Latest news with #coffeeRave
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Clubbing without alcohol in bright daylight: What is ‘coffee rave', the new music and cafe trend brewing in KL?
KUALA LUMPUR, June 1— There's a new party trend making waves across town — you go clubbing to dance music, but not at night... and certainly there is no alcohol involved. Get your latte on and join in these 'coffee raves'. Imagine a nightclub with a DJ and upbeat music, but with a twist. Instead of alcohol and a late-night setting, it features a variety of coffee drinks and takes place in the morning, which could begin at 7am or 10am, depending on the organisers. The DJ is still there, spinning upbeat tracks, but the atmosphere is all about starting your day energised, fuelled by caffeine and good vibes. It can also be a good opportunity for anyone to network and socialise. The events are inclusive and family-friendly, welcoming everyone from young families to couples on a first date. 'Coffee raves' provide good networking opportunities.. minus the hangover. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa What's best is that raves end early, so you can still go for brunch, run errands, or relax afterwards, all without a hangover. Though it's called a coffee rave, it's not always just about coffee — many venues are happy to serve other drinks upon request. Still, that's not the case everywhere, as some locations stick to the purist approach: at a coffee rave, it's coffee and nothing else. As club snacks typically involve finger foods, at a coffee rave, you can expect dishes such as pastries and cookies instead. Which morning person came up with this idea anyway? The trend began to grow in popularity across Europe and Australia, particularly in Brisbane and Melbourne. Looking through the internet, it has also made waves around the US and across India, such as Mumbai and Delhi. More recently, Singapore hosted its own version at a venue called Beats & Beans. The outlet most recently celebrated its first anniversary on May 24, with a party which started at 2pm. The venue flew over producer Y3LLO from Yangon, Myanmar and featured local DJs Joon and Ling, who had performed at their first ever coffee rave. The trend has since spread to Malaysia, where many cafés are now looking to bring the experience nationwide. When and why is the trend growing in Malaysia? While clubs and bars remained a popular go-to spot for Malaysians to unwind throughout the 2010s, the coffee rave trend was still in its early stages, and only recently has it begun to gain traction nationwide. 'I think it's partly because people are always looking for new, fun ways to socialise and the idea of mixing music, dancing, and coffee just hits differently,' said Priscilla Lee, 39, organiser from UP KL for their event yesterday. Lee added that though the trend started in Europe and Australia, Malaysians are making it their own version. 'It's not just copying the West, it's adapting it to our local culture and energy,' Lee added. Will the 'coffee rave' trend in Malaysia like in Australia, India, Europe and the US or will it fizzle out is too early to say at the moment. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa However, according to Lee, these have mostly been smaller pop-up events and occasional café parties. 'Some were more like early morning yoga and dance events with coffee after, while others leaned into the music scene a bit more.' Lee noted that she believes UP KL's event stands out because it brings more structure and energy to the overall concept, setting a new standard for how such events can be done locally. What's special is the vibe, it's like a proper party, but in the morning, which Lee describes as a mix of amazing coffee, feel-good music, people dancing, and everyone simply being in the moment. 'It's a chance to start your day with high energy and connect with others in a super positive way,' Lee added. The event at UP KL is especially meaningful because it involves a collaboration with one of their favourite cafés, and Kenny Hills Coffee Roasters is also taking part. 'We couldn't be more excited,' she said.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Morning music and mocha vibes: KL's arguably first coffee rave redefines clubbing culture without the booze
KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Julia, 30, would sometimes stay up all night for a party — but yesterday morning she decided to try something different. Instead of dressing up, she was just wearing a white top and yoga pants. The music was still bumping, but caffeine took the place of cocktails. 'What I really love about this event is that it takes place in the morning,' she told Malay Mail, a cup in her right hand while she swayed to the DJ. Meanwhile, Hershey, 29, who shared a table with her, said it was something different from what she had experienced before. Dance music and coffee together may not be a common combo, but felt just as refreshing, she said — similarly clad in casual top and cardigan. Julia (white shirt) and Hershey (left) drinking coffee and having a great time during the coffee rave event at UP Kuala Lumpur on May 31,2025. Picture by Yusof Mat Isa A mellow morning high: Coffee, cardio and community The duo were among dozens who turned at UP KL for what could be the first of a major 'coffee rave' in Kuala Lumpur — a twist on clubbing that starts early in the day, with a vibe that is more chill. First spotted across Europe and Australia — particularly in Brisbane and Melbourne — coffee raves seem to have picked up pace in India and neighbouring Singapore, where the venue Beats & Beans just celebrated its anniversary earlier this month. Yesterday, the crowd started filling in the first-floor café at 10am. Sunlight poured through the glass as espresso machines hissed and bass lines pulsed softly through the café's walls. In one corner, Paul Bobrowski — better known as DJ Pauly B — was cueing up uptempo beats on his deck. In the other, a barista was pouring up cups after cups from the espresso machine. 'We are definitely not the first, and hopefully we are not the last, and I feel like this is something we would like to create for the community for people to have more things to do during the day,' said Priscilla Lee, 39, organiser of UP KL for the event, in collaboration with the renowned Kenny Hills Coffee Roasters. 'For example, after you work out, you can come over, enjoy some music, and have some coffee or a pastry, which I think is a very good and positive thing to have.' 'I believe it's a first-time experience for many, and I see many people are in a good mood,' said Boborowski, as he spun records ranging from Afro house, funky house, to minimal techno. He noted that while nightclubs usually only pick up the pace later at night, the coffee rave had kicked off early. 'It's better for my sleep schedule,' he told Malay Mail, jokingly. A man prepares coffee during the coffee rave event at UP Kuala Lumpur on May 31,2025. Picture by Yusof Mat Isa Still brewing: Can Malaysia vibe with daytime raves? Attendees were thrilled by the fresh concept, but admitted that it is still early days for coffee raves in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. 'It's not common to have a DJ and a clubbing-style concept combined in this way — it's something quite new here,' said Jun, 21. He admitted that now people from all backgrounds could experience the clubbing culture, in a way that is not necessarily tied to alcohol. Lee said she hopes for more coffee rave events under UP KL in the future, and aims to partner with more cafés to bring the experience to Malaysians again. 'Whether this happens will depend on the success of the inaugural experience,' she said. Cincin, 24, felt that the environment was relaxed and welcoming, noting that everyone seemed free to communicate openly, which made the atmosphere especially pleasant. What stood out most for her was the vibe created by the DJ and music. 'Nowadays, many people are feeling stressed. If I come here on the weekend, I feel like I can let that stress go,' she said. Whether Malaysians will trade tequila shots for triple shots remains to be seen — but for now, this party's just getting started.
