The Blackbird: This New Live Music Bar Has Industry-Backed Wind Beneath Its Wings

A new live music establishment takes to the skies of the scene (Credit: Courtesy of The Blackbird)

Do you remember a time when we didn’t have the luxury of live music? Soaring far far away from that grim silent reality is a new concept that’s just begun to spread its wings. Catering to Singaporeans’ love for live music is The Blackbird, a fresh music bar that’s just hatched at Gillman Barracks, the edgy enclave that’s hosted its fair share of art exhibitions, gigs and the odd pop-up rave or two. It hints at the prospect of scurrying away from the city centre for a huddled yet energised hideout; to unplug from the daily grind and crank up your escape to 11. The Blackbird could very well be your new nest.

The Blackbird is located within a black-and-white property at Gillman Barracks (Credit: Courtesy of The Blackbird)

The presence of local live music establishments might seem like a dime a dozen these days, but The Blackbird stands out particularly with the masterminds who’ve given it life. The fledgling 250-seater is the progeny of four co-founders who flaunt a wealth of collective experience in the music, arts and F&B industries. Holding the reins are Surath Godfrey who’s a seasoned performer and guitar store owner, Danny Loong who leads the Timbre Group, Raeza Ibrahim who chairs the Pangdemonium theatre company, and Brandon Leung who co-conceptualised the Kanshoku Ramen chain. Together, these four musketeers have pooled their wisdom and resources to launch this shared passion project. And for live music fans, their efforts do not disappoint.

Expect performances from established bands like Shirlyn & The UnXpected (1), Reverie (2) and Havana Social Club (3) [Credit: Courtesy of The Blackbird]

The Blackbird intends to be a platform for all sorts of genres, shredding across the spectrum from classic rock and Cuban to funk and blues. It’s also a stage that exudes a stellar level of professionalism with a roster of renowned local bands who are legends in the homegrown bar gig circuit. Within its first few weeks, The Blackbird has already invited the likes of Reverie, Shirlyn & The UnXpected, Havana Social Club, Jack & Rai and The Day Trippers, all armed with their honed repertoires of anthems and favourites.

“The Blackbird is a dream opportunity in Gillman Barracks – an area with tremendous potential to become Singapore's next food, arts, and music haven,” shares Surath. “Gillman has a central location, ample parking space, and generous public space set amongst natural greenery, allowing us to organise larger meaningful events in line with the place-making effort of a new and refreshed Gillman Barracks. We are incredibly excited to be part of this and privileged to be able to feature some of Singapore's most talented musicians and bands."

(Credit: Courtesy of The Blackbird)

The Blackbird, 8 Lock Road, Singapore 108936, +65 6904 3536. Open Tue-Thu 5pm-midnight, Sat 12pm-1am, Sun 12pm-midnight. Follow their Instagram page for more information.