Looking to fill the itinerary of a weekend ahead? Aren’t you just a tad sick of the usual party hangout spots ie. Zouk (of course), shopping malls and mamak shops?
If you are, it’s about time you start exploring someplace else. This exclusively curated list makes for an excellent beginner’s starter pack to KL’s underground lifestyle, so hop on!
1. Under9, Kuala Lumpur
What better way to get yer groove on underground music than literally being underground? Tucked discretely under a basement somewhere in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, this covert venue is akin to being in your parent’s garage churning out experimental bedroom tracks one after the other. Just think of Under9 as a misfit – proudly hosting alternative shows for independent self-made DJs and musicians when all the other mainstream venues turned them down.
If you’re seeking for something other than your usual Chainsmokers EDM-esque fare, Under9 promises not to disappoint.
Photo credit via TimeOut
Photo credit via @under9.kl
Photo credit via @under9.kl
Where: Bangunan Ming Annexe, No. 9, Jalan Ampang, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
2. Minut Init Art Social, Petaling Jaya
Establishing an intriguing concept of an art-social space, this unassuming venue lies deep within the heart of Damansara Uptown that holds an eclectic bag of creative expressionisms from the melancholic singer-songwriter fare to exhibiting visionary works of independent local artists.
One of the event highlights offered by this imaginative space is their much sought-after Drink & Draw sessions – this refreshing concept plays around the idea of expressing oneself through drawings of visual art while the DJ plays a dope live set in the background to keep those creative juices flowing.
Where: 29A & B, Jalan SS21/37, Uptown Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya
3. Teenage Head Records, Subang Jaya
Audiophiles, listen up! Your friendly neighborhood record store, this independent establishment run by an enterprising husband and wife team brings back the satisfying joy of collecting vinyls and CDs like how it was done back in the yesteryears. A dying interest to start with, Teenage Head Records aims to satiate the needs of this niche market by offering an extensive fare ranging from the good old rock n’ roll records to a more contemporary collection with the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead.
Image credit via @teenageheadrecords
Image credit via @teenageheadrecords
Photo credit via @whoisaffiq
Photo credit via @rszhijing
Where: No.20, Jalan SS14/1, 47500 Subang Jaya
4. Gaslight Cafe & Music, Bukit Damansara
Have you heard of the term ‘slam poetry’? Or perhaps witness a female beatboxer spitting out a mean string of rhymes?
If it’s a no for both, Gaslight Cafe & Music is the definite place to go where conversations and creative exchanges can be made in a cosy environment. Hosting an impressive slew of acts a few times a week, do keep a tight lookout on their Facebook page for the latest gigs, most of which require a small nominal fee to support budding artists.
But who’s to complain when you’re in good company, amiright?
Where: 15, Plaza Damansara, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Image credit via Juice Online Malaysia
Image credit via @mieapache
Image credit via @ranessance
Image credit via @waniardy
Image credit via @binfilem
Header credits to Minut Init and @rszhijing
