Live Music Venues in Singapore: The Best Spots to Chill Out with Live Bands and DJ Sets
PUBLISHED September 7th, 2022 06:00 am | UPDATED July 23rd, 2024 06:15 pm
After two years of resounding silence, the easing of Singapore’s live music restrictions comes as music to our ears. With live music back on the menu, restaurants and bars are (finally!) coming alive with soulful jazz, rock grooves, and vinyl mixes once more. Treat your ears at these live music venues in Singapore, where you can get your fill of great tunes alongside good eats and a stiff tipple.
Cool Cats
Coupled with delicious grub and inventive cocktails, Cool Cats at The NCO Club is where sophistication and refined entertainment proudly co-exists. The swanky live music lounge will have you foot-tapping and head-nodding to an assembly of upcoming local and international musicians like Western Australia’s vocalist and trumpeter Adam Hall, as well as Felix Lopez and Natasha Oong. Accompanying the sounds of jazz, blues, funk and R&B are cocktails inspired by music history like the gin-based Singapore Sling 75 (S$28), an homage to the jazz queen Ella Fitzgerald or the Old Fashioned twist Harlem Revolution (S$26), based on the cultural revival of African American art and culture. Sharing plates of Crispy Duck Confit Roll (S$12) and Crispy Prawn (S$28) with ume and wasabi aioli completes the experience.
Cool Cats is located at The NCO Club, 32 Beach Road, Singapore 189764, p. +65 6818 1920. Open Wed-Sat, 7pm-12am. First set at 8pm on weekdays and 9pm on weekends; second set 9.30pm on weekdays and 10.30pm on weekdays. Show charges are priced at S$25 per pax for regular tables, and S$45 per pax for VIP tables.
Yang Club
Who says weekdays have to be boring? 1-Group’s riverside party spot, Yang Club keeps the good vibes rolling, even on weekdays. This go-to music venue is now offering live music every Tuesdays and Thursdays with the all-new The Preshow. Headlining the nights from 10pm onwards, Gravity, a 7-piece band of seasoned performers from across the globe is ready to get you grooving with party band bangers and throwback hits. Set-up like a mini concert, patrons are strongly encouraged to get on their feet, and sing out loud on the dancefloor. You can also enjoy R&B and Hip-Hop tunes by resident DJs in between sets. Opt in for the attractive Bottle Poppin’ Packages (from S$350++), or signature cocktails (all at S$25++) featuring Asian-Inspired flavours like Spiced Mala Margarita as well as a plethora of addictive snacks.
Yang Club is located at 3A River Valley Road, #01-02 Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020, p +65 9726 0307. The Preshow runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10pm onwards.
Wheeler’s Estate
Honouring the industry’s most renowned names, whilst also embracing underground passionate artists, there is no place like Wheeler’s Estate. The largest al fresco live music venue in Singapore embraces all with its rustic ambiance and sweet colonial architecture. Tuck into nibbles and tipples as you vibe to resident artists taking over the grand stage playing anything from hot classics, originals, bilingual favourites and even your song requests. The Monthly Tribute Night to musical heroes is the cherry on top, as you groove to the likes of The Eagles, The Beatles, Beyond, and Jay Chou.
Wheeler’s Estate is located at Seletar Aerospace Park, 2 Park Lane, Singapore 798386, p. +65 9735 7332. Live music runs Tue-Sun 7.30pm–10.30pm. Closed Mon.
Maduro
Hidden above Atout on Dempsey Hill is a serene, sophisticated jazz temple: Maduro. Launched by former jazz pianist Peter Ng, this listening lounge and bar comes alive each Friday and Saturday with a lineup of jazz powerhouses. Sit back and let the likes of sultry songbird Alemay Fernandez and renowned pianist Aya Sekine weave their magic. The cocktail programme draws inspiration from the spirit of jazz as well, conceptualised by Andrew Yap of The Old Man Singapore. Check out our review here.
Maduro is located at 40C Harding Road, Singapore 249548. Open Mon-Sat 3pm–10.30pm.
Offtrack
When the folks behind electronic music label Darker Than Wax and party collective Ice Cream Sundays launch a music bar, you know your ears are in for a treat. Offtrack is an audiophile haven rigged out with vintage Klipsch La Scala speakers and a vinyl-friendly booth, where a rotation of homegrown and regional DJs push the boundaries of sound. Cosy down in this retro space with your pick of pan-Asian plates and offbeat cocktail classics, and let your worries drift away.
Offtrack is located at 34 North Canal Rd, #01-01, Singapore 059290, p. +65 8748 0408. Open Tues-Wed & Fri-Sat 5pm–12am.
Cuba Libre Café & Bar
For a true Cubania experience in Singapore, complete with music, rum, and grande mojitos, head over to the newly-launched Cuba Libre Café & Bar along Clarke Quay. Sporting original hand-painted murals that carry the essence of liberation, freedom, and fun, be transported right into the rich and lively culture of Cuba. Pumping up the all-night live entertainment, the bar features a rotating lineup of bands and DJs. Catch the five-piece Cuban band, Adrenalina and their infectious Latin American tunes, let local band, Stereofly, take the stage with Top 40s hits, or get ready to work up a sweat on the dancefloor with a banging reggaeton set by resident DJ Boi Kay. Keep your spirits up with a chilled pint of beer, alongside bar bites and tapas all night long.
Cuba Libre Café & Bar is located at 3E River Valley Road #01-03/04, Clarke Quay, The Circuit, Singapore 179024, p.+65 8418 0203. Open Sun-Fri 6pm-3am & Sat 6pm-4am.
Timbre
The music never stops at Timbre, with indie bands taking the stage at its three venues nearly every night. Make your way down for a healing dose of pop, rock, and funk, dished out by homegrown talents like The Switch Gang and 53A. As you feast your ears, you can tuck into hawker eats at Timbre+, or nosh on thin-crust pizzas and highball towers over at Timbre x S.E.A.
Timbre x S.E.A. is located at 1 Old Parliament Lane, #01-04 The Arts House, Singapore 179429, p. +65 6336 3386. Open Mon-Thurs 4pm–12am, Fri-Sat 4pm–1am. Timbre+ has branches at 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, JTC LaunchPad @ one-north, Singapore 139957, p. +65 9850 5819, and 1 Expo Dr, Singapore 486150, p. +65 9850 5769.
Astor Bar
It’s hard to imagine a classier spot to soak up smooth jazz than Astor Bar. This St. Regis bar oozes old-world elegance with its leather armchairs and dark wood paneling – the ideal place to sit back and sip on New York-inspired tipples. The prime time to head down is Thursdays to Saturdays between 6pm and 8pm, as resident singer Eugenia Fernandez and pianist Chris Robinson soothe your ears with live jazz. Every first Saturday of the month, the bar also throws an adults-only cocktail brunch with live jazz on the menu. Check out our review here.
Astor Bar is located at Lobby Level, The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911. Open Wed-Sun 3pm–12am.
Le Noir
Good beats, great views, and fun tipples – there’s something to serenade all your senses at Le Noir. This waterfront lounge hits play on live tunes from 7.15pm each evening, amidst dazzling water and laser effects from MBS’ nightly Spectra light show. Get your feet tapping to the likes of the Jukeleles and veteran duo Jack & Rai, while tossing back their signature range of fruity martinis.
Le Noir is located at #01-84, Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956, p. +65 8684 2122. Open Mon-Thurs 4pm–1am, Fri 4pm–2am, Sat 12pm–2am, Sun 12pm–1am.
Vertigo26
Vinyl lovers could easily while away an entire day at Vertigo26. A basement hideout in the MINT Museum of Toys, this record store-slash-bar boasts over 1,000 albums spanning five decades. Vintage JBL S2600 speakers and a turntable by the bar set the stage for an analogue music journey, while behind the bar, Cedric Seth (formerly of The Horse’s Mouth) whips up inventive tipples. Vertigo26 is set to roll out themed nights featuring music director KiDG on the decks, so stay tuned.
Vertigo26 is located at 26 Seah St, MINT Museum of Toys, Basement, Singapore 188382, p. +65 6491 1391. Open Mon-Sat 5pm–12am. Closed Sun.
Acid Bar
A longtime watering hole on Emerald Hill, Acid Bar offers a dose of breezy charm with its quaint shophouse space and alfresco seating. The fun really starts from 8.30pm on Thursdays to Sundays, when a slew of up-and-coming local bands take the stage. The bar grub is no slouch either, with a fun array of locally inspired bites – har jeong soft shell crab, anyone?
Acid Bar is located at 180 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238846, p. +65 6738 8828. Open daily 5pm–1am.
Upstairs
Once a breezy balcony where ravers at nightlife spot Headquarters could take a breather, Upstairs pivoted into a full-fledged snack bar during the pandemic. You’ll find live music back on from 6pm each night, but they’re also putting the fun back in daytime partying with their new boozy brunch series: Sunny Side Up. This monthly party series pairs brekkie favourites with a side of house and techno beats, served up by Upstairs’ resident DJs.
Upstairs is located at 66 Boat Quay, Singapore 049854, p. +65 9667 9424. Open Wed-Sat 6pm–2am. Closed Sun-Tues.
Alchemy
Get your fill of good brews and chill beats at longstanding craft beer bar Alchemy. An unpretentious spot in the Clarke Quay area, Alchemy hosts frequent open mic nights where homegrown bands can get their jam on. While you tap along to the likes of singer-songwriter Daniel Sid and dynamic band Decibel Riot, crack open a cold one from their extensive selection of local and overseas craft brews.
Alchemy is located at 3 Magazine Rd, Central Mall #01-02, Singapore 059570, p. +65 9692 0678. Open Mon-Fri 4.30pm–12am, Sat 6pm–12am. Closed Sun.
STAGE
If you’re looking for a no-frills den to kick back with live tunes, STAGE along Prinsep Street is it. The laidback restaurant offers an eclectic lineup of homegrown musicians from 8pm every night, spanning Mandopop to pop rock and everything in between. To keep you fuelled, think hearty Western fare like grilled meats and pizzas with a local twist.
STAGE is located at 60 Prinsep St, Singapore 188664, p. +65 8533 3817. Open Sun-Wed 12pm–2am, Thurs-Sat 12pm–4am.
Hard Rock Cafe
With a name like Hard Rock Cafe, you can count on a rockin’ experience here. This global restaurant chain has made a name for live rock ‘n’ roll since its first London outlet in 1971, not to mention its quirky interiors decked in music memorabilia. The live music lineup is currently still in the works, but you can expect a dynamic mix from classic rock to reggae.
Hard Rock Cafe is located at #02-01, HPL House, 50 Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249724 and #01-209, The Forum, Resorts World Sentosa, 26 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098138. For more location info, see here.
Top Image: Alchemy Singapore
