Setting the Stage...at the Grocery Store

Vol. 46 | Cozy and cool collectives where music comes alive

Author

Valerie S.
August 20, 2025

Photo Credits: Beans&Beats

Hey there,

Some exciting news – Music Musings is growing! 🌟

It still feels surreal that more people are finding their way into this little music space, and even from across the world at that. I think it’s a good sign that there are kindred folks out there searching for great music, and that the songs and insights I share here has a place in people’s playlists.

So here’s me dropping a quick message saying hello and a big thank you for tuning in to this music space! I’ll save the longer note in the coming newsletters or so, but I’m so excited to have you here and I hope you’ll continue to tune in and explore great music, whether it’s within your go-to streaming platforms or attending music events 🫶

Speaking of music events, the social party scene has been going through a refreshing evolution. As someone who’s always been more into the ambiance and the music over the sweaty chaos of packed dance floors, I’m loving how clubbing is no longer just about loud EDM and late-night escapism.

These days, DJs and event curators are putting real thought into the music, even creating cool merch and graphic caps to go with the branding. I’m totally with the idea that great club music shouldn’t just be confined to the darkness of the night, but should also be integrated to our daily lifestyle, no matter which time of the day or night it may be.

This week, I’ll be sharing some collectives and spaces outside of your usual go-to bars that may catch your vibe. We’ve come a long way since the usual night outs at Zouk, and I’m glad the clerb is becoming more of a vibe-centered experience.

Where’s your favourite place to listen to dope music? I’d love to check them out! 🙌

Your music explorer,

Val ♫

(P.S If you are reading this in your email, please click “Read Online” at the top-right corner next to the date for a better reading experience!)

In this week's setlist:

☕️ Beans&Beats: A New Brew of Fresh Sounds and Roasts

Trade in your usual night-time vodka for a cup of iced coffee at this daytime clubbing collective that’s all about staying lit without getting drunk.

Launched just a year ago, Singapore-based collective Beans&Beats has built a loyal following among millennials and Gen Zs who are looking for alternatives to the traditional nightlife scene. Their mission is simple: serve up great coffee and even better vibes, all before dinner time.

I was lucky enough to attend their official launch back in July 2024, and I’d say that it has got some amazing DJs to bring you all the afro, amapiano, funk and hip-hop you need to party. It’ll take a while to re-orient your senses if you’re used to a dark event venue that smells like a big alcoholic mix, but trust the vibe and the caffeine running in your veins – it’ll get you grooving in no time ✨

If you’re someone who loves the clubbing energy but also values a good night’s sleep (we get it, everyone’s getting old 🤣), this one’s for you.

Where to find them: They change venues per event, stay tuned to their Instagram page to find out their next sesh!

🌳 The Cozy Cove: Jam Sessions at the Heart of Cordillera Range

Photo Credits: @thisbandmusicph

Let’s go back to the usual café spots with live music setups, only this time, we’re wearing sweaters in Baguio City, one of the few populous places in tropical Philippines that boasts fantastically cool weather even during the summer.

True to its name, The Cozy Cove by Nine Degrees North Records offers warm lighting and natural outdoor backdrops as the stage for their live performances. By day, it operates like any other restaurant in a mountain lodge, but come nightfall, it transforms into an intimate campfire-style session — giving listeners the rare chance to enjoy their favorite artists up close while soaking in the chilly mountain air.

I’ve always been drawn to the visual charm of this place, and I love how it brings big-name artists into a small, personal setting. I knew I had to give it a shoutout sooner or later. My only hope is that it stays this magical until I finally get the chance to return to Baguio.

Where to find them: Mountain Lodge, 27 Leonard Wood Rd, Baguio, Benguet, Philippines

🕺 Music Collectives that are Raising the Roof

It’s not just Asia jumping on the sober day-clubbing trend — places around the world are embracing the movement, with DJs delivering hot vibes in the most unexpected, everyday settings. Check them out!

Bakery Beats, Anyone? This charming bakery in Antwerp, Belgium is putting the rave in bread craves. You’ll see people toasting with baguettes and sourdough breads in no time.

Coffee Rave Chapters are in Session: This three-storey coffee shop in Belgrade, Serbia is serving up piping hot EDM tunes similar to Singapore’s Beans&Beats events. I’m foreseeing global coffee rave collective being developed really, really soon.

@everything.belgrade

Came for the coffee, stayed for the techno ☕️ #belgrade #coffeeshop #coffeeshopvibes #fyp

Fresh Beets & Beats on Aisle 3: Bag both your groceries and a good time at this supermarket in Amsterdam, where the DJ is serving up bangers fresher than the poultry and produce.

@mrbeltandwezol

A fruit & veggie store rave? Only in Amsterdam 🇳🇱 #amsterdamdanceevent #mrbeltandwezol #housemusic #whitneyhouston #itsnotrightbutitsokay

Meaty Patties & Juicy Mixes [Limited Time Only!]: Now that you’ve finished your bread, coffee and grocery runs, it’s time for a quick bite at your usual burger place. But this isn’t your typical burger joint — Zula Burger in Istanbul, Turkey turns your casual meal into a banger with DJs spinning hit after hit.

@louis.bekk

Taking over Zula Burger 🍔🎧 #raveculture #housemusic #ravetok #dj #louisbekk #musictok #istanbul #electronicmusic #london... See more

🎼 Lyric of the Week

❝

Minsan ay 'di mo rin ba maipinta /
Ang aura ng 'yong mukha? / Nagtataka / Nandiyan pa ba?
—

(Do you also sometimes fail to paint / The aura of your face / Do you ever wonder / Is it still there?)

🎶 New Music This Week

Back The Way We Came by Coming Up Roses: Here’s an easy listen for your main character train rides on a happy day. This track also can pass off as The Cranberries’ sunshine alter-ego.

What’s It Gonna Take? by thebandfriday: The song starts with a ‘70s synth riff, and then goes outright alternative. In any case, the beat gets your head bopping.

Inspired by this week’s music picks?

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