Matcha While You Rave? Inside Singapore’s Latest Party Series
Raving with a matcha in hand might just be the latest way to let loose in Singapore.
By now, you’ve probably heard of day parties or sober socials where people ditch alcohol for caffeine and community. But Singapore’s latest iteration is something a little more… green. Enter: matcha raves – powered by high vibes, not high spirits.
That’s the idea behind Exposure Therapy, a fresh-faced collective started this June offering a new kind of party; think electronic beats, mindful connection, and matcha lattes instead of vodka sodas.
We keep hearing that “nightlife in Singapore is dead,” or that people just aren’t into clubbing culture anymore. Maybe we’re too exhausted from the work week to party into the early morning. Exposure Therapy is here to shift that narrative, with day raves that run from afternoon to evening, where you can bust a move on the dance floor with a matcha in hand and still be in bed by ten.
Raving with a matcha in hand? Yes, please!
WHO’S BEHIND IT
Exposure Therapy is a new events collective started by two Gen Zers - Shahan, 24, and Harp Gill, 23. The former, who began DJ-ing in 2023, has played both locally and overseas, including at the sold-out Peace Out Festival in January 2024. Gill works full-time in the corporate sector and brings a focus on structure and community.
Their first event, a “matcha rave” at RASA, blended tea and club culture in an unlikely pairing. “We didn’t know how people would react, but the energy was better than expected. From the start, there was this mix of curiosity and openness,” says Shahan.
THE VISION BEHIND EXPOSURE THERAPY
Born from a desire to reimagine what nightlife and social connection could feel like, Exposure Therapy aims to create a space that’s just as exhilarating but without the downsides of alcohol, hangovers, or staying out till sunrise.
With a love for energy, music, ambiance, and that familiar sense of community that comes with raves and club culture, the duo found a symbol for this shift: matcha.
Let loose and re-energise yourself while sipping on a matcha at Exposure Therapy’s raves.
“It’s energising yet calming, mindful yet social. We envisioned a daytime rave where you can dance, connect with others, and feel fully present. The idea really came to life when we realised Singapore was missing a space like this: one where music, wellness, and meaningful connection meet. So we decided to build it ourselves,” Gill shares.
Exposure Therapy is about creating a conscious party culture, one that restores instead of depletes. They’re curating a full-sensory experience, from the rhythm of music and the vibrant taste of matcha, to the warmth of community and the freedom to just be yourself. So if you’re looking for a space where you can dance, connect, and leave feeling lighter than when you came, Exposure Therapy might be it.
WHAT TO EXPECT
It’s like stepping into a rave but without the late-night chaos. The music is upbeat, the lighting is fun, and everyone’s genuinely there to enjoy themselves, not just to zone out.
Instead of a cocktail or beer, you’re handed a cup of matcha which sets a whole new tone for the night. You’ll see people dancing like no one’s watching, others chatting in circles, and cozy corners set up for anyone who just wants to breathe, reset, and take it all in. It’s energising, but with intention. Social, but not overwhelming. You leave feeling refreshed, not wrecked.
Tired of dancing? Well, you can take a break and chat at the cozy corners with your friends and refresh yourselves with a matcha.
WHY IT’S WORTH A VISIT
Venues are selected with this exact intention: can the space elevate a sober rave? Will guests feel free enough to let loose, without needing substances to do so? Each setting is meant to foster that kind of openness and ease.
Who says you need alcohol to have fun? At Exposure Therapy’s raves, you can still make meaningful connection with others over a cup of matcha.
Their DJ sets echo this philosophy too. The team intentionally selects DJs who want to teach through their sets, not just play what’s trending. “We’re after DJs who care about guiding the crowd into new sounds and experiences. It’s about creating a vibe where people can discover something fresh and unexpected, not just dance to what they already know,” says Gill.
And when it comes to collaborations, especially for matcha, Exposure Therapy works with brands that align with their values and crowd. They love supporting emerging businesses with real potential. After all, their name is Exposure Therapy — so giving exposure to the right partners only makes sense.
Exposure Therapy teamed up with Hello Arigato for their first matcha rave to bring people good quality matcha while breaking a move on the dance floor.
WHY THIS KIND OF PARTY HITS DIFFERENT NOW
Exposure Therapy isn’t trying to replace nightlife. They’re trying to expand it. People are evolving, they still want to connect, listen to music, and express themselves, just without waking up the next morning with regret and a headache.
In the past, the only way to get that rush was through late nights and alcohol. Exposure Therapy is offering an alternative — a gentler, more intentional way to feel that same communal high.
With that in mind, they’re committed to staying true to their brand, continuing to build new ways to expand the experience, and creating spaces where people can come alive.
THEIR NEXT RAVE
If you missed their debut, don’t worry. Their next event is happening again at RASA on August 16, from 3pm to 8pm. This time, they’re adding a pilates class before the rave. Yes, you read that right, wellness and raving in one go.
From mat to matcha, the focus is on presence, energy, and tuning in, before you let loose.