'A sledgehammer approach': How Singapore's no-music rule in bars and restaurants hurts the electronic music scene

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  • With nightlife still shut, the new law has the club community extremely worried and frustrated.
  • 'A sledgehammer approach': How Singapore's no-music rule in bars and restaurants hurts the electronic music scene image
  • A new rule in Singapore prohibiting music in bars and restaurants is sparking widespread concerns about the future of local nightlife and culture. Despite the population being majority vaccinated and subject to mask mandates and protocols on social gatherings, Singapore was badly hit by the Delta variant in September. A rising surge in infections and deaths—new daily cases stood at 1,939 as of September 26th—prompted a return to strict measures on September 27th. The rules prohibit live and recorded music in food and beverage (F&B) establishments, as well as singing, dancing, games, radio broadcasts, exhibitions, lectures, talks, video screenings and "emphatic toasting," as per an official report. The laws, which also limit gatherings to two people, were meant to be in place until October 24th but have now been extended to November 21st. With clubs closed since the pandemic began, F&B venues were the only place for residents to hear music in a social setting outside of their homes. The recent developments are crippling on many levels, several figures in the club community told Resident Advisor. For one, it's a huge blow to music-oriented F&B spots. "The no-music rule is definitely affecting business," said Robin Chua, music director at Vertigo 26, a vinyl-focused listening bar and record store that opened earlier this year. "Our whole concept revolves around music, so without that it just feels very odd. The vibe is gone with no music during dining and the atmosphere is dry. So in a way, that also affect us financially because folks can't experience fully what Vertigo 26 is about." Chua, who DJs as KiDG, added that the ongoing rule also impacts Vertigo 26's vinyl sales, noting how the current environment makes it tough for a customer to test out records. Offtrack, a restaurant and bar set to launch in December, hopes restrictions will loosen by the end of the year. Run by Darker Than Wax's Dean Chew (AKA Funk Bast*rd), Daniel O'Connor of local party crew Ice Cream Sundays and architect/selector Jin Seow, Offtrack plans to host regular club nights once it's legally allowed. It also intends to invite DJs and record collectors, both locally and regionally, to curate music that doesn't fit in club settings. "We definitely anticipate the lack of music impacting sales if this persists, and we're already seeing it with a large number of F&B joints across the island whether or not music forms part of their brand identity," Chew, O'Connor and Seow told RA. Still, they remain cautiously optimistic. "After almost two years of near silence in the music scene, and the closure of several venues, we all need something to look forward to, and we believe there's some light at the end of the tunnel despite the recent extension of the measures." Bottom lines aside, the no-music rule also signals a worrying attitude from the government towards creativity and culture. "To say I'm worried is an understatement," said Chua. "It affects the nightlife and the culture of this country. Not only that, I think I can also say on behalf of my other music heads that this no-music rule affect us mentally as well. A lot of us are so tied to being creative around music. Taking that away from us is heinous. I think the authorities have no clue how much it affects people." Ramesh Krishnan, a veteran DJ, sound designer and music consultant, echoed those sentiments, describing the music ban as "utter nonsense." Officials "behave like they don't care," he told RA. "It's a sledgehammer approach, which is very frustrating for F&B and entertainment operators. It seems to be this illusion that industries and livelihoods can be switched off and on after a year or so in the eyes of these people in charge, but the reality is completely different." If the ban stays in place for longer, Krishnan and others believe it could push venues to the brink. "The impact on their financial statuses and mental health is extremely worrying."
RA