Blu Jaz Café

Blu Jaz Café is one of the coolest places to hang out if you want a night out but don’t want to dress to the nines for it. The place is packed on weekends with a good looking crowd who come here for the live jazz music and guest DJs. The bar also holds regular gig nights and has hosted bands such as Indus Gendi, Allura, Lion City Orchestra, The Mighty Mighty, Shelves and Basement In My Loft. 11 Bali Lane, 6292-3800.

Home Club

This self-proclaimed “Home of the Singapore Underground” has played host to a slew of indie bands and gigs. Friday nights are usually the preserve of the indie scene, and usually there will be gigs (Pre-Beat) and album launches before Beat!, an indie-rock party with DJs Ginette Chittick, Joe Ng and George Chua taking turns on the decks. Home Club, 20 Upper Circular Rd., 6538-2928.

Prince of Wales

This no-frills Aussie watering hole in Little India is a regular meeting place for fans of live music, and has been a launch pad for most of Singapore’s indie bands. No pretense here, just music real and raw from its regular rotating roster of acts. 101 Dunlop St., 6299-0130.

Roxy Records & Trading

This mom-and-pop store in the heart of Excelsior Shopping Centre has been around since 1962 selling all sorts of music. It is one of the very few places in Singapore where indie musicians and labels can drop off their demos and albums for sale and distribution. It’s also a favorite for club and bedroom DJs as it stocks a diverse catalogue of dance music and other obscure finds. #02-15 Excelsior Shopping Centre, 5 Coleman St., 6337-7783.

Straits Records

This stalwart of the indie music scene specializes in local, as well as foreign indie, reggae and alternative music. Started in 1995, Straits is also a record label to serve the hardcore punk scene here and has put out CDs for local bands such as Cesspit, Plain Sunset and Force Vomit. 49 Haji Lane, 9769-4837.

TAB

If you like your music live and loud, check out TAB. This new two-story space features local artists like Kevin Matthews, Vanessa Fernandez, 53A, Jack & Rai, Jon Chan performing original material as well as foreign artistes like Chris Cope, Angie Mattson, Ryan Cabrera and The Album Leaf. #02-29 Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Road, 6493-695.