MUGIC Soundystem heads away from Singapore's city centre to host 'historic' pool parties

The sheer aesthetic of Singapore’s nascent architecture and urban planning have always resonated with the young local folk of the city — a recent gathering of communities of all genres to “the inimitable 'Golden Mile Complex' that upheld high sentimental & subculture.”

This time, we’re heading to one of Singapore’s oversized public swimming pools, some of which are expected to be demolished within the next few years to make way for more public housing. The Bukit Merah Swimming Complex opened in 1982 and at one point hosted three pools; prior to that, the building stands over one of the city’s oldest Buddhist temples that previously existed for over 120 years.

Who’s in charge? Professional party protagonists MUGIC Soundsystem have thought about giving more options to Singaporeans for day-time activities that revolve around quality music and extra room to dance; knowing that such sentimental spaces are being removed from the city’s landscape soon is enough reason to entice MUGIC Soundystem’s founder and veteran DJ, Ulysses James, to put on something extra special.

Pivoting from their usual nocturnal shenanigans, MUGIC’s goal, according to James, is to “break away from that usual mould of clubbing in the city area and bring the party to the heartlands.”

“These places are very dear to me as when I was a kid I used to swim in such public pools, and it's sad that they will get torn down but it is what it is. We just have to seize the opportunity to inject some soul into the space and bring the dance music community together. I see it more as community bonding as well. Let loose and soak up the sun rays and have a good dance.”

With a gargantuan amount of space to work with, Ulysses James understands challenges may lie ahead: “The space is a challenge to work with. 21,000 square feet of space...but it will be fun. For now, we are just focusing on a small area first but as time goes by we will be able to make it bigger and utilise the full space as much as we can.”

To inaugurate the first of many poolside affairs, MUGIC Soundsystem has invited Saigon-based DJ Yokosun to bring her charming daytime grooves. The Japanese artist recently joined The Observatory as their newest resident DJ, which indicates a high-brow musical affair is to be expected at Bukit Merah Swimming Pool Complex.

Swimwear is not optional. (It really is optional, but why would we encourage you to have less fun?)

MUGIC presents INSIDE OUT will take place on 2 September 2023, from 3pm to 10:30pm at Sports Lifestyle Centre, 3500A Bukit Merah Central, Singapore 159837. Tickets are available here, and you can follow MUGIC on Instagram.

[Image via Project Prominence SG]

Arun Ramanathan is Mixmag Asia’s Director. Follow him on Instagram.