Icons Of The Former Butter Factory On Their Nightlife Journey And Vision
The OG Singapore Club Kids have spoken
Bobby Luo and Ritz Lim can be said to be the fairy godmothers of Singapore nightlife, having co‐founded one of the coolest clubs here in the 2000s: The Butter Factory – popularly referred to as Butter for short. And while the club closed in 2015, its spirit lives on through the dizzying array of parties the colourful duo continues to organise – this time with the help of Nathanael Ng and Stefan Kwang, who started out as club kids at Butter and have since become indispensable collaborators. (Ng handles the social media for their various events while Kwang takes care of partnerships, PR and VIP guest relations.) Here, Luo, Ng and Kwang share more about their nightlife journey and vision.
BOBBY, YOU’VE GOT SO MANY PARTIES UNDER YOUR BELT: BABY BOY; MISMATCH, WHICH PLAYS HOUSE MUSIC; THE NU‐DISCO NIGHT YUM YUM DISCO DONG; COLLABORATIONS WITH OTHER PARTY ORGANISERS – THE LIST GOES ON. WHY HAVE SO MANY DIFFERENT NIGHTS?
Bobby Luo (BL): “The parties are mostly instinctive. I don’t really plan anything in advance. My life has always been centred around nightlife, and I follow the philosophy that life is a party and the party is life. This also means that variety is the spice of life for me and explains why I branch out so much. I love reinvention, and trying out and experiencing new things, so I’m always looking for ways to add a twist to something that already exists.”
Bobby Luo and Ritz Lim (in blue and red respectively in the above left photo) are arguably the most fashion‐forward icons of Singapore nightlife with not only their outre thematic party fits, but also their cultural endeavours.
OF ALL THE PARTIES, THE ONE YOU THREE WORK TOGETHER MOST CLOSELY ON IS THE HIP‐HOP‐CENTRIC BABY BOY, BUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP GOES WAY BACK. TELL US MORE.
Nathanael Ng (NN): “The first time I worked with Bobby was for the Bash‐up parties at The Butter Factory, which were done in collaboration with Mash‐up, the fashion label I started with Shaf Amis’aabudin and Daniela Monasterios Tan. (Like the brand, these nights were fun, light‐hearted affairs big on youth energy, with electroclash beating over the speakers.) After Butter closed, we held a pop‐up night in 2017, for which we brought in Stefan to help. It was then that I decided to ask Stefan and Bobby if we could do a hip‐hop‐slash‐R&B queer night because we’ve always liked this genre, but were going to hip‐hop and R&B clubs that weren’t very queer‐friendly. That was how Baby Boy was born!”
Nathanael Ng
Stefan Kwang (SK): “I recall telling Bobby that very same night that we really need our own night for the community. His immediate response was ‘Let’s do it!’ ... What I truly appreciate about Bobby and Nat is that everything they do comes from their hearts. It’s never about doing something for popularity or profit. For years, we’ve thrown parties that barely break even, and have had to pay out of our own pockets to keep them running, but we do so willingly for the attendees and because we enjoy doing what we do.”
Stefan Kwang
SHARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORIES ON THE DANCE FLOOR.
NN: “Going to the after‐party of the Audi Fashion Festival here in 2009, where Gareth Pugh headlined, and meeting artist Matthew Stone, who poured alcohol into my mouth, was a highlight. Oh, and MOS (short for the now‐defunct mega club Ministry of Sound, which originated in London and was located where present‐day Zouk is) was always fun. I loved its disco room as well as its spinning podium platform.”
READ MORE: Meet The Legends And VIPs Of Singapore’s Nightlife Scene
BL: “One of my favourite memories is from 1991 during the weekend that Zouk first opened. Walking through the doors and hearing the club’s music for the first time was mind‐blowing. (Right up to the 2010s, Zouk was famous for its progressive music that earned it the title of one of the top clubs in the world multiple times.)
In 2006, Bobby Luo (left) and Ritz Lim (right) co‐founded the seminal The Butter Factory, which drew heavily from pop culture for its playful, high‐octane design and programming, and welcomed all sexualities beyond its velvet ropes.
A friend brought me to the podium near the DJ console and pointed out a guy who was dancing like no one I had ever seen before to Groove Is in the Heart by Deee‐Lite: It was Ritz. That was the night I met my soulmate – a life‐changing moment that would lead to a relationship that has now lasted 32 years. And that was the genesis for the 32 years of parties, clubs and festivals here and around the world that we’ve lost our minds to ...
Another unforgettable experience was in 2007, when Alan Seah (one of Singapore’s most prominent advocates for LGBT+ inclusion) asked if Ritz and I would help gather signatures at The Butter Factory for the Repeal 377A petition. We printed flash cards, raised awareness and collected signatures from our straight regulars, many of whom didn’t even know what Section 377A (the now‐repealed colonial‐era law that criminalised consensual sexual acts between men) was. Those who signed the petition became our allies. That really resonated with us, as Ritz and I were the queer co‐founders of Butter, and it was incredibly affirming to see our straight patrons support us in pushing for positive change for our community during those pre‐Pink Dot years.”
While Bobby Luo and Ritz Lim wound down The Butter Factory (above) in 2015 as they were not able to find a new permanent space for it, the duo has not stopped pushing the nightlife needle, organising multiple pop‐up nights and events that celebrate fashion,music and – most of all – creatives and the queer community.
AS OBVIOUS AS IT MIGHT SEEM, WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGES TO PARTY CULTURE?
BL: “Back in the 2000s, things were simpler. People were fully in the moment on the dance floor, with no distractions beyond the music and the people around them. There were no smartphones to interrupt the vibe. Now, even if you’re not at the party, you’d probably see it on social media, with everyone capturing moments and sharing them instantly.
READ MORE: The Queer DJ's Shaping Singapore's Rave Future
DJ culture has shifted. These days, people tend to face the DJ console as compared to before, when it was more about the crowd and the energy on the dance floor. Of course, the way people connect has also evolved. Parties used to be about meeting new people, making real social connections on the dance floor and even hooking up. I’m not saying it was better back then. Every era has its own unique vibe and the spirit of partying, be it now or then, has remained equally wild and hedonistic – different times, same level of raw energy.”
DESCRIBE PARTY CULTURE IN 2024.
SK: “There has definitely been no shortage of parties post‐Covid‐19 pandemic! There’s always so much going on and to discover, which is very exciting. I also feel that overall, the scene is livelier and more outgoing, with a stronger focus on unique and high‐quality experiences.”
NN: “Most organisers now try to be more queer‐friendly and inclusive. I’m seeing a lot of straight venues booking queer DJs and performers for their parties.”
Bobby Luo and Ritz Lim bring their Club Kid flair to life with outrageously bold club attire.
BL: “The party scene feels a lot less heteronormative now, which is great. Another big change is with locations. It’s no longer just about clubs any more. People are drawn to more intimate gatherings and underground parties because of their unexpected, unconventional venues.
There’s a lot more emphasis on welfare and safe space policies, especially around consent and zero hate tolerance, with organisers implementing clear codes of conduct, and taking steps to ensure that all partygoers feel safe and respected. And we’re seeing rave and party initiatives extend beyond the dance floor to draw focus to community‐building and support. For example, the independent party collective Intervention has been working with the women’s non‐profit organisation Aware on engaging sectors of the community to look into the issue of violence against women as well as training to help people deal with sexual assault in queer nightlife, adding an extra layer of safety at events ...
Pre‐rave or party activities have also become more intentional, helping to build trust and strengthen the community beyond at the event itself. There’s a real push to make party culture safer and more inclusive for everyone.”
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WHAT DO YOU NOT LOVE ABOUT PARTY CULTURE NOW?
NN: “With so many parties popping up, it’s hard to not clash dates with another party.”
SK: “The lack of suitable venue options for alternative parties”
BL: “Sometimes, it feels like the emphasis is more on capturing the perfect social media moment instead of encouraging one to be fully present, and immersed in the music and vibes. I miss the rawness and spontaneity of an era before things became so curated.”
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WITH SO MANY PARTIES TODAY, WHAT SETS THE ONES YOU GUYS THROW APART?
NN: “For me, it’s always about the music. It has to be music that we enjoy, and we’re very strict with the music genres at our different parties.”
SK: “Thematic music as well as performance‐forward programming are two factors, but what I’ve always loved and enjoyed about our parties is the diversity of our guests, who all come from different scenes and communities. I find that quite magical.”
BL: “I believe there’s enough space in the party landscape for everyone and it’s a good thing that people have many options these days. What sets our parties apart is our drive to present an interesting point of view in nightlife and our commitment to staying true to the music that we’re passionate about. We must always bring something meaningful to the scene.”
Besides bringing together music and fashion lovers, and fostering inclusivity in nightlife, The Butter Factory was known for its support of emerging creatives and often collaborated with them on art projects as well as special nights such as Bash‐up (above) – a partnership with local fashion label Mash‐up. Today, Mash‐up designer Nathanael Ng remains a close collaborator to The Butter Factory’s co‐founders Luo and Lim.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WANT YOUR PARTIES TO BE KNOWN FOR?
NN: “Actual, endless, non‐judgemental fun”
SK: “Unforgettable experiences that are joyous, expressive and authentic”
BL: “I want to be known for connecting people, and creating spaces where music and community come together, where everyone feels welcome, celebrated and able to fully express themselves. A party can be life‐changing whether it’s because new friendships are made, one finds acceptance, or simply because you get to experience a moment of release and joy. After all, I met my soulmate on the dance floor ... Parties are about giving people a place that’s rooted in human connection, good times and good energy.”
READ MORE: Singapore Nightlife: Best Parties And Raves Of November 2024
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO KEEP THE PARTY GOING?
SK: “Personally, it’s always the guests who find joy in the nights we put together. And being surrounded by amazing talent makes it easy and fun to programme a night.”
BL: “Parties are more than just about having fun. To me, they’re the heartbeat of Singapore entertainment and culture, and help foster a sense of belonging, drive innovation and support local talent. Parties are where music, fashion, art and dance intersect and offer a form of escapism. They’re a playground for self‐expression, and where young people and marginalised groups can find safety, form their identities and discover their tribes. The dance floor has always been a stage, a sanctuary and a community. And don’t forget that at their core, parties are all about the music.”
Scenes from The Butter Factory, which existed first at Robertson Quay and then One Fullerton during the heydays of electroclash and indie sleaze in the 2000s (though its hip‐hop room was ultra‐hot too).
WHO ELSE IN SINGAPORE’S PARTY SCENE IS EXCITING YOU NOW?
NN: “I think Endless Return, Intervention and (the drag and burlesque performer) Lychee Bye, who hosts zodiac‐themed Sunz parties, are all great. The 5210PM collective is fun too.”
SK: “In addition to Nat’s list, I love Bussy Temple and appreciate (the drag bar) Thugshop for its amazing work. Of course, I’m also grateful to Hard Rock Cafe for providing a home to some of our signature nights.”
BL: “And to add to Nat and Stefan’s list: Orbit, Adults Do Hard Dance, HardThrob, Ringtone and Dream
House – plus a shout‐out to all the organisers of the various kiki balls. To be honest, Ritz and I are of the age where it’s just not physically possible to attend every party. Between our own nights, we have
to force ourselves to press pause at the weekends whenever possible, but it’s so inspiring to see so many youths pushing the boundaries of nightlife, events and parties.”
THIS INTERVIEW HAS BEEN EDITED FOR BREVITY AND CLARITY.
This article first appeared in the November 2024 Party Edition of FEMALE