Last weekend saw Singapore erupt with bustling energy, courtesy ZoukOut 2015. The Sherp was there to give you a lowdown on one of Asia’s best electronic festivals!
For those of you who don’t know, ZoukOut is an annual outdoor festival that takes place on the second weekend of December at Siloso Beach on the stunning island of Sentosa, which is just off the main island of Singapore. ZoukOut is the crown jewel of Zouk, one of the leading club properties in the world. The club itself has been responsible for getting some of the biggest names of dance music since 1991 and remains on the roster of many major acts touring Asia till date.
On arrival, The Sherp realised why the venue is one of the highlights of this festival. There’s ample of space on this island, and is away from the commotion of Singapore. 40% of the crowd this year comprised of tourists. People flocked to ZoukOut from all across the world!
ZoukOut is the festival which many believe has been responsible for creating the market and the appetite for festivals in Singapore and the effect of that has led to the creation of many more music festivals across Southeast Asia, but nothing has yet matched the prowess of ZoukOut.
The festival’s growth has remained organic. It’s focused on enhancing the experience on a very grassroots level even as other festivals keep cramming more stages and more names into their schedule.
The noteworthy moments in ZoukOut were aplenty –
When DJ Snake made it to the stage on Day 1, he managed to cause a huge surge in the crowds. As it was his first time in Singapore, his set was chaotic brilliance!
Headhunterz infused the much needed raw energy with his set, thereby elevating the manic levels on Day 1 to insurmountable heights!
To bring a fitting end to the festivities of Day 1, there was Tiesto! ZoukOut takes place over a widespread venue, and you could literally see the shift in the crowd when Tiesto took over the mainstage. Heavy basslines, intense energy – the hype is all real. Tiesto remains undisputed!
Day 2 draw of the start was the only 20-year-old Oliver Heldens. The Dutch producer was absolute carnage, scoring himself an incredibly powerful set!
R3hab played some sick bass and remixes, which included one of our favourites of the year, his remix of ‘How Deep Is Your Love’.
The moment Axwell ^ Ingrosso were on stage, the ‘One Last Tour’ feels kicked in. Steve Angello was missed in spirit, but full marks to the Swedes for putting on a show!
Armin returned to ZoukOut after four years. Mid-way during his set, he said “Singapore, if you want to experience what trance is, I want you to close your eyes and raise your hands up!” Easily, the most profound moment of the festival.
The entire crew of Zouk was up on stage, which marked the end of a massive day 2! A big shoutout to Zouk for giving the crowd another year of madness!
There was no expense spared at this flamboyant beach fest! Fireworks were aplenty! Kudos to the pyrotechnics that accompanied each set. ZoukOut 2015 had a remarkably chill vibe, with the added incentive of rain!
It is truly THE festival to experience for any music lover!
Thank you ZoukOut 2015! Until next year.
(all image credits: Colossal Photos, ZoukOut Facebook)