Welcome to the first of our gig guides for the increasingly active nightlife arena we like to call the Klang Valley. From electronica to live, music to comedy, clubs to bars, here’s a selection of the melting pot of international, regional and our own homegrown artists that is on offer over the next couple of weeks. Enjoy your nights out in Kuala Lumpur.
Clubs & Bars:
SEPTEMBER 1: Le Noir KL presents Hayze
Malaysia’s underground house music hero and dance floor preacher Hayze (Noir Music / Defected / Strictly Rhythm) features on his monthly residency at Le Noir KL’s Club Lounge.
Malaysia’s biggest electronic music export, a visionary singer-songwriter, producer, musician, performer and DJ, Hayze has been a constant and consistent presence in the dance music underground for almost 20 years. Scene defining and constantly evolving with the times, Hayze’s résumé reads like a who’s who of house music royalty.
Around was one of his biggest releases with production partner Noir from Denmark. The Solomun remix hit more than 35 million views on You Tube and was named ‘Top 50 Dance Tracks of All Time’ by MixMag UK. Tracks like Around, Freak, Changes, Dreams, Thru all received anthem status in the underground world of house music. In 2016, both singles releases Brighter Days and Believer have already reached club anthem status and certainly 2017 has seen him increasing his performance profile even more in his monthly series at Le Noir KL.
Featuring on support at Le Noir KL will be Le Noir resident DJ Kuma, himself a long standing Malaysian underground stalwart for two decades now. He is now one of the very few established DJs from Malaysia who plays across South East Asia and Europe.
With his signature underground techno and techno based sounds, he's earned himself something of a name in the Asian underground house music community, taking the music to dance floors across South East Asia, including the likes of Embassy (Philippines), Sound Club (Thailand) and festivals such as the Full Moon party on the beach of Hadrin in Koh Pangan (Thailand), regular Jungle Experience (Koh Phangan) appearances to add to appearances in Berlin, France, Amsterdam and Ibiza.
And with his two releases in the last year, Kamagra and the Acid Flux EP creating waves, there’ still lots more to come from Kuma.
Unit H-G-07, The Hive, TREC, Lot 435, Jalan Tun Razak, KL
Club Lounge: Admission (with one drink): RM40. To RSVP for free entry before 1am, simply click 'Going' on the event page
Call 03-2110 4331 for information or e-mail info / reservations
SEPTEMBER 1: Connected presents Teddy Crawfurd at Elysium Bar & Terrace
Teddy Crawfurd, resident DJ at Ayodya Beach Bar in Nusa Dua Bali makes a DJing visit to Kuala Lmpur. Teddy Crawfurd hails from the Netherlands where his early musical influences stem from his parents who were both professional musicians. His musical journey started at the age of eight when he learned how to play the piano and from there his youth and his job as a photographer introduced him to the dance music scene in the Netherlands where he was exposed to UK Garage, speed garage, 2step and drum’n’bass. Over the years his musical style has evolved to house and techno, but his deep bass lines and groovy soulful style are still a signature part of his sets today.
Featuring for Connected will be Anthony J who refuses to fall into a singular category, taking his musical influences from many different sources and incorporating them into his infectious DJ sets by forging a perfect balance of electronica, house and his beloved techno.
In addition to his regular gigs, over the last year the Canadian born has teamed up with UK natives Niall F and Dr G and Australian Rob G aka Hijack to form “Connected”, a collaboration committed to bringing together local, regional and international DJs and producers and highlighting their talent to the music lovers of KL.
Level 32, Wisma Goldhill, 67, Jalan Raja Chulan, KL
Admission: RM20 before 3am / RM40 after 3am. RSVP & reservations call 03-2022 3818.
SEPTEMBER 2: Behic and Radio Rental at Le Noir L Roof Terrace
Le Noir KL presents Behic and Radio Rental tomorrow on the Roof Terrace. Behic’s passion for house music stretches back to the tender age of 14 him when he started producing deep tech house, landing him his first ever set at the age of 18 in one of London’s most prestigious clubs The Egg. Behic can boast his most recent achievements to date as the signing of his latest track (Can’t Stop) to Marshall Jefferson’s label Freakin 303 and current residency with Deep Motion, which currently has him playing at London’s biggest after-party (Dawn) located in LightBox (London).
London born Radio Rental has a wealth of experience and many years undertaken in the game. With a decade producing and 15 years spinning in the clubs, he is a man that has carefully fine-tuned his skills to a place now where he is fully confident in whatever aspect of the industry he turns to.
His own sound is a nod back to yester year with bold and brassy house grooves paired with catchy samples, hooks aplenty, and a punchy bassline that is always infectious in its roots. He’s currently signed to such impressive labels as Zulu Records (My Digital Enemy), Subterraneo Records (Dolly Rockers), Malfunktion Deep and a future release on Pukka Up and Spinning in Ibiza.
In the last 12 months alone he has been on direct warm up duties for the likes of Mark Knight, Dennis Ferrer, Mendo, Sebastien Leger, Prok & Fitch, My Digital Enemy and Mr C. This summer promises to be busy with many gigs already arranged in the UK, the Netherlands and Ibiza.
Unit H-G-07, The Hive, TREC, Lot 435, Jalan Tun Razak, KL
Admission (with one drink): RM40. To RSVP for free entry before 1am, simply click 'Going' on the event page
Call 03-2110 4331 for information or e-mail info / reservations
SEPTEMBER 2: Sweatbox Girls Got Groove at Elysium Bar & Terrace
Art Xtreme Media’s weekly Sweatbox nights this week brings you your dose of music sass in the form of three talented DJ ladies and their music picks with Girls Got Groove.
The deep Lish, the eclectic Pyrope from Belgium via Bali and resident Meliha preside. Pyrope's style of techno flows effortlessly and her energy is infectious. The groove and the music she plays are certainly spot on recipes for your Saturday night dancing session. Lish brings you her eclectic taste in nu disco, jacking, funky, electro and progressive house as she has been since the beginning of this deacade. Meliha is kicking goals at the moment, working on some solo projects in the studio and a couple of collabs with Soul de Anima’s Rory Gallagher.
Level 32, Wisma Goldhill, 67, Jalan Raja Chulan, KL
11 PM till late enough. Cover Charge: RM30 + 1 drink before 3 AM, RM40 + 1 drink after 3 AM. RSVP & Reservations: +60320223818
SEPTEMBER 2: Axel Groove. Slutski and anType at Ren, Kyo KL
House and tech house in the Ren Room at Kyo KL at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur with local DJs Axel Groove, Slutski and anType.
Axel Groove’s a self-professed late bloomer A self- professed late bloomer, Axel Groove found his inspiration following 7 years in the wilderness, also known as the concrete jungles of Australia. The underground music scene here reignited his long lost passion to educate the masses with the sexy sounds that is house music.
Besides being a DJ, he’s also a music and festival promoter within the South East Asia region working with the likes of Mos Def, M.A.N.D.Y, Hot Since 82, Freqender Music Festival in Singapore and with Kyo KL. Axel Groove incorporates the sexy blend of disco, house and deep tech vibes to feed the soul.
Unconfined by genre, Slutski’s DJ sets feature a broad spectrum of styles. From the deepest beats and bass of house and techno through to red hot funk and disco via sophisticated indie electronica, his selections are laden with rich musicality. Having DJed for over a decade, he is equally at home laying down energetic rhythms for sweaty dancefloors or creating a relaxed mood and ambience for more loungey settings. Often DJing using the classic vinyl format, Slutski continues to indulge his record collecting and crate digging addiction.
anType is host of the current party night Dictatorship.
Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, off Jalan Pinang, KLCC, KL
Admission: Complimentary entry before 11pm. RM 40 incl 1 drink (before 1am)
RM 60 incl 1 drink (after 1am). Book a table: email or call +6012-921 1730.
SEPTEMBER 8: Dubfire at Kyo KL
Vivid presents Dubfire (Sci+Tec/US) in the Ren room at Kyo KL. Vivid is a sonic voyage unlike any other, the Vivid experience is a series of house and underground music nights exclusively offered by kyō and at kyō. With an aim to bring some colour to the city, Vivid collaborates with some of the most captivating underground house music acts in the industry. Vivid’s next edition welcomes techno heavyweight and half of the four times nominated and Grammy Award-winning duo Deep Dish – Dubfire.
From global success in the commercial domain, to equal accomplishments within the underground scene, Dubfire (aka Ali Shirazinia) is an artist whose drive, talent and intuition have placed him in the top tier of electronic music artists in the world. He maintains this position within the industry with an unrelenting work ethic and a determination to innovate, evolve, and entertain. Whether it’s his involvement with Deep Dish, his solo performances at an extensive list of the world’s most influential clubs and festivals, his dubfire:live HYBRID show, running his label SCI+TEC, or simply his exploration of audio and visual technology, Dubfire is in a class of his own.
Performing alongside for this night in will be Kyo founder Godwin P (SG) and Otherkind.
Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, off Jalan Pinang, KLCC, KL
Admission: RM50 (inc 1 drink ) before 1am / RM80 (inc 1 drink) after 1am. Book a table: email or call +6012-921 1730.
SEPTEMBER 8: Axtone party at Zouk KL
Zouk KL presents Axtone with Shapov and New_ID on Sept 8 in the Mainroom. Axtone is the label of Swedish Superstar DJ/Producer Axwell. The label started life in 2005 as an imprint to release Axwell’s own material and in recent years has expanded into a label that is actively signing and releasing quality house music from all around the globe.
While he may be a new name to the dance community, Shapov has paid his dues and rightly established himself under his previous moniker, Hard Rock Sofa. Signed to Axwell’s Axtone Records, Shapov has been busy of late with a string of heavily-supported releases, showcasing his genre-defying style. Whether it’s being featured in films like The Fast & The Furious or pushing production boundaries, Shapov is always able to create music that can’t be ignored.
Devi van der Horst aka NEW_ID has shown nog sign of slowing in 2016, with his ADD SUC Edit garnering support from Danny Howard on BBC Radio 1, Avicii, Martin Garrive, Oliver Heldens and Kryder to name a few. His collaboration with Tom Staar on Spinnin’ Disappear has had over half a million streams online and the list of support continues to grow.
Supported by Zouk KL resident DJs BATE, Ken Master and Radz.
TREC, 436, Jalan Tun Razak, KL
Admission (with one drink): RM55 before midnight / RM65 after midnight. For reservation please call 03-2110 3888 / 016-332 3191 or e-mail
SEPTEMBER 8: Stereo Therapy at Elysium Bar & Terrace
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Stereo Therapy at Elysium brings you Kuala Lumpur's finest house and techno stalwarts and guests going head to head for one night. This edition features guest DJ Dimitri from Indonesia joining Malaysians Victor G and Idham.
From the underground scene of Jogjakarta to the citylights of Jakarta, DJ and producer Dimitri has always been consistent in defining his own style to be different above the rest for the last 12 years. Well-known for his great ears of quality music, he is also a technological genius that pushes the boundaries of DJing to its absolute limit every time he plays.
Techno whiz, house head and influential tastemaker are well-deserved titles Victor G has rightfully earned in his electronic dance music career. With a thriving run spanning over 15 years in the local scene, KL’s favourite deck maestro continues to school his audience at various spots around town spewing out tantalising techno at underground events, dishing out hot house tunes at the trendiest night spots and experimenting with his version of chilled out vibes that blend soul and funk while keeping his signature groove intact.
Idham meanwhile, perhaps one of Kuala Lumpur dance music’s best kept secrets, brings a refined musical style that reflects a deep understanding and appreciation towards the musical artform.
Level 32, Wisma Goldhill, 67, Jalan Raja Chulan, KL
11 PM till late enough. Admission: RM40 before 3am/RM50 after 3am. RSVP & Reservations: +60320223818
SEPTEMBER 8: Gossip Queens at Jiro KL
Jiro KL features a lot of house and tech based music this night with Injoo Wie (KOR), Meliha Faisal and Dora. Having grown up being exposed to a vast variety of music genres, Dora is nothing short of a music fan appreciating anything from classic music to modern dance music.
Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Dora started performing and playing at a young age with a manifold of music instruments. Besides her passion for performing, she discovered her passion for being a disk jockey performing in Kuala Lumpur's multifaceted nightlife compiling a variety of styles and tunes in dance music, ambient, groovy, deep house, tech house as well as techno.
Meliha is a curious one for music. Heavily influenced by the sounds of jazz and indie music, this songbird songwriter brings a soulful and personal experience to her live performance. You’ll also find her in the hottest clubs with the best parties spinning deep house and techno.
Injoo Wie is as eclectic as she can be, perfectly comfortable playing house or even scratching the R&B and soul with her excellent technical skills on the decks..
61-1, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, KL
For cover charge information and RSVP call 017-663 3770.
SEPTEMBER 9: Elysium Bar & Terrace presents Eli Escobar on the Elysium Terrace
New York’s house and disco evangelist Eli Escobar will guest at Level 31 Elysium. He has been a familiar face on the New York scene for the last two decades. Whether tearing it up at clubs acor throwing down super-charged disco bombs on labels like Nervous and Strictly Rhythm, Escobar rarely steps out of his four-four beat. As one third of the Tiki Disco parties in Bushwick, as well as running his own Night People label, Escobar has been putting his own twist on the city’s house and disco soundtrack, joining the dots between yesterday’s golden era classics and today’s club anthems.
Supported by your favourite local disco shamans Shazan, Xes Xes Loveseat and Axel Groove.
Level 32, Wisma Goldhill, 67, Jalan Raja Chulan, KL
11 PM till late enough. Cover charge: RM40. RSVP & Reservations: +60320223818
SEPTEMBER 9: Bitrates Asia and Jiro KL presents Yorri (IDN) and Amber H (SG)
Bitrates Asia and Jiro KL presents a series of monthly Saturday Nights at Jiro KL. Since its inception, Bitrates has made its mark in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur’s underground, electronic music scene. A collaborative DJ effort with the aim to market local talents abroad, Bitrates is viewed by many as one of South East Asia’s influential DJ collectives. Bitrates constantly evolves to adapt to the ever changing clubbing landscape giving it an edge over the last 5 years.
Amber Hasan of Audio Translate and Yorri from House Cartel, Jakarta will be accompanied by our local electronic heroes Kubika, Adam Khan and Adib for the night.
Originally from Pakistan, Amber has been hitting the decks since 2004 and aspires to elevate her mixes by incorporating live elements using Ableton Live, synths and drum machines yet keeping all dimensions techy with chuggy bass lines and hypnotic grooves.
Inspired by Indonesian techno heroes such as DNSW, Indra7, Alvin K and Andree Uchiel, , and internationals like Stephan Bodzin, Oliver Huntemann, Paul Kalkbrenner, Yorri started spinning in 2009. A regular name among Jakarta's underground music scene, Yorri has broadened his sound into deep techno, progressive tech house blend with a deep, melodic, low slung baselines of house and techno is his trademark sound with few surprises thrown in for good measure. Yorri is part of the House Cartel movement, a collective of third wave underground house and techno DJs in Jakarta pushing quality electronic music.
61-1, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, KL
For cover charge information and RSVP call 017-663 38770.
SEPTEMBER 9: Under9 Sessions
In Session with Under9 brings you a night of house and techno with Under9 Session co-founders Notion A, joined by Haresh K and Azlan tonight.
Notion A has been spinning to educate and entertain like-minded music enthusiasts for the past decade. His sound is an infusion of his skills as well as a buffet of influences that focus on the audio, visual, people and techno. He now runs his own record label, SoulMatters Recordings together with 2 other partners. From Singapore, SoulMatters Recordings became the brainchild of their project with a purpose of further collaborating and releasing electronic music with soul to explore the idea of techno and house music soundscapes.
Bangunan Ming Annexe, 9, Jalan Ampang, KL
Admission: RM15 all night.
Live Music:
SEPTEMBER 1: Dancing Gauchos at TREC
Entertainment enclave, TREC KL has lined up a series of free events at the estate in September, leading up to its year end campaign and literally kicks off with this thrilling, percussive dance and music spectacle. Che Malambo celebrates the unique South American cowboy tradition of the gaucho. This powerhouse all-male gauchos is directed by French choreographer / former ballet dancer, Gilles Brinas. Join 12 gauchos of Che Malambo for a dance session @ TREC's
Rhapsody Square from 10.30pm onwards. The event is part of the DiverseCity KL International Arts Festival. Meanwhile, Sessions every Friday and Saturday sees a showcase of live musicians performing a variety of music genres from acoustic pop, acoustic rock, folk, blues and more, at Rhapsody Square, from 10.30pm till late.
436, Jalan Tun Razak, KL
SEPTEMBER 1: Capt’n Trips and The Kid debut album launch
Capt’n Trips and The Kid are marking their bit in the independent music scene with the launch of debut outing The Paraverse alongside their comrades Golden Mammoth showcasing their new Malicious Judicious music video this evening at The Bee, Publika. Steering the night, rock’n’roll legend in the local music scene Radhi (OAG) alongside Margasatwa and Bayangan. Visual art by The Tomoe, then with Lionel Rizky from Public School Collective further transforming the vibe into some old Malay oldies settings. 7.30pm onwards (doors open at 6.30pm).
Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, KL
SEPTEMBER 2: Le Noir KL presents Melissa Indot LIVE on stage.
Fearless and unconventional, meet award winning, enigmatic Melissa Indot. Lyrical beauty with an edge, she is not one who is afraid to break away from the norm. Melissa marches to her own beat when it comes to her artistry. Her signature sound incorporates electro pop and retro sounds, which translate into a multi-faceted contemporary tune, characterized with profound and meaningful lyrics. Complex, unconventional and fearless, Melissa is at her best when she performs live, immersing her audience on a musical journey which includes originals from her own albums.
Unit H-G-07, The Hive, TREC, Lot 435, Jalan Tun Razak, KL
Free entry. Phone: +60 3 2110 4331 / Mobile/WhatsApp: +60 12 224 5416
Call 03-2110 4331 for information or e-mail info / reservations
SEPTEMBER 2: Billie Blue & The Nowhere Men at Ril’s Bangsar
Billie Blue & The Nowhere Men are folk-rock outfit Billie Blue Blackstone (vocals), Soheil Sanjabi (guitar & backing vocals), Icco Elnoel (bass) and Reuben Devanesan (drums, percusssions, backing vocals) who met in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur. Billie and Soheil began performing together around the KL music circuit as a folk duo. Fueled by their mutual interests in early American folk music as well as psychedelic rock, they later teamed up with like-minded musicians, Icco and Reuben to further develop their sound. Often described as raw and vintage, the band draws their influences from groups of the late 60s and early 70s, while also experimenting with the various musical sensibilities that each member brings.
30, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar Baru, KL
Call 03-2201 3846
SEPTEMBER 6: Locker Ladies featuring ROZZ
Launching DC Mall’s sexiest ladies night at the new Locker Room with the fascinating and commanding presence of Rozz who one has to witness to truly comprehend his amazing vocal prowess and astounding stage persona. With major influences on his singing and writing that comprise of an eclectic mix from the likes of Barbra Streisand, Joan Sutherland and Freddie Mercury to Grace Jones and Diamanda Galas.
L3.01B, Damansara City Mall, Jalan Damanlela, Pusat Bandar Damansara, KL
Call 016-920 6030.
SEPTEMBER 7 / 13: Robin Banerjee and guests at No Black Tie
Former guitarist of Amy Winehouse, Robin Banerjee will be performing at Kuala Lumpur’s premiere Jazz Club and Gastro Bar, No Black Tie (aka NBT). Robin Banerjee has been playing guitar since age 14. Adept at Jazz, Pop & Soul music, his influences are Wes Montgomery, George Benson and Bireli Lagrene. Robin played with Amy Winehouse between 2006 and 2008 appearing in the music videos for Back to Black and Rehab. Robin also played on six songs on Back to Black Deluxe CD Album including Monkey Man, I’m Wondering Now and plays acoustic guitar on the To Know Him Is To Love Him duet with Amy.
Robin has a distinct jazz style and enjoys accompanying singers. Having been to Malaysia twice before, performing at NBT with Dasha Logan whom he met in London.
On SEPT 7 he will collaborate with aspiring jazz bluse singer Dani with her unique voice, she makes covers sound vintage, and has most recently been writing and performing her own originals.
On SEPT 13, Dasha will join him again. Daughter to the local legendary Loganathan from the Alleycats, Dasha Logan has been exposed to the music scene from a very young age and been passionate about it since she could remember. A true artist with a passion for music, Dasha Logan usually jams to her favorite genres of Jazz, Funk, Soul and RnB. It’s a rare moment to catch her without a tune or more so, a smile on her face.
17, Jalan Mesui, off Jalan Nagasari, KL
Cover charge : RM 53 /Dinner concert RM183
Call 03-2142 3737 or visit the no black tie website
SEPTEMBER 8: Captain Khalid's: "I Think I am Single La !": Live Filming (Malaysia)
After a series of successful shows like Renew My Visa and The world Tour with The FunnyFellas, Captain Khalid is now touring and filming his new special I Think I Am Single. The Hamburg/Berlin based Captain Khalid is also famously known as "Solomon", his character name for the smash award winning Malay Film Lelaki Harapan Dunia where he appearead alongside Wan Hanafi Su. This performance will be filmed, so it should be worth checking out.
Solaris Dutamas, Jalan Dutamas 1, KL
Doors Open : 1930 / Show Starts: 2015
Entrance : 20RM online presales
Tickets at The Funny Fellas MY
If you are a venue/promoter/DJ/band and would like to be featured in The City List then get in contact via the following:
Events/Nightlife Guide - email Jason
To be listed or for general enquiries - email Chad
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