasures such as acoustic outfit Ngak And Friends, and reggae mainstays The Bushmen, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more gratifying way to usher in 2017.

December 31 at Hard Rock Cafe Singapore, 50 Cuscaden Road.

While the departure of chef Daniel Sia has seen the eatery (formerly The Disgruntled Chef) take a more casual direction with newly opened, The Disgruntled Brasserie, bold flavours and comforting eats remain on the menu. Start your meal with a light bite and try the Deviled Eggs ($8). Sliced into halves, the eggs are filled with a zesty, yolky paste of mustard and mayonnaise, enhanced with the flavours of ikura and snow crab. The Foie Gras Beef Burger ($28) hides a decadent cut of foie gras within the pattie for a juicier bite, while the Baked Miso Cod ($38) sees a tender steak of fillet atop mushy peas, lifted by a dash of pickled daikon.

The Club Hotel, 28 Ann Siang Road, tel: 6808-2184.

CRYSTAL CLEAR

British specialist audio brand RHA has three reasons why discerning audiophiles will be very happy this Christmas. Its new range includes the company’s first portable DAC and headphone amplifier, the Dacamp L1, and two high-resolution in-ear headphones, the flagship CL1 Ceramic and the stainless steel CL750. The launch of these three products will mark the company’s latest collection of specialist personal audio equipment. Expect seamless support for high-resolution audio formats from the amplifier, as well as cutting-edge sound and design from the earphones. With sound reproduction that pristine, your playlists are set to sound a whole lot better.

From $248, available at AV One, #01-10 The Adelphi, and authorised retailers. navigate

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YOU’RE SO FINE

F703 SENNHEISER X FREITAG

It’s safe to say that ever since foodpanda entered the game, our lives have gotten much easier. And that convenience we’ve enjoyed is set to take a more luxe turn as the food delivery service launches foodpanda finest. This new service provides you with an elevated epicurean experience, right from the comfort of your own home. Choose from a curated list of restaurants and celebrity chefs, including Meat Smith, Antoinette, Ishinomaki Grill & Sake, and Long Chim at MBS, to enjoy hassle- and dress code-free gastronomic pleasures. Special set menus for small parties are also available.

Available for download at the App Store and Google Play.

With their second collaboration, Sennheiser and Freitag have released the F703 Sennheiser x Freitag headset – the perfect stocking stuffer for image-conscious audiophiles. Built with Sennheiser’s technical know-how, each pair delivers unparalleled sonic clarity that allows you to enjoy the music fully as intended.

The headphones also come with pillowed ear pads to offer more comfort during the listening experience. After you are done rocking out to your fave tracks on the go, simply fold it up and store it safely in the Freitag-made casing.

GETTING PERSONAl

$326, available at Actually, #03-18 orchardgateway.

BEATS TO GO Having already made a portable piano for the roving ‘Beethoven’, Roli rolls out Roli Blocks for ‘Diplos’ on the go.

Essentially designed as a set of synth controller modules, it puts the power of creating new music into the hands of busy individuals who can’t spare a year in the studio. The MIDI controllers are small enough to stow away in your backpack, and when connected to your iPhone or iPad with Roli’s official Noise app, you’ll be able to drop sick beats anytime inspiration hits.

Every set is made up of a Lightpad, Loop Controller and Live Control. Work out a beat you like on the groovy Lightpad – built for tactility to react to varying pressures and finger movements – then let the Loop Controller and Live Control turn your beats into a complete track.

From US$179.95, available at roli.com.

MOSS DEFINITELY

Some play it safe; others seek palateblowing adventures. And those in the latter bunch would be mighty chuffed at PYXIEMOSS – where MacGyver-ed mod-European eats await. Quirky and fun, yet palatable all the same, chef Tim Ross-Watson employs a nowaste policy and pushes on to create artful delights using all parts of the produce on hand. This is most evident in vegetarian dish, Not Just The Tip ($14), which features the entire celery from root to leaves, cooked in six different ways. Our favourites include the Seaviche ($8) – where diced fish is replaced by zesty sea coconut; and Coffee Lox ($18) – where piquant, cured Norwegian salmon is elevated with upcycled coffee grinds.

43 North Canal Road, tel: 6532-2171.

THE GREAT ESCAPE The Christmas season is often associated with cold, wintry journeys, and here to ensure that your belongings withstand the wear of travel is Rimowa’s holiday collection. Just in time for the festive season, the collection’s colours of cream and green are inspired by the miles of soft snow and lush flora of the great outdoors. Combined with aluminum and polycarbonate to form its hardy exterior shell – without adding on extra weight – the Flex-Divider system allows better space management, while the Multiwheel system offers smoother motion. The additional beauty case and business trolley bag also offer compartmentalised sections for neater organisation.

From $1,250, available at Rimowa, #01-11 Mandarin Gallery.

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The art of monogramming leather goods came as a way to allow train porters to identify the luggage pieces of their affluent passengers. And while this is a practice of yore, having your initials embossed on your belongings still exudes a keen level of luxury. Thanks to kikki.K, you can enjoy this classic tradition on your next stationery purchase. Available in four styles – gold, silver, rose gold and blind emboss – the service is available on its limited edition collection that ranges from key rings and pencil cases to leather-bound date planners and notebooks. Go for a classic black book, or pick from frothy pastel shades like mint and lemon. $19.90 to $24.90 (embossing) and $22.90 to $99.90 (stationery), available at kikki.K, #B1-22 Raffles City.

Text Aaron Kok, Indran P &Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources

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JUICE 18TH ANNIVERSARY AT ZOUK HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US

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THE SCREAM DINER AT ZOUK FREAKS ON DECK

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REWIND WEEKENDER FEAT. TILL VON SEIN AT K YO HOUSE FOR THE WIN

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THE CREEPY CARNEVIL AT ALTIMATE COME IN IF YOU DARE

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OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY AT MONTI PRETTY LUSH

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C.R.E.A.M FEAT. DJ ERIE AT MILLIAN BIG BEATS

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GET YOUR FREAK ON AT W SINGAPORE SENTOSA COVE HORROR ISLAND

S H O P AT T H E S E S T O C K I S T S ALEXANDER MCQUEEN #B1-116 THE SHOPPES @ MARINA BAY SANDS BIMBA Y LOLA #B1-04 ION ORCHARD CALVIN KLEIN #03-19 ION ORCHARD CLUB 21B #01-07 TO 10 FORUM THE SHOPPING MALL CLUB MONACO #B2-101 THE SHOPPES @ MARINA BAY SANDS COMME DES GARCONS #02-39 HILTON SHOPPING GALLERY DIOR HOMME #B2-23/24/25 THE SHOPPES @ MARINA BAY SANDS DOLCE & GABBANA #02-09 ION ORCHARD

GIORGIO ARMANI LEVEL 2 NGEE ANN CITY

PEDDER ON SCOTTS LEVEL 2 SCOTTS SQUARE

GIVENCHY #01-41 PARAGON

PRADA #01-01 ION ORCHARD

H&M ORCHARD BUILDING

RAY-BAN #B2-45 THE SHOPPES @ MARINA BAY SANDS

MAISON MARGIELA #B1-01 THE SHOPPES @ MARINA BAY SANDS

ROBINSONS #03-01 RAFFLES CITY

MANGO #B1-39/40 NGEE ANN CITY

TANGS #01-187 VIVOCITY

MARNI #01-06 PARAGON

TOMMY HILFIGER #B1-16 THE SHOPPES @ MARINA BAY SANDS

MICHAEL KORS #01-16/17 SCOTTS SQUARE

TOPSHOP/TOPMAN #B2-01, #B3-02 ION ORCHARD

MONICA VINADER #B1-K7 ION ORCHARD

UNIQLO ORCHARD CENTRAL

NINE WEST #01-33 RAFFLES CITY

ZARA LIAT TOWERS

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GLAM LADIES NIGHT AT ATTICA LADIES FIRST

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DOM PÉRIGNON PRESENTS PILLOWTALK SPACE’S SLUMBER PARTY AT SPACE CLUB LET’S GET HEAVY

FIND

HERE BARS & CLUBS

Acid Bar / Alley Bar • Attica • Beer Market • Blu Jaz Café • Boulevard • Brewerkz @ Riverside Point • Canvas • Cherry Club • Harry's @ Esplanade Mall, HarbourFront Centre • Ice Cold B's • IndoChine @ Club Street • Jekyll & Hyde • KYO • LOOF • Paulaner Brauhaus • Post Bar • Que Pasa and Ice Cold Beer • Siem Riep Café Bar & Water • Wala Wala • Zouk

F&B

3 Petits Croissants • Afterwit • Aieou• Arteastiq Boutique Tea House • Arteastiq Café De Art • Atlas Coffeehouse • Black Tongue • Billy Bombers @ The Central • Breko • Blood Café • Café Cartel • Carry on Café • Chai Seng Huat Hardware • Costa Coffee Singapore @ 313 Somerset, Chevron House, Metropolis , Plaza Singapura, Raffles City, Robinsons Orchard, Sofitel So, VivoCity • Cream & Custard • Créme Maison Bakery • Cups N Canvas • D'zerts Café • Dazzling Café Singapore • Dome Coffee @ Raffles Place, Singapore Art Museum • East 8 • Fish & Co. @ Glass House • Foodology Fresh • Fosters Café & Restaurant • Fresh Fruits Lab • Guac & Go Pte Ltd • Habitat Coffee • Hard Rock Café • Hood Bar and Café • House • Island Creamery @ Serene Centre • Just Want Coffee • Kinki Restaurant & Bar • Kith Café • Krish • Kombi Rocks • O Comptoir • LEPARK • Loysel's Toys • Mad Nest • Manhattan Fish Market @ Junction 8 • Mint Museum of Toys: Mr Punch Restaurant & Bar • My Awessome Café • Oblong Place • One Rochester • Open Door Policy • Overeasy • Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters • Pacific Coffee @ Red Dot Building • Patisserie G • Patissez Singapore • Pies & Coffee • Potato Head Folk • Prive Café • Rokeby Bistro • Seed and Soil • Selfish Gene Café • Sogurt • SPRMRKT • Starbucks @ 3 Jalan Jamal, Bishan Community Club, Bugis Junction, Capital Tower, Centrepoint, City House, Citylink Mall, Great World City, Holland Village, ION, Jurong Gateway, Liat Towers, Liang Court, Marina Square, OCBC Centre, One Fullerton, Orchard Point Mall, Pacific Plaza, Paragon Shopping Centre, Raffles Hospital, Singapore Land Tower, Shaw Leisure Gallery, Singapore Land Tower, Tampines Mall, Tanglin Mall, The Cathay, The Central, The Concourse, Thomson Plaza, UE Square, United Square, VivoCity, Wilkie Edge, Wisma Atria • Sushi Burrito • Swensen’s @ Ang Mo Kio Hub, Bedok Mall, Bukit Panjang Plaza, Causeway Point, Centrepoint, City Square Mall, Changi Airport T2, Clementi Mall, Compass Point, Downtown East, ION, IMM, Jurong Point, Junction 8, Marina Square, NEX Mall, North Point, Parkway Parade, Plaza Sngapura, Tampines Mall, The Seletar Mall, Thomson Plaza, West mall • Earle Swensen’s @ Jem, Vivo City • Tess Bar & Kitchen • The Coffee Daily • The Clueless Goat • The Lawn @ AXA Tower, Nanos • The Providore • The Soup Spoon @ Suntec City • The Tiramisu Hero • The Coastal Settlement • The White Rabbit • Time Table Café • Timbre @ The Substation • W39 Bistro & Bakery • Wilder Café • Wheeler's Yard • Working Title Cafe

FASHION

ACTUALLY • Adidas • Adidas Originals Concept Store • Agnes B • Alcoholiday • Bershka • Crumpler @ ION, Paragon,Raffles City • Depression @ Cineleisure Orchard • dh.sunglass • Dr. Martens • Durasafe • Fred Perry @ ION, Mandarin Gallery, Orchard Cineleisure • Front Row • Guess @ Marina Bay Sands • Jrunway • Leftfoot @ Orchard Cineleisure, The Cathay • Levi's @ Suntec City, VivoCity • Limited Edt Vault • Limited Edt • Little Man • ModParade • Muji @ Paragon • Mujosh • Nana & Bird @ Chay Yan Street, Eng Hoon Street • New Balance @ Scape, Tampines Mall, Velocity • Nixon • P.V.S • PACT • Project Blood Brothers @ Paragon • Pull and Bear @ Bugis+, ION • Rip Curl @ Marina Square, VivoCity • Révolte x She Shops • Rockstar • SUP • SuperShades SG • Superspace • The Authority • Threadbare & Squirrel • Threesixfive • Topshop/ Topman @ ION, Jem, Knightsbridge, VivoCity • Vans @ Marina Square, Orchard Central • WESC • White Rose Parlour • Zha Huo Dian

ARTS, DESIGN & MUSIC

Alliance Francaise • Basheer Graphic Books • Curated Records • Eggthree • Goods of Desire • Hear Records • Kizuki + LIM • National Arts Council • Olando Pte Ltd • Red Dot Museum Shop • Roxy Music • Scissors Art • ShinnPark • Strangelets • The Arts House • The Projector • The Substation • Valentine Music Centre • Wood Would

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Artisan Hair • Asmara • Essensuals Bugis • FDP Prestige Hair Care • Fitness First @ One Raffles Quay, Robinson Road, • The Cathay • Manicurious Next Salon • STRIP @ Dempsey, Holland Village, Katong, Paragon, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Mandarin Gallery, Wheelock Place, VivoCity • The Panic Room • TONI&GUY @ East Coast, Mandarin Gallery

HOTELS

ARK 259 Lodge • Five Stones Hostel • Hotel Re! • InterContinental Singapore • Klapsons Hotel • Link Hotel • Lloyd’s Inn Pte Ltd • Mori Hostel • Naumi Hotel • New Majestic Hotel • Premier Inn • Swissotel • The Quincy Hotel • Village Katong Hotel • Wanderlust Hotel • W Singapore

SCHOOLS

BCA Academy • Lasalle College of The Arts • Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts • NUS Radio Pulze • Republic Poly • S P Jain School Of Global Management • Temasek Polytechnic

EVERYWHERE ELSE

Audio Technica • BooksActually • Changi Airport Ambassador Transit Lounge • Epi Centre @ Wheelock Place • JCube • JCube, The Rink • Louis Kienne Serviced Residence • SAFRA @ Toa Payoh • SCAPE • STA Travel • St Games Cafe • THE HIVE • Tokyo Bike • The Reading Room • Wave House Sentosa

final word

TRIBAL INITIATION LIKE ANY TIME-HONOURED OUTING OF EPIC PROPORTIONS, THERE ARE RITES OF PASSAGE THAT ONE MUST GO THROUGH WHEN ATTENDING ANNUAL ZOUKOUT FESTIVITIES IN ORDER TO ABSORB THE EXPERIENCE IN ITS ENTIRETY. WHILE YOU WON’T FIND THESE ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE, ASK ANY ATTENDEE OF FORMER YEARS AND THEY’LL TELL YOU THAT THESE INITIATION RITUALS ARE ALL PART OF JOINING THE TRIBE.

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Throngs of people pack themselves into the MRT like sardines, but you decide to make your way in the comfort of a taxi. But, like you, so did countless others on their quest for a weekend of revelry. As you inch towards the Sentosa tollgate, you contemplate ending your trip here and walking, but conclude that you’ll need that energy later when the beat drops. You accept your fate, and wait almost an hour in traffic.

GET SEPARATED FROM THE PACK You carefully make your way back from the drinks counter, elbows out as if you’re attempting your best chicken impression to protect the precious liquid gold in your hands. Where’d your squad go? You swivel back and forth, all of a sudden both looking and feeling very lost. There’s no way you’re setting your drinks down so they can be kicked in the sand as you frantically text your friends.

There’s no reception anyway; you are on your own.

TAKE A SQUAD SELFIE AT THE ZOUKOUT SIGN Finally, you’ve made it to Siloso Beach! But first, a selfie – nay, a wefie – at the giant letters that spell ZoukOut in the sand. If not, how will your Instagram followers know you’re even there?

You can’t risk others mistaking your weekend antics for an electronic music festival in Uzbekistan – you need the proof. You assemble your squad, and you pose in the most epic fashion to send the clear message that your ZoukOut journey is about to begin.

GOBBLE SOME GRUB PAST MIDNIGHT By some stroke of luck, you rendezvous with your group after searching every single stage for your friends. All that searching has left you famished.

One friend suggests McDonald’s, so you leave the beach and make your way back to the golden arches. When you arrive, the fast food joint is bursting with people.

Defeated, you return to the beach and get a kebab from a ZoukOut food vendor. It’s delicious; you made the right choice.

FAIL TO UPLOAD AN INSTAGRAM PHOTO Your epic #squadgoals snap is in the bank – now, to share it. You edit the heck out of it – no blemishes, a moody vignette, a slight fade as a finishing touch. It’s… perfect. You hurriedly type out the caption you’ve been ruminating over since morning, and you hit ‘Share’. But wait, what’s this?

A sense of dread washes over you as you notice that you have lost network connectivity. Upload failed. The disappointment is overwhelming.

EXPERIENCE SECOND WIND AT SUNRISE The headlining act is well and truly warmed up, and you can’t believe how good the set has been. Sure, you heard “Closer” about 10 times throughout the evening, but it sounds even better now in your sleepless delirium. The rising sun brings colour to the blackened sky, and you’re awake again. Your legs are burning, but no ball of fire in the sky tells you when it’s time to stop partying – you make your own destiny.

SPILL A DRINK WHILE NAVIGATING THE CROWDS You’ve gotten over your inability to tell the social media world that your night is going to be awesome-sauce, and you decide it’s time to get a drink. You have no idea which of the queues to join, but you eventually reach the counter and successfully leave with a beer in hand. You savour your first sip, and everything is right in the world – that is, until some buffoon bumps your elbow and sends your drink flying.

Back to the bar.

FALL ASLEEP ON THE TRAIN BACK HOME You officially made it to morning with the other hardest-ofpartygoing comrades. It’s time to go home, and you spot a snaking queue at the taxi stand. You’re not about to make the same mistake of travelling in anything with four wheels, so you hop on the MRT and slump into an empty seat, as commuters judge your dishevelled appearance and visible fatigue. You fall asleep, and you miss your stop by miles. But it doesn’t matter. It was all worth it.

Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

GET STUCK IN A TAXI AT SENTOSA

BOLD & BRIGHT 2017 The high-voltage excitement of Times Square, New York City awaits you. Celebrate the future like a rockstar with bright lights, bubbly and electric beats on the biggest night of the year.

31st December 2016, Saturday WOOBAR 9pm - 3am

SGD69++ all-you-can-drink* | 9pm – 11pm More packages available For Reservations +65 6808 7258 woobar.singapore@whotels.com Prices are in Singapore dollars, subject to 10% service charge and 7% goods and services tax. *Terms and conditions apply. @wsingapore

wsingaporesentosacove

21 Ocean Way Singapore 098374

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