The attendees, a mix of Gen Zers and millennials, came ready to rave, dressed in everything from sage green linen to latex bustier tops.
They danced to mixes by local DJs — Vijay Singh, Liana Azman, and Shahan, Gill’s co-organizer. Shahan, 24, has been working in the Singapore nightlife scene for years, organizing events and DJing.
The music was a blend of pop and EDM, and the highlight of the evening for me was a fiery remix of South African singer Tyla’s TikTok-famous song from 2024, “Water.”
A night out in Singapore is costly and taxing, Shahan said. Public transport in the city largely stops after midnight, meaning clubbers need to take a cab home. And the country’s alcohol taxes are among the highest in the world.
Daytime, sober parties like the matcha rave solved many of those problems.
“You actually make proper connections and friends this way, compared to when you’re drunk,” he added. “On top of all that, you’re still able to go for dinner after, and be in bed by 10 p.m.”
Rayve Chai, a 39-year-old analyst who attended the matcha rave, said he wasn’t a huge matcha fan. But he said he loves music and used to be a big club lover.
“Although parties start at 11 p.m., the crowd only comes in at 1 a.m.,” Chai said.
“I want to go to bed early, or else I won’t be able to function the next day,” he said.