Uncover 5 spots in Singapore for live music with great food options

Photo credit: Timbre+, Jonathan Wong

Singapore has a small, but growing music scene.

While musicians like The Sam Willows, Gentle Bones, Nathan Hartono and Sam Rui are popular and well-marketed even outside of Singapore, you can also find a pool of hidden talents who are equally as exciting if you know where to look. In fact, these artists are constantly looking to make their next appearance at one of our local indie hideouts.

Whether you’re into jazz, techno, rock, acoustic covers or even original creations, here are five places across the island that you can visit to savour good food, while enjoying some great performances at the same time.

Chill-out Central: Hotspots in central Singapore

If you’re staying at, or visiting the city centre, these venues are the perfect spots to end the night.

1. Going Om: Escape from the city’s hustle and bustle in this little sanctuary

‘Down-to-earth’ and ‘serenity’ are the vibes at Going Om. Photo credit: Going Om

Haji Lane – an alley between Bali Lane and Arab Street in the Bugis area, is a popular and trendy hangout for young Singaporeans and tourists alike. This is probably the closest you can get to a backpacker experience in Singapore.

Offering a casual, free-spirited and unpretentious ambience, here’s where you can enjoy indie acoustic covers of popular songs performed by talented local musicians every night (except Mondays) from 9:30pm onwards.

Address: 63 Haji Lane
Opening Hours:
Sundays, Tuesdays to Thursdays: 1200hrs to 0000hrs
Fridays & Saturdays: 1200hrs to 0100 hrs

2. Hood Bar and Café: Original local Indie music at its finest

Funky décor and street art line the walls of Hood Bar and Café. Photo credit: Hood Bar and Café.

With a daily roster of homegrown musicians taking the stage and delivering original compositions across various genres, this is the one of the best places to discover talented local indie musicians.

Whether you’re into the blues, 80’s pop or grunge rock, you’ll soon find that music isn’t the only selling point of this place. Immerse yourself in funky decor and street art as you indulge in delicious food and drinks while enjoying the live performances.

Address: 201 Victoria Street, Bugis+ #05-07
Opening Hours:
Sundays to Thursdays: 1700hrs to 0100hrs
Fridays & Saturdays: 1700hrs to 0300hrs

In the neighbourhoods: Music gems in the nooks and crannies of Singapore

If you’re staying in the Eastern or Western parts of Singapore, there are also a number of quaint places that you can check out!

3. Timbre+: Let the music feed your soul

Gastropark Timbre+ is popular for its indie bands and diverse food menu. Photo credit: Timbre+, Jonathan Wong

Timbre+ is an unconventional venue in the Western part of Singapore, branded as a ‘gastropark’ with special emphasis on blending good food with music all under one roof. With a list of indie bands that play every night except Sundays, the genres vary from blues, jazz, rock & roll, folk and more.

Its diverse food menu ranges from restaurant grade fare to hawker dishes. Unlike traditional brick and mortar establishments, Timbre+ has a unique aesthetic concept defined by the use of redesigned cargo containers.

Address: 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, JTC LaunchPad @ one-north
Opening Hours:
Mondays to Thursdays: 0600hrs to 0000hrs
Fridays and Saturdays: 0600hrs to 0100hrs

4. OBar Punggol: Enjoy a musical feast in the north-east

Over in the north-eastern part of Singapore and right next to a prawning facility, you can find OBar Punggol, an establishment that provides great support for local acts, with resident bands performing regularly.

OBar is a hidden gem tucked away in Punggol, in the north-east of Singapore. Photo credit: OBar

One of its main acts, ‘Zero Distance’, boasts a versatile repertoire consisting of songs in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien and even Korean. Regardless of your music preference, the band plays a set so diverse, you’re bound to enjoy it.

Address: 11 Northshore Drive
Opening Hours:
Sundays to Thursdays: 1200hrs to 0030hrs
Fridays and Saturdays: 1200hrs to 0130hrs

5. 555 Villa Thai: Mookata, airplanes and local music

At 555 Villa, enjoy Mookata against a backdrop of music and planes.

This unique establishment (with a great view of Changi Airport) features live acts that you can enjoy, while feasting on your Mookata, a Thailand-styled barbecue steamboat.

With live local music acts, delicious food, a cool breeze and the sound of jets roaring into the sky, this venue in Changi will definitely be a unique experience.

Address: 30 Cosford Road
Opening Hours:
Sundays to Thursdays: 1700hrs to 0100hrs
Fridays and Saturdays: 1700hrs to 0200hrs

Whether you’re into acoustic covers of popular songs or just looking for a unique experience, these are some parts of the island where you can discover the diverse range of musical talents in Singapore.