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For many, the desire for a delicate cartilage piercing is often eclipsed by anxiety over pain, infection, and lengthy healing times. However, a new wave of specialized studios is redefining the experience, prioritizing meticulous procedure and long-term wellness over quick transactions. Located in the heart of Singapore’s bustling Club Street, Eir Piercing, founded by industry veteran Melin, offers a radically different approach, turning the intimidating process into a refined, almost meditative journey focused on holistic healing and personalized aesthetics.

The New Standard in Piercing Consultation

Unlike the high-volume, opportunistic piercing shops of the past, Eir Piercing, named for the Nordic goddess of healing, elevates the initial consultation to an essential phase of the process. Stepping into the light-filled, airy second-floor studio feels more like entering a curated jewelry gallery than a medical treatment room.

Melin, who has a decade of experience with luxury piercing brands globally, begins by discussing the client’s vision and ensuring anatomical compatibility—a crucial detail often overlooked in standard settings. Where clients might request multiple piercings simultaneously, Melin frequently advises starting with a single side for optimal comfort and healing.

“People usually come in with an idea of where they want to get pierced, or jewellery they’ve already seen on my website or socials,” she explains. “But our priority is practical advice, even if it means pacing the journey.” This commitment sets a grounded, safety-first tone for the entire appointment. Consent is emphasized throughout, with a policy that allows clients to change their minds at any point, even after consultation begins.

Curated Collection Meets Implant-Grade Safety

The studio’s refined approach extends to its jewelry selection. Displayed in large glass cases, the pieces are intentionally limited, curated like “art galleries” with small, one-of-a-kind editions. Crucially, Eir prioritizes premium materials to prevent common adverse reactions.

All jewelry is made from 14K or 18K gold and implant-grade titanium; nickel, steel, plated pieces, and low-grade alloys are strictly avoided. This focus is particularly beneficial for those with metal sensitivities, offering a safer alternative to mass-produced options. Prices for gold pieces begin around $120 and scale up depending on materials, design, and complexity.

Piercing fees, separate from jewelry costs, reflect the specialized expertise required for placement and execution, ranging from $70 for standard earlobes to $90 for complex cartilage areas like daith or rook.

A Clinical Standard for Procedure

The physical piercing takes place in a separate, meticulous third-floor space that adheres to hospital-grade sterilization protocols. Before the procedure, clients observe how their chosen jewelry is sterilized using a Statim 2000 medical-grade steam autoclave, the same equipment deployed in surgical clinics. Tools, jewelry, and instruments are sterilized at 134°C, with daily testing and indicators confirming every cycle’s efficacy.

Only single-use, sterile, disposable needles are employed, minimizing cross-contamination risk from start to finish. Beyond the clinical precautions, Melin’s precision drawing and placement mapping ensure the final result aligns perfectly with the client’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.

The Pain Factor and Post-Piercing Care

For those wrestling with piercing anxiety, the pain itself is consistently reported as far less severe than anticipated. Most clients describe the sensation of a cartilage piercing as a quick, manageable ache—often rating it a two out of 10 on the pain scale. Factors such as adequate sleep and hydration can significantly influence pain perception.

Where Eir truly distinguishes itself is in its aftercare philosophy. Instead of promoting home remedies or harsh chemicals, clients are given an airtight, sterile saline spray and clear instructions to use it daily. Melin strongly cautions against using oils, ointments, or alcohol.

Healing is a partnership: clients must avoid soaking the piercings, rotating the jewelry, or sleeping directly on fresh cartilage. Helix piercings typically require about six months for full healing. Eir provides a vital follow-up check-in appointment approximately one month post-piercing to assess healing and size down the jewelry bar—a necessary step often skipped by less specialized studios that can lead to delayed recovery.

This comprehensive, safety-first environment appeals particularly to first-timers, those seeking curated ear styling, and individuals who previously had regrettable experiences. Eir Piercing offers a compelling case for treating sophisticated piercing not as an impulse buy, but as a deliberate expression of self, managed with professional care and expertise.

Eir Piercing
Address: 42A Club St, Singapore 069420
Hours: Tue-Sat 11am-7pm
Website: www.eirpiercing.com

Global K-pop sensation EXO is set to make a triumphant return to Singapore this summer, marking their first full-group performance in the country in nearly seven years. The highly anticipated concert on July 26 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium is the grand finale of their newly launched world tour, EXO Planet 6 – EXhOrizon, offering fans an intense evening of music spanning their iconic career.

The confirmation of the Singapore show ends a long wait for local EXO-Ls (the group’s dedicated fanbase), who last saw the complete lineup perform during the EXO Planet #5 – EXplOration tour in 2019. The intervening years saw mandatory military enlistments and subsequent hiatuses reshape the group’s activities, making this return a significant milestone.

A Full-Circle Moment for the K-Pop Veterans

EXO, who recently commemorated their 14th debut anniversary, launched the EXO Planet 6 tour with a three-night residency in Seoul at the KSPO Dome beginning April 10. The tour is structuring its itinerary primarily across Asia before concluding in the Lion City. The extensive regional circuit includes stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Nagoya, Bangkok, Macau, Osaka, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Tokyo, and Kaohsiung.

Attendees can anticipate a powerhouse performance featuring the group’s biggest hits—screaming anthems like “Growl,” “Call Me Baby,” “Love Shot,” and the impactful “Monster”—alongside tracks from their recent album release, Reverxe.

While the full ensemble has been absent from Singapore’s concert venues, local fans have regularly enjoyed performances from individual members. The past year underscored the members’ thriving solo careers, with Kai showcasing his solo presence in June, D.O. captivating audiences in August, and Baekhyun wrapping up his inaugural solo world tour dates in both November and May 2024. These solo appearances kept the group’s energetic spirit alive in Singapore while the full group prepared for its collective return.

Securing Your Tickets for the EXhOrizon Finale

The announcement of the EXO Planet 6 – EXhOrizon concert immediately ignited fervent discussions among K-pop enthusiasts across Southeast Asia. As of press time, specific ticketing details—including prices, seating plans, and sales dates—have yet to be officially released by the concert organizer.

Prospective concertgoers are strongly advised to monitor official channels and local ticketing platforms for immediate updates on ticket sales, which are expected to be highly competitive given the seven-year wait and the tour’s concluding status in Singapore.

The return of EXO as a complete unit not only signifies a successful reorganization following individual commitments but also continues Singapore’s trend of hosting major K-pop acts. Their performance this July anchors the city’s identity as a key destination for global music tours, confirming the enduring power and appeal of second-generation K-pop icons in the contemporary music landscape.

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More Essential Music Events in Singapore:

• K-pop band Day6 brings their 10th anniversary world tour to Singapore this April.
• 90s rock legends Papa Roach announce first-ever Singapore show this March.
• LASALLE’s Rock & Indie Festival returns this February with local acts like Marian Carmel, sub:shaman, Nosedive, and more.

The pursuit of a new body piercing is often tempered by anxiety over pain, infection, and lengthy recovery times—a concern particularly resonant for those with past negative experiences. A new studio on Club Street in Singapore, Eir Piercing, is reshaping the typical piercing experience by blending high-end aesthetics with an uncompromising focus on medical-grade safety and personalized aftercare, offering a compelling option for those seeking cartilage piercings like the helix or conch. Founded by Melin, an industry veteran named after the Norse goddess of healing, Eir is carving out a niche for clients prioritizing a meticulous, consent-driven journey over the quick, transactional approach often found in commercial shops.

Rethinking the Piercing Consultation

Melin’s approach begins long before the needle is sterilized. Located on the second floor, Eir’s studio contrasts sharply with typical piercing environments; it is spacious, calm, and infused with natural light. The experience starts with a detailed consultation focused on the client’s anatomy, lifestyle, and realistic expectations.

“People usually come in with an idea of where they want to get pierced, or jewellery they’ve already seen on my website or socials,” Melin explains. This consultation often involves practical advice designed to enhance healing, such as limiting the number of fresh piercings a client receives in a single session to ensure comfortable sleeping and minimize trauma—a commitment to client well-being that occasionally supersedes immediate financial gain.

The studio’s jewelry selection underscores its premium positioning. Displayed in curated glass cases, pieces range from 14K or 18K imported gold and implant-grade titanium to 18K recycled gold designed in-house. Prices start around $120 and can escalate significantly for solid gold, rare gemstones, or custom designs. Crucially, Eir strictly avoids nickel, steel, plated jewelry, and low-grade alloys, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions—a common pitfall in lower-tier establishments. Melin compares her curation process to that of an art gallery, featuring “small editions, one-of-a-kind pieces.”

Piercing services are priced separately from the jewelry, ranging from $70 for earlobes to $90 for standard cartilage, and up to $120 for complex procedures like industrials. A core tenet of the Eir experience is informed consent; clients are always free to change their minds, even after the consultation, reinforcing a highly ethical and no-pressure environment.

Safety and Sterilization Standards

The actual piercing procedure takes place on a separate level, following strict medical protocols. All jewelry is sterilized using a medical-grade steam autoclave (Statim 2000), the same class of equipment employed in hospitals. Tools and jewelry are sterilized at 134°C, with daily testing and strip indicators used in every cycle to confirm efficacy. Piercings are performed exclusively with single-use, sterile, disposable needles, minimizing any risk of cross-contamination.

Melin’s expertise, honed over a decade working with luxury piercing brands internationally, ensures precision. Before the procedure, placement is meticulously mapped out, often involving slight adjustments based on how the selected jewelry sits against the ear’s anatomy for optimal aesthetic framing. Clients frequently report that the actual pain is far less than anticipated—often rating it a two out of ten, comparable to a momentary pressure or pinch.

Maximizing Healing Through Dedicated Care

Where Eir truly differentiates itself is post-procedure care. Instead of generalized advice or unsuitable products like alcohol or ointments, clients are provided with an airtight, sterile saline spray intended for daily use before and after showering.

Melin stresses that most complications arise when clients deviate from expert guidance. She notes that in thousands of piercings, only two infections occurred, both directly attributed to clients ignoring aftercare instructions (one involving a “mud rave,” the other using a contaminated solution).

Key Aftercare Directives:

• Avoid Submersion: Steer clear of pools, oceans, or soaking the piercing during the initial healing phase.
• Hands Off: Do not touch, rotate, or apply pressure to the jewelry.
• Protect the Area: Avoid sleeping directly on fresh cartilage piercings and prevent lotions or makeup from contacting the wound.

Helix piercings typically take about six months to fully heal. A crucial follow-up appointment is scheduled approximately one month after piercing to assess progress and shorten the post length if required—a step many studios skip, which can lead to complications.

Eir Piercing appeals to a diverse clientele: first-timers nervous from past experiences, those seeking specific curated ear styling, and even international clients who value Melin’s expertise enough to fly in for continued care. By treating piercings as an intentional form of self-expression backed by unparalleled safety standards, Eir Piercing sets a new benchmark for the luxury body modification industry.

Global K-Pop sensation EXO is set to grace the Singapore Indoor Stadium stage on July 26, marking the group’s highly anticipated return to the city-state after nearly seven years. The full-group performance is part of their freshly unveiled world tour, EXO Planet 6 – EXhOrizon, promising fans a powerhouse evening of anthems and new material.

This tour date signifies a crucial milestone for the group and their dedicated local fanbase, known as EXO-Ls, as it represents their first complete group concert in Singapore since the EXO Planet #5 – EXplOration tour in 2019. That performance predated a period of mandatory military enlistments and a subsequent hiatus that saw the group’s trajectory temporarily shift.

A Triumphant Return to the Full Stage

The EXO Planet 6 tour officially launches with a three-night residency in Seoul at the KSPO Dome, beginning April 10, timed just after the group’s 14th debut anniversary. After the kickoff, EXO will embark on an intensive Asian circuit, visiting major cities including Ho Chi Minh City, Nagoya, Bangkok, Macau, Osaka, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Tokyo, and Kaohsiung, before concluding the extensive run in Singapore.

Attendees can expect a dynamic setlist that spans the group’s extensive discography. Chart-topping classics like “Growl,” “Call Me Baby,” “Love Shot,” and the aggressive “Monster” are virtually guaranteed to generate high energy. The group will also showcase tracks from their most recent album, Reverxe, integrating their latest sound into the live experience.

Maintaining the Momentum in Singapore

While the full group’s concert hiatus in Singapore has been considerable, local fans have not been entirely without EXO content. In the past year, several members sustained a consistent presence through solo engagements, demonstrating the enduring strength of the brand.

For instance, Kai brought his solo tour, KAION, to Singapore in June, delivering a high-energy performance focused on his solo discography. D.O. followed suit in August, captivating audiences with his distinct vocal style during his solo tour. Most recently, Baekhyun successfully wrapped up legs of his inaugural solo world tour, making appearances in November and May 2024. These individual ventures kept the members connected with their international audience while the group was adjusting to post-enlistment activity.

The collective return of EXO affirms their status as leaders in the second generation of mainstream K-Pop, continually demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving music industry.

Planning Your Concert Experience

As of press time, ticketing details for the July 26 concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium have yet to be released. Prospective attendees should monitor official announcements from concert organizers and the venue for information regarding sales dates, pricing tiers, and accessible seating options. Demand is expected to be exceptionally high given the seven-year gap since their last full-group engagement.

This highly anticipated show adds significant weight to Singapore’s already packed calendar of live music events, reiterating its status as a pivotal destination on the global touring circuit for major international acts.

Singapore’s newest concept, Medusa, reimagines the traditional Italian osteria not as a quiet, rural haven but as a destination for high-energy revelry, blending bold 1960s Roman design with celebrated Roman cuisine. Located strategically at South Beach Avenue, this 76-seat venue comes from the Fortuna Group, known for the popular Craig Road establishments Fortuna and Fortuna Terrazza, immediately setting a high bar for both ambiance and culinary execution. Medusa officially opened recently, offering diners a vibrant, luxe experience focused on iconic dishes and flavours from the Eternal City.

Design Fuses Diner Aesthetic with Decadence

Stepping into Medusa is an exercise in sensory immersion. Eschewing the typical rustic Italian aesthetic, the space is drenched in crimson hues, anchored by checkered floors and striking red settees that subtly nod to a classic American diner. However, the overarching theme is pure luxury vintage, evoking the glamorous era of mid-century Rome.

The entrance area is designed for spectacle, featuring an impressive array of LED lighting, expansive mirrors, and ceiling clusters of shimmering disco balls—a setup clearly engineered for social media moments. This focus on atmosphere enhances the restaurant’s appeal as a “vibes-first” venue perfect for celebratory gatherings and post-work drinks, particularly given its proximity to the adjacent South Beach office towers.

The restaurant is a personal passion project, conceived by Fortuna Group founder Egon Marzaioli as a heartfelt tribute to his wife, a native of Rome.

Roman Classics Lead a Confident Menu

Backed by the culinary success of its sister restaurants, Medusa faces significant expectations regarding its food offerings. The menu is a comprehensive celebration of Roman gastronomy, featuring regional specialities rarely found outside of Italy, alongside perfected classic pasta dishes.

Start with traditional antipasti like Supplì al Telefono (deep-fried Arborio rice balls) or the highly recommended Burrata Fritta ($26). This starter features a satisfyingly crunchy, breaded shell yielding to creamy cheese, balanced by carbonara cream sauce, black pepper, guanciale, and a bright touch of lemon zest (rated 4/5).

While staples like Tonnarelli cacio e pepe ($28) and Spaghetti carbonara ($32) are present, exploring some of the concept’s more innovative takes is rewarding. The Cappelletti ($38), deemed a standout, comprises ricotta-stuffed morsels served in a rich, buttery prawn bisque similar to a signature dish at Fortuna, finished with lemon zest, basil oil, and raw prawns (rated 4/5). Diners can also sample other fresh pasta varieties with a $10 half-and-half top-up.

For main courses, the menu offers a strong selection of thin-crust pizzas and heartier Roman fare.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Pizza Romana Mortazza & Pistacchio ($35): This creamy base pizza, featuring generous mortadella shavings, stringy stracciatella, and a subtle pistachio mayo, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional orders (rated 4/5).
• Porchetta ($42): A heavier dish of flavourful pork belly and crispy crackling, though its accompanying truffle-infused mash felt overly rich when paired with the cut (rated 3/5).

Diners can also choose from the Pinsa Romana selection, offering different toppings served on thicker, crunchy, Roman-style bread slices, such as the Broccoli Pinsa ($22).

Cocktails and Dessert: A Sweet Finish

No Italian meal is complete without dessert. Medusa’s Truffle Tiramisù ($18) is a dramatic, cylindrical presentation enhanced by tableside shavings of truffle crumble. While its chocolate and sweetness dominate, favouring a less boozy profile, those seeking stronger coffee and liquor notes might prefer the Fortuna version (rated 3/5).

The bar features an array of Greek mythology-inspired cocktails. The signature Medusa cocktail ($30) blends date-infused rum with smooth cream and dehydrated banana, leaning towards the sweeter side, while options like the gin-based Diana offer a sharper profile.

Overall, Medusa earns a strong four out of five, proving itself to be a competent culinary destination where the exceptional atmosphere seamlessly elevates the entire dining occasion.

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Need to Know:

• Location: 26 Beach Road, South Beach Avenue, #B1-22, Singapore 189768
• Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm–3pm and 6pm–10pm.
• Takeaway: This venue is best experienced for its atmosphere, making it ideal for dine-in celebrations.

Holland Village, renowned for its diverse, relaxed dining landscape spanning bars, cafes, and late-night supper spots, is welcoming a celebrated veteran of Singapore’s Chinese food scene. Dong Fang Mei Shi (东方美食), a long-established favourite in Chinatown, has expanded its authentic Northern Chinese offerings with a new outlet in the vibrant neighbourhood, promising the same cherished comfort food and flavours that built its loyal following.

For those seeking hearty, flavour-packed Northeastern Chinese cuisine, Dong Fang Mei Shi offers an extensive menu of classics, ranging from comforting dumplings to fiery skewers. The new Holland Village location (10 Lor Mambong) ensures that fans outside the CBD can now easily access their famed dishes, served daily from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m., catering to both lunch crowds and late-night diners.

Authentic Northern Chinese Staples Arrive

Dong Fang Mei Shi specializes in the distinctive, often robust flavours of Northeastern Chinese fare, appealing to both seasoned aficionados and newcomers eager to explore the regional cuisine. The restaurant is widely recognized for its commitment to authenticity, replicating traditional cooking techniques and ingredients.

Diners consistently praise the restaurant’s diverse offerings, which delve deep into Chinese comfort food territory. Key specialties that have long anchored the Chinatown menu and are available at the new outlet include:

• Grilled Skewers: A signature draw, featuring juicy meats and mushrooms, often priced affordably per stick, making them ideal for sharing or late-night bites.
• Xiao Long Bao: Classic soup dumplings, a staple of regional Chinese cuisine.
• Beijing Noodles with Soy Bean Paste: A hearty, savory dish representing a core Northern Chinese preparation method.
• Fried Fat Intestine: A texture-driven delicacy popular among adventurous eaters.

Recommendations for Your First Visit

When navigating the extensive menu, seasoned patrons often point to a few must-try dishes. The simple yet satisfying Pan-Fried Meat ($12.80) is a highly recommended starter. This dish features perfectly battered meat fried until crisp and served alongside a contrasting tangy dipping sauce.

For those who favour heat, the Sautéed Dried Chicken with Chilli & Pepper, prepared in the intense Sichuan, or Chongqing, style ($12.80), delivers a powerful kick. Additionally, neglecting the restaurant’s skewers would be a mistake; the array of grilled meats and vegetables are essential components of the Northeastern Chinese dining experience.

The opening of Dong Fang Mei Shi in Holland Village confirms that the restaurant is focused on consistency. Management has confirmed that the new branch will adhere strictly to the successful operational model and recipes of the original Chinatown location, ensuring that the transition for loyal customers is seamless and the expected high-quality food remains invariant.

Expanding Singapore’s Culinary Footprint

The arrival of Dong Fang Mei Shi further solidifies Holland Village’s standing as a prime dining destination, balancing established late-night haunts and new culinary ventures. For residents and visitors alike, the new location offers accessible, quality Chinese comfort food well into the late hours, enhancing the neighbourhood’s already magnetic appeal.

The move exemplifies a trend among successful, localized eateries expanding their reach across the island, bringing regional specialties to diverse communities. Diners can find the new establishment a short walk from Holland Village MRT at 10 Lor Mambong. For menu updates and visuals, the restaurant maintains an active presence on Instagram.

An international tea brand is revolutionizing how consumers perceive and experience the ancient beverage. Through a collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board and the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), Chagee has unveiled “Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie,” an immersive exhibition running until June 7, 2026. This multi-sensory installation blends cultural history with contemporary art, inviting visitors to engage with tea not just through taste, but through sight, sound, scent, and touch, culminating in a riverfront pop-up shop serving the brand’s signature drinks.

Engaging All Five Senses in a ‘Tea Reverie’

Moving beyond the traditional image of tea as a silent, delicate affair, the exhibition positions the daily ritual as a meditative, holistic sensory journey. Located within the ACM, the installation guides patrons through several distinct zones, each focusing on a different sense.

The experience incorporates visual art and design elements influenced by the tea manufacturing process. Highlights include a striking, calming sculptural piece whose form echoes the natural curves of freshly harvested tea leaves. An elevated aromatic zone allows visitors to explore the complex fragrances that distinguish various brews, while a display visually links historical tea vessels—found in the museum’s collection—with Chagee’s modern, minimalist takeaway cups, bridging centuries of tea culture.

Perhaps the most surprising element is the sound-based display, which captures the distinct rhythms of tea preparation—from water boiling to the gentle rustle of leaves—transforming these everyday noises into a tranquil, ambient score. These interactive, deliberate installations are designed to compel attendees to slow down, heighten their awareness, and fundamentally reconsider the role of their daily cup of tea.

Riverfront Pop-Up Offers Tasting and Collectibles

Following the contemplative museum experience, the journey continues outside to the waterfront. Chagee has temporarily taken over the Baker & Cook space, operating a pop-up store until its full return in July 2026. This area functions as a communal tasting and social hub where visitors can enjoy fan-favorite beverages, including the highly popular and aromatic Bo Ya jasmine green tea, alongside other signature offerings.

Beyond the refreshments, the pop-up features a curated selection of exclusive merchandise. Among the distinctive products, which include branded porcelain cups and scented candles formulated with Chagee tea notes, the limited-edition pony plush charm is proving to be a highly sought-after collectible. The charm, available in two colorways, subtly narrates the history of tea commerce. It pays tribute not to the current zodiac but to the horses that historically traversed ancient trade routes, carrying precious tea leaves across continents. A localized touch is evident in the charm’s design, which features subtle Merlion-inspired detailing and a miniature teapot referencing the ACM’s historic vessels.

The limited-edition pony plush charm is available as part of a bundle with a drink for $17.90 while supplies last.

Planning Your Visit

“Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie” is housed within the Asian Civilisations Museum and requires an All Access ticket for entry. For Singapore citizens and permanent residents, the ticket is priced at $12, while tourists can gain entry for $25. This collaboration underscores a broader trend in the lifestyle market: using innovative, immersive experiences to elevate everyday consumption, connecting brand identity with deep cultural and historical narratives. Visitors are advised to allocate time for both the exhibition and the adjacent pop-up to fully appreciate the blend of art, culture, and flavor.

Singapore’s international music festival circuit, which has seen notable departures such as Laneway Festival and Garden Beats in recent years, is set for a significant revitalization this April with the inaugural Palm Tree Music Festival. Founded by globally renowned DJ Kygo, the celebrated lifestyle event is scheduled to make its Asia tour debut, bringing its signature blend of top-tier electronic music, premium amenities, and bespoke experiences to the Lion City. The multi-act show promises a major infusion of global electronic sounds, headlined by titans of the genre alongside emerging acts, marking a powerful return to the large-scale music event landscape for Singaporean fans.

Spotlighting the Lineup and Festival Vibe

The initial lineup for the Singapore debut underscores the festival’s commitment to high-calibre electronic dance music (EDM) talent. Confirmed headliners include US house maestro John Summit, Swedish progressive house veteran Alesso, trance heavyweight Marlo, and techno sensation Layton Giordani. For local EDM patrons, the event will be particularly noteworthy as it marks a swift return for Summit and Alesso, who both delivered sold-out shows in 2023. Additionally, fans of high-energy techno will get their chance to catch Giordani’s Singapore debut, further diversifying the sonic palette of the festival. Organizers have hinted that additional acts will be announced soon, building anticipation for a full day of diverse electronic sounds.

Co-founded by Kygo, whose real name is Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll, the Palm Tree Music Festival concept was born out of a desire to redefine the festival experience. Originating as a relaxed, sun-drenched boutique gathering in the Hamptons, the event has since expanded into a global property, hosting iterations in upscale locales including Aspen, Napa Valley, and St. Tropez.

More Than Just Music: A Luxury Experience

Unlike traditional, solely music-focused events, Palm Tree Music Festival aims to curate a complete luxury lifestyle atmosphere. Past editions have featured a sophisticated mix of elements designed to elevate the attendee experience, moving beyond just the stage performances.

Key components that define the Palm Tree experience include:

• Premium Amenities: Featuring dedicated shaded lounges, chill-out areas, and artfully designed stage installations.
• Gourmet Offerings: An emphasis on high-quality food and beverage options, transforming the standard festival fare into a culinary experience.
• Boutique Activities: Small-scale workshops and unique experiences designed to engage attendees beyond the main stage.

This focus on creating an immersive, high-end environment with a laid-back, “palm tree” aesthetic—evoking the coastal, carefree lifestyle—is what differentiates it within the competitive international festival market. The forthcoming Singapore edition is expected to uphold these elevated standards, offering a fresh format to local festival-goers.

Ticket Information and Key Dates

Demand for the festival is expected to be high, given its reputation and the star-studded lineup. To secure access, prospective attendees should note the following critical dates for ticket purchases:

• Exclusive Presale: Registration for early access is highly recommended and must be completed by 11:59 PM on January 29th. The presale formally begins at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 30th.
• General Sale: Public tickets become available starting at 10:00 AM on Monday, February 2nd.

Tickets for the event are priced starting from $190. Further details and registration links are available via Ticketek Singapore’s official channels.

The arrival of the Palm Tree Music Festival is a significant boost to Singapore’s position as a regional hub for music and lifestyle events. It signals renewed interest from major international promoters in the city-state, promising diverse, high-quality entertainment options for music enthusiasts across Southeast Asia.

Tea enthusiasts and culture seekers are invited to reimagine their daily brew at the “Garden of Senses: A Tea Reverie,” an immersive, multi-sensory exhibition running in Singapore from now until July 2026. Global tea brand Chagee has partnered with the Singapore Tourism Board and the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) to present an experience that elevates the modest beverage from a simple drink to an engaging cultural and artistic journey. The collaboration features a dedicated exhibition space exploring the history and sensory elements of tea, complemented by a temporary riverside pop-up store serving signature Chagee beverages and exclusive merchandise.

Engaging All Five Senses: Inside the Tea Reverie

The core exhibition, located within the ACM, challenges visitors to experience tea through all five senses—sight, sound, scent, touch, and, notably, contemplation. Instead of focusing solely on flavor, the installation guides patrons through a series of zones designed to heighten sensory awareness and encourage a slower, more deliberate appreciation of the drink.

Key highlights of the immersive experience include:

• Sculptural Installations: A tranquil area featuring forms inspired by the delicate structure of tea leaves, promoting calm and reflection.
• Aromatic Zones: Dedicated spaces where various tea fragrances are isolated and brought to life, showcasing the complex olfactory profile of different blends.
• Visual Pairings: A striking display uniting historic tea vessels—many drawn from the museum’s collection—with Chagee’s contemporary takeaway cups, bridging ancient tradition and modern consumption.
• Auditory Meditation: A unique soundscape installation that translates the rhythmic processes of tea preparation, such as water heating and pouring, into a calming, meditative soundtrack.

These interactive elements aim to shift perception, positioning tea not merely as a refreshment but as a central player in cultural expression and daily mindfulness. Access to the exhibition is included with the ACM’s All Access ticket, priced at S$12 for Singapore citizens and permanent residents, and S$25 for tourists.

Riverfront Pop-Up Offers Signature Sips and Collectibles

Following the sensory journey, the experience extends to a vibrant riverfront pop-up store, temporarily housed at Baker & Cook. This retail space serves as the tasting component of the reverie, allowing visitors to sample Chagee’s popular selections, including the highly aromatic Bo Ya jasmine green tea. The location is designed as a communal space for relaxation and enjoyment, offering views of the waterfront ideal for people-watching.

Beyond beverages, the pop-up features exclusive, time-limited merchandise that pays homage to the world of tea and regional heritage. Notable collectibles include scented candles inspired by Chagee’s tea profiles and limited-edition porcelain cups.

Perhaps the most unique item is a limited-edition pony plush charm, released in two colorways. Far from referencing the current zodiac animal, the pony serves as an historical tribute to the horses that facilitated transcontinental trade, transporting valuable tea leaves along the ancient trade routes. Furthermore, the charm subtly incorporates Singaporean motifs, featuring Merlion-inspired details and a tiny teapot nodding to the historic vessels on display at the museum. The collectible charm is available in a bundle with a drink for S$17.90 while supplies last, cementing its status as a highly sought-after collectible among both tea enthusiasts and history buffs.

By seamlessly blending art, history, and modern consumption, Garden of Senses successfully redefines the cultural significance of the ubiquitous tea cup, offering locals and tourists alike a fresh perspective on this age-old ritual.

Singapore’s international music festival circuit is set for a major revitalization this April with the arrival of the Palm Tree Music Festival. Founded by world-renowned DJ Kygo and his team, the boutique electronic music event will mark its anticipated Southeast Asian debut, bringing a distinctive blend of top-tier electronic acts, high-end amenities, and laid-back luxury to the city-state. This announcement signals a welcome return to the global performance calendar, filling a void left by the departure of several key local festivals, including Laneway and Garden Beats, in recent years.

High-Caliber Lineup Announced for Singapore Debut

The inaugural Singapore edition of the Palm Tree Music Festival will feature an impressive lineup of global electronic dance music (EDM) heavyweights. Headlining the debut are three significant international acts known for commanding massive crowds: John Summit, Alesso, and Marlo.

Notably, the festival also marks the Singapore arrival of US-based techno sensation Layton Giordani, offering fans their first opportunity to experience his high-energy sets locally. Both John Summit and Alesso are returning to Singapore following successful, sold-out shows performed in 2023, confirming their enduring popularity within the regional market. Additional musical acts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, further diversifying the festival’s roster.

From The Hamptons to the Lion City: A Unique Festival Concept

The Palm Tree Music Festival originated as an intimate, sun-drenched gathering in The Hamptons, New York, focusing on a curated lifestyle experience rather than pure scale. It has since evolved into a traveling series, successfully migrating to exclusive destinations globally, including Aspen, Colorado; Napa Valley, California; and St. Tropez, France.

The festival’s appeal lies in its commitment to blending high-quality electronic music with upscale experiences, differentiating it from traditional outdoor music events. The signature Palm Tree Festival environment includes:

• Premium Amenities: Shaded lounges, comfortable chill-out zones, and immersive art installations.
• Stage Design: Visually striking, high-production stage designs and sound systems.
• Gourmet Focus: Elevated food and drink options, often featuring local or artisanal vendors.
• Unique Offerings: Small-scale workshops and lifestyle experiences accompany the musical performances.

Past installments have featured influential acts such as Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, and Blu DeTiger, establishing the event’s reputation for securing significant talent.

Securing Your Tickets for the April Event

Enthusiasts are advised to prepare for the on-sale dates, with ticket prices starting at S$190. To ensure access to the earliest inventory, prospective attendees should note the following key dates for Ticketek Singapore:

• Exclusive Presale: Begins Friday, January 30, at 10 am. To gain access to this limited presale, fans must register their interest beforehand, with the registration window closing at 11:59 pm on January 29.
• General Sale: Public ticket sales commence on Monday, February 2, at 10 am.

The arrival of the Palm Tree Music Festival is a notable development for Singapore’s entertainment calendar, signifying the city-state’s continued resurgence as a regional hub for major international lifestyle and music events. The festival offers a timely alternative for audiences who value premium live experiences combined with cutting-edge electronic music.