Why Singapore’s coolest parties now end at 10pm

Singapore’s club culture has been defined for decades by bass-heavy beats, bottle service, and nights that bleed into sunrise. But what happens when a group of bedroom DJs decide the party should end by 10pm?

Enter 5210PM, a collective of young creatives redefining what partying looks and sounds like in Singapore. By championing underground sounds, inclusive vibes and alternative timings, the group is nudging local nightlife into a gentler, more intentional rhythm — one that ends in time for the last train home.

The name says it all: 5210PM parties typically run from 5pm to 10pm, a deliberate choice born from the collective’s roots. “When we first started DJing, we would jam from 5pm to 10pm at home,” says Atiq, a 23-year-old nurse who co-founded the group with Javan, a 23-year-old architecture student. “That first session was a turning point — it let us enjoy music on our own terms.”

Javan had never been much of a nightlife person until he discovered local daytime events hosted by Ice Cream Sundays and Darker Than Wax. These opened the door to Singapore’s alt-party scene, eventually leading him to pick up DJing alongside Atiq.

“Our early jamming sessions were in my bedroom, and that became the ethos of what we do — embracing the ‘bedroom DJ’ identity,” says Javan, who now handles production design for 5210PM. He sees each event as a chance to apply his architectural training, transforming unconventional spaces across the city into dynamic, sonically rich party venues.

Joining them not long after was Loy, a 26-year-old dance artist with a self-professed aversion to big gatherings. “I used to avoid crowds at all costs,” he admits. “But one night in Berlin changed everything — I stood in a club till 8am and actually wanted to be there. That’s when I realised the power of the right kind of gathering.”

Loy brings a sharp ear and sensitivity to each 5210PM event, handling sound programming and working closely with venues to ensure each party feels immersive, not overwhelming.

As the trio found its groove, the collective expanded to include Gayle, a 23-year-old videographer, and Belle, a 24-year-old freelance designer. Javan roped in Gayle to run their social media channels, a role she’s shaped through trial and error and pure visual instinct.

“My background is in film, so I started by making video montages of our parties,” she says. “Now, I handle everything from creative strategy to capturing partygoers’ memories — it’s really special watching it all come to life online.”

Belle’s journey into DJing began at 19, inspired by the raw, hypnotic energy of underground clubs like Headquarters and Tuff Club. A chance encounter with HAAN, a resident local DJ known for his genre-blending sets, lit the spark. “I wanted to recreate that moment he gave me,” she recalls. “Years later, I found myself DJing for MODAL — a party series HAAN co-founded. It felt like a full circle.”

Belle’s approach to DJing is deeply people-centric. “It’s not just about the music you play — it’s the people you meet along the way,” she says. A spontaneous trip with the 5210PM crew sealed her role in the collective. “They said okay, I booked my flight, and now I’m stuck,” she laughs.

From community to culture shift

Together, the five form a tight-knit unit with diverse sonic tastes and life experiences. But their parties speak in a cohesive language — equal parts fun, curiosity, and community. “We don’t really categorise our sound as experimental,” says Javan. “But it’s definitely different from what you’d hear at a mainstream club.”

Expect house, disco, electro, and the occasional curveball. The venue might be an underground location, a bar, or an old depot. The crowd? Open-hearted and eclectic.

The collective is also committed to keeping its events accessible. “Partying shouldn’t be a luxury,” they stress. “High rents make it tough, but we believe in keeping tickets affordable.” This ethos extends to their community outreach. In 2024, 5210PM collaborated with Life In Arpeggio for a month-long “The Party Exposure” pop-up at *Scape, spotlighting emerging and establishing collectives and running open decks for fellow bedroom DJs. “It’s about making space — literally and figuratively — for new voices,” says Atiq.

That spirit of experimentation has only intensified post-pandemic. “People are more intentional now. They want meaningful experiences, not just high-energy bangers,” says Loy. “Our smaller scale allows us to interact with the crowd — we see who’s vibing, who’s discovering something new.”

Still, challenges remain. “The word ‘party’ still carries a negative connotation here,” says Javan. “It can be hard to find venues willing to take a chance on us.” Even so, the crew has found allies in unconventional spaces like The Coup, Southern Depot, and Orh Gao Taproom — venues that share their openness to alternative formats.

Reimagining the rhythm of the city

As nightlife continues to evolve globally, 5210PM is watching Singapore’s scene shift slowly but surely. “We don’t think early-night parties reflect a rejection of nightlife,” they clarify. “It’s more about people trying something new — and being open to different rhythms.”

The collective also notes a growing appetite for underground sounds. “People are curious and adventurous now,” says Atiq. “Genres like techno are gaining real traction, and that’s exciting.”

Looking forward, the team dreams of ever-more unusual formats. “We joke about throwing a party from 5am to 10am,” says Javan. “Imagine a sunrise DJ set with breakfast being served. That would be the dream.”

Ultimately, 5210PM isn’t just throwing parties. They’re building a culture — one where music, intention, and inclusivity come together at golden hour. “A thriving underground scene should be accessible, affordable, and inclusive,” says Javan. “We want to keep creating the kind of energy and space that lets people see partying differently.”