Veteran DJ Aldrin Quek shares his soundtrack to Singapore

The director of music at the recently opened private members’ club 1880, shares his soundtrack to the Lion City

1. "Somerset" by Gabby

Somerset is an area in downtown Singapore that I hold close to my heart. I remember watching movies at the now-defunct Orchard Theatre at Grange Road and grabbing ice cream at Magnolia Bar, where The Centrepoint now is. In my teens, I’d polish the floors of the mall with my breakdancing moves. It amazes me that 30 years later, Somerset still retains the essence of a youth hang-out, thanks to spaces such as *Scape, a mall with a skate park and boutiques owned by young entrepreneurs.

2. "Blanche" by .gif

I enjoy electronica, and the edgy sound of this song is right up my alley. Its music video also reminds me of the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct, a cultural hub that is home to a number of design schools, museums, heritage buildings and places of worship. The area has become much more vibrant since my days spent there as a student at St Joseph’s Institution – the campus is now the Singapore Art Museum.

3. "We Satellites" by Electrico (Aldrin & Akien Regrooved Mix)

This remix first debuted at Siloso Beach in Sentosa, during the annual beach party ZoukOut (this year’s is held on December 8 and 9) in 2008. I played the sunrise set and its uplifting vibe was truly apt for that 8am happy ending on the beach.

– TEXT BY CARA YAP

This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.