Japan is known for its eclectic vinyl bar subculture, and for audiophiles, stepping into RPM by D.Bespoke is an escapade in itself. Since it first opened in 2019, the 30-seater vinyl shrine, owned by former singer Daiki Kanetaka, has garnered a cult following. The love for records here is an obsession: walls filled with vinyl records in the floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves; two gigantic vintage JBL speakers hovering above the bar; and even the namesake takes reference from the technical term “revolutions per minute”, which is used to tell the frequency of the record spinning on a turntable.

Kanetaka’s extensive collection of vintage records spans from genres such as jazz, funk, and ’80s Japanese city pop to even local and regional hits. By the bar, the programme is focused on Japanese shochu alongside tailored cocktails and Japanese whisky. But to get acquainted with shochu, order a tasting flight to sample, which depending on availability, may boast shochu brewed from sweet potatoes as well as chestnuts.

RPM by D.Bespoke
Address: 16 Duxton Road, S(089482)

Vinyl records have always inspired Adrian Leong, the founder of multi-concept lifestyle brand Tin Box Group, in shaping the identity of his music-led venues. Simply Analog is no different. The vinyl bar preserves the retro charm by exclusively curating music from a voluminous record collection but also balances contemporaries of today with a pedigree of modern mixology. So much so that the team formulated a quaffable cocktail album that draws reference from music’s greatest hits.

Looking for disc-jockeying action? Pop in on Wednesdays and Fridays where vinyl turntables are primed for veteran DJs. These live performances—a key element to the group—will cajole to the crowd’s preferences with curated playlists, elevating the overall analogue listening experience.

Simply Analog by Tin Box
Address: 34 Keong Saik Road, S(089141)

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Forget modern music streaming platforms where algorithms replace intuition. At Slow Boat, Singapore’s first vinyl-listening cafe, guests can pick out a vinyl record of their choice and play it on a player for a profound listening experience. Slow Boat founders, siblings Kathy and Kevin Chu, simply wanted to create a relaxing place where people can enjoy listening to music. There are over 600 records of varying genres, from the modern hits of Taylor Swift to the classic sounds of David Bowie, including those produced in the 1960s that still sound incredible today. To enhance the listening experience, the siblings tap into their penchant for coffee and whiskies to serve up a modest beverage curation and would, perhaps, even plate up some dishes in the future.

Slow Boat
Address: 45A Craig Road, S(089683)

Masterminded by music and film industry veterans Eric Chan and Simon Chia, Vertigo26 is a sanctuary tailored for both seasoned audiophiles and the new generation of music fans who want to experience the analogue warmth that only vinyl records can provide. Hidden from plain sight, the vinyl bar calls the basement of the Mint Museum of Toys home. A pledge to the analogue warmth of the vinyl, which is said to be more conducive and less harsh on the ears as compared to digital sources, one can revel in crisp and clear music and yet still hold down a proper conversation.

Besides the urbane interiors, high-quality speakers and a vinyl collection spanning over 1,000 records, the space is also transformative—turning into a bar when the clock strikes five o’clock, where you will find head bartender Cedric Seth (formerly of Horse’s Mouth) shaking up slick cocktails while the kitchen dishes out hearty Singaporean and Japanese-inspired nosh.

Vertigo26
Address: 26 Seah Street, MINT Museum of Toys Basement, S(188382)

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