Seven reasons not to miss ZoukOut 2007

If you can ignore the hassle of actually getting to the party, this annual dance festival should be on your calendar. Sabrina Lee tells you why 

1 Euro-Slide 
Let your inner child out as you venture down the largest inflatable waterslide this side of Asia. Yes, it has occurred to us that slip-sliding for 50 metres isn’t the best idea when you can’t even walk straight, but why not take a chance? After all, the A.J. Hackett Bungy jump at Double Six in Bali is still in business. If you’re going to throw up, it might as well be after the wettest ride of your life. 

2 Fabulous IQ of David Gunn 
The only local band to effectively pull off experimental electro is also making a rare appearance at ZoukOut – don’t miss this chance to meet them face-to-face. A word of caution: Don’t even breathe the name of celebrity hairstylist David Gan near these rock stars; they’ll sock ya if you do. This show is a treat for any musical anarchists who revel in the rebellious glory of X’Ho.

3 Booka Shade 
The co-owners of record label Get Physical are famous for their engaging live sets. The duo, made up of Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier, has just remixed Dave Gahan’s (of Depeche Mode) new solo single ‘Kingdom’. And with artists like M.A.N.D.Y., Samim and Chelonis R. Jones signed to the same label and touring extensively, these guys clearly know what they’re doing. Check out one of the hottest live acts right now to rock every festival they’ve invaded this year– Loveparade, Ministry of Sound Festival (Sydney), Detroit’s Electronic Music Festival and Global Gathering. 

4 James Murphy and Pat Mahoney 
Murphy – frontman of LCD Soundsystem – and band mate Mahoney share time as producers for the label DFA Records. At ZoukOut, the pair will inject rock-infused electro melodies with tribal rhythms to get you grooving. And for those who are addicted to bass, you will get goose bumps. 

5 Âme 
German duo Kristian Beyer and Frank Wiedemann take it deep with their brand of tech house. You’ll completely lose yourself in the music, and their track selections never disappoint – they usually include remixes of artists Chateau Flight and Coldcut. The title track ‘Rej’, produced by Âme, is one of the biggest dance floor anthems this year. Let’s just pray they’ll drop it like it’s hot. 

6 Carl Cox and Gilles Peterson 
As you try out the newer acts, slot in some time on your dance card to say hello to old friends. Fixtures of the global DJ circuit, Cox (pictured right) and Peterson have played at numerous Zouk gigs and are always at the top of their game. It’s no surprise they have a huge fan base in Singapore; being able to catch them both on the same night is pure bliss. 



7 The beach 
With the IR invading our shores next year, this could very well be the last time you’ll get to party at music festivals along Siloso Beach. For those of you who enjoy the night breeze in your hair while rubbing up against sweaty strangers, this could also be your last chance to say ‘I survived ZoukOut and all I got was this lousy T-shirt’. Exclusive Rip Curl & ZoukOut co-branded event merchandise will be on sale for $32 each. 

ZoukOut invades Sentosa on 8 Dec.