- The return of Super 0 in 2015 saw the collective hold its boutique festival at yet another off-the-grid location in Singapore. This time, the highlight was a main stage set-up in an abandoned swimming pool at the former SIA Changi Sports Club, which had a capacity of 10,000. The location was not easily accessible even in the small Far Eastern city-state—the next closest landmark was the airport.
It might not the first time a party has been held in a swimming pool (Berlin's Stattbad springs to mind), but for venue-starved and experience-hungry Singapore, it was a real talking point. Add that to a stellar lineup of international and local acts, an endearing DIY aesthetic, and the inclusion of a Red Bull Music Academy stage, it felt like everything was in place for a fun day's dancing.
The event kicked off as the midday sun hit its peak, resulting in a sparse early crowd. From 2 PM until just before sunset, Singaporean DJs took over both stages, dishing out a spectrum of club sounds. The first international act, Kompakt affiliate Scharre, played the role of label representative well, turning out a set that drew from the imprint's 20-year catalogue. Also from Kompakt, The Field's live set segued neatly from Scharre's, intensifying the sunset with his atmospheric soundscapes.
Over at the RBMA stage, Trus'me was hammering Alan Fitzpatrick's huge remix of his own "I Want You," and it was going down well. Tim Sweeney followed with a classy mix of house and techno, dropping Barnt's "Chappell" among others. When TOKiMONSTA took to the decks, the energy level raised considerably. Smiling throughout, she rolled out a well-honed medley of party anthems, R&B and LA-scene beats and bass. Matching her in energy was UK duo My Nu Leng, whose highly anticipated debut had the youthful crowd jumping till close.
Back at the main stage, Steffi played one of the better sets I've seen from her. Neither pandering nor predictable, she gave Singapore a wicked dose of forward-facing house and techno, straddling both genres with ease and delight. She kept the groove tight and had the crowd eating out of her hand. It was the best set of the night.
In addition to the music, there were gourmet food stalls, a giant Jenga installation and breathtaking seaside views. Though there was plenty to take from the festival, a couple of things didn't sit so well: the pool stage never quite felt full enough, and for those that were there, the festival's 2 AM curfew cut the fun somewhat prematurely. A nightlife city first and foremost, Singapore still has some way to go before the scene fully warms to the concept of daytime electronic events.