Doesn’t it feel good to support live music? Lithe House is a mainstay of Singapore’s independent music scene. It is a place where musicians grow. It is where fans experience something special.
Lithe House operates from a shophouse on Madras Street. It sits between a traditional herbal treatment store and a mamak shop. Anvea Chieu and her husband founded it in 2010.
For over a decade, Lithe House has been a home ground for many bands. Rookies cut their teeth here. Favorite bands return for shows again and again. Darell Laser said Lithe House is willing to provide a platform. It doesn’t matter if you are an established band or a new band playing your first gig.
Anvea Chieu is passionate about Lithe House. She wants to uphold Singapore’s music scene. She wants to enable artists to be heard. Gerard Nadaison remembers being nervous before his band’s early shows. Lithe House was super hospitable. This really helped.
Lithe House offers a unique community experience. The venue is intimate and cozy. It’s a floor space where everyone gets close. There is no stage. The band sets up on one end of the room. The audience crowds around them. Being so close creates a direct connection. It feels like a shared experience.
The community spirit extends beyond the music. People hang around outside Lithe House between sets. They grab a cold one with friends. They talk and chill.
Lithe House faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. They launched a fundraising campaign to stay alive. The community stepped in to save the venue. They surpassed their fundraising goal in less than 24 hours. The donations covered rent, bills, and maintenance.
Lithe House is more than a venue. It manages Lithe Records. It oversees the Museum of Independent Music Singapore. This archives Singapore’s independent music history. Lithe House also plans to resume rehearsal bookings.
Lithe House is one of the few venues left. It has become more than just a live music venue. People have an emotional attachment to it. Lithe House provides a space for free expression. It’s a creative space for musicians. History is on the walls. It documents the rise of Singapore’s music scene.
Lithe House has assisted bands like Forests and Yumi. It hosts international acts. It promotes local music. Many local alternative bands have performed or watched a show here. It is truly a storied institution. Lithe House is a place where musicians and fans connect. It is a vital part of Singapore’s music community.