When vinyl music and cocktails meet in cafe concept

1 min readUpdated May 30, 2025Oct 4, 20188:32 AM

In this article (5)

Singaporean music enthusiasts Kurt Loy and Darren Tan have celebrated the renaissance of vinyl records with a bar in a new venture on Ann Siang Road.

White Label is a bar and record store in a single space where the duo hope to enthuse a new generation to share their passion for vinyl. Their last venture was record marketplace app #vinyloftheday.

“We are very happy to be working with Analog Vault to present to Singapore’s music community and music lovers our labour of love,” said Tan at a media preview. “We aim to provide a unique and all-encompassing experience in music where you can have a drink, discover and buy new music, enjoy live performances and DJ sets.”

Loy and Tan hope White Label will become more than a bar, becoming a community space to showcase underground culture and alternative music. They plan to present a curated collection of vinyl from local and regional stores and host live events, including a two-day popup on october 12 and 13 featuring Jazzy Sport.

On the bar side, White Label will serve cocktails, craft beers and wine.

White Label is at 28 Ann Siang Road and trades from 11am to midnight Tuesday through Sunday.

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What this means

White Label's move on Ann Siang Road represents a shrewd play for experiential retail, blending hospitality with niche product sales in a high-density market. This approach pressures traditional retail by offering a compelling reason for consumers to visit a physical space, akin to Tiffany & Co.'s upcoming Blue Box Cafe, which also merges dining with brand experience. While the concept isn't entirely new, its focus on community building around vinyl culture offers a distinct advantage over pure-play retailers. The primary risk lies in sustained interest beyond the initial novelty given Singapore's dynamic F&B scene. This strategy appears likely to work by creating a destination for specific cultural enthusiasts. We will be watching for the number of community events hosted and their attendance figures.

Rajiv Menon · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What kind of experience do Kurt Loy and Darren Tan aim to offer at White Label?

They aim to provide an all-encompassing music experience where customers can drink, discover and buy music, and enjoy live performances. It is designed to be a community space showing underground and alternative culture.

When can customers visit White Label and what are its opening hours?

White Label trades from 11 am to midnight, Tuesday through Sunday. It is located at 28 Ann Siang Road.

What type of products will be available at White Label besides records?

The bar side of White Label will serve cocktails, craft beers, and wine. The record store will feature a curated collection of vinyl from local and regional stores.

Will White Label host special events or performances?

Yes, they plan to host live events and DJ sets, aiming to become a community space. A two-day pop-up featuring Jazzy Sport is planned for October 12 and 13.

Reader pulse

Is this hybrid concept viable long-term?

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