Shutter Rhythms turns hawker stall into platform for experimental DJ sets

Singapore’s electronic music scene has found a quirky new home in Shutter Rhythms, a series of DJ sets filmed inside a hawker stall.

Concealed behind closed shutters, this unconventional backdrop has redefined how and where music can be experienced.

The project debuted its first season recently, featuring nine DJs whose sounds span emotive house, disco, ambient, IDM, industrial, energetic breakbeats, and experimental electronica.

Among the performers were emerging talents like Gumgo and MathanMatics, as well as seasoned names such as Loyboy.

The concept stems from a desire to push creative boundaries in a city where physical spaces for experimental projects are scarce. The idea of hosting DJ sets in unconventional spaces isn’t new globally, but founder Suffyan Safi explains saw an opportunity to bring it into a uniquely Singaporean context.

Hence the hawker stall—a symbol of Singapore’s heritage—as the backdrop.

Speaking exclusively to Mixmag Asia, he explains: “I think there's this stigma with electronic music here in Singapore, that it's instantly associated with partying and going on benders only. Maybe because of that, it's so difficult to find physical spaces willing to help you with your projects. Anyways, regarding mentality, I don't think that should be the case, and it's nice to see more projects spring up here in Singapore that are trying to shift that attitude away, and increase the ability to appreciate electronic music in different ways artistically. In short, I just wanted to see more DJ sets from local artists visually on camera, in weird spots around the country.”

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Suffyan credits his partner Zoey, close friends Naveen, Sheva, and Nusha, as well as the hawker stall’s owner for their crucial support in making the series possible.

The project draws inspiration from his experiences abroad. While studying in Europe, he was struck by the ease with which creative communities collaborate.

“They do things for the fun of it, to fuel their creativity, and rather than being faced with significant barriers as we do over here in Singapore, they easily manage to find like-minded people in their community over there to support their projects and endeavours,” he reflects.

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Suffyan’s creative journey is also deeply influenced by two pivotal figures in Singapore’s scene.

He cites the late Eileen aka Cats on Crack as a key inspiration for her groundbreaking work at HQ and Tuff Club. Even during the pandemic, her Happy House exhibitions demonstrated how to innovate under challenging circumstances, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

The other major influence he mentions is Chris from Wild Pearl Studio, whose projects, from beach cleanups to experimental community events, exemplify how to create meaningful experiences.

Suffyan will also be collaborating with Wild Pearl as a resident for its Community Nights at Rasa starting next month.

For more updates from Shutter Rhythms, follow on Instagram here and subscribe to its YouTube channel here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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