AXEAN Festival 2023: 10 Regional Acts To Watch
From a V-pop phenom – that's Vietnamese-pop for the uninitiated – to an eclectic synth-pop act from the Philippines, the fourth edition of ASEAN's premiere music festival showcases the diversity of the regional music landscape.
By Hidzir Junaini,
After three eye-opening editions, the ASEAN Music Showcase Festival is back under a new banner. This year, the regional event has been rebranded as the AXEAN Festival – and it will be taking place on Oct 28-29 at the Goodman Arts Centre. As always, the festival will be spotlighting incredible talent from across Southeast Asia. Headlined by musicians from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam - 2023’s instalment will feature 26 trailblazing acts in total. And best of all, it’s totally free (though donations are encouraged). Below, we single out 10 extraordinary acts you shouldn’t miss.
Who is she: The Philippines is a hotbed for great pop music, but few artists in that space have been as stylish or sophisticated as Ena Mori. Her critically beloved latest album, Don't Blame The Wild One!, even claimed the top spot in NME’s Best Asian Albums of 2022 list.
Why check her out: This Japanese-Filipino artist’s brand of synth-pop is both exuberant and eclectic. Filled with catchy hooks, avant-garde vocals and jaunty vibrance – Ena Mori’s tunes stand at the vanguard of Southeast Asian pop.
Who are they: This trio’s penchant for blissful yet bittersweet electro pop has made them the talk of the town in Thailand. Kiki’s gorgeous debut album, Metamorphosis (2022), has earned universal acclaim from fans and critics alike.
Why check them out: Part indietronica, part nu-disco and part synthpop – this Bangkok-based band produces some of the most delightfully chromatic soundscapes this region has ever heard. Their funky basslines, sprightly synths and atmospheric melodies must be experienced live.
Who is she: From her viral covers on YouTube to her pop originals, Vietnamese singer Vu Thanh Van is obviously immensely talented. Riding high off dreamy singles such as 'Em Khong' and 'Tori', this Hanoi-born artist has certainly turned a lot of heads in recent years.
Why check her out: She’s soulful, elegant and effortlessly cool. If you’re not familiar with V-Pop, there’s no better way to illuminate yourself than by catching one of the scene’s brightest young stars.
Who is he: This sarung-clad rapper is one of the most exciting young talents in Singapore right now. His swift rise has seen the Malay-Sikh MC go from independent artist to being signed by the prestigious hip-hop label Def Jam SEA in just a handful of years.
Why check them out: Hailed for his multilingual wordplay, slick flow and idiosyncratic style – Abangsapau adds a flavour to Singapore's brand of hip-hop. From rousing rhymes to vulnerable confessionals, the evocative power of his music is worth a listen.
Who are they: Reality Club’s brand of infectious and jangly, yet unabashedly emotional, indie rock has made them one of Indonesia’s faves. Hot off three successful albums, this AMI (Anugerah Musik Indonesia) nominated outfit is primed for big things.
Why check them out: Buoyed by bright melodies and ruminative lyrics, Reality Club’s music is as fun as it is sentimental. If you think their low-key ebullience is compelling on headphones, wait till you see them on stage.
Who is he: Cambodian hip-hop artist San may be new to the game, but he’s quickly becoming one of Phnom Penh’s buzziest acts. He’s best known for singles such as 'Options' and 'What her beauty hides', which have gained notable traction online.
Why check him out: This rapper-producer revels in nocturnal R&B and austere hip-hop beats, which he uses to complement his silky verses. Plus, he’ll be joined by fellow AXEAN headliners Kwan and Nick. for this highly anticipated set.
Who are they: The Itchyworms have been one of the Philippines’ most iconic pop rock bands for over a quarter century now. This enduring quintet is celebrated for their warm and melodic Beatles-influenced discography.
Why check them out: These Filipino legends have a treasure trove of captivating and carefree jams up their sleeves. Sparkling with sharp hooks, bluesy guitars, and evergreen lyrics – it's clear why The Itchyworms remained so popular for so long.
Who is she: Tanayu is one of Indonesia’s most promising musical prospects. Lauded for her artful brand of experimental electronic pop, this burgeoning singer and songwriter is on the precipice of a major breakthrough.
Why check her out: Come for her shimmering and hypnotic alt-pop, stay for her visually stimulating stage show. Of all the performances we’re psyched for at this festival, none will be as strikingly expressive as Tanayu's.
Who are they: Oh, Flamingo recently celebrated 10 years as a band, and oh what a glorious decade it's been. This Filipino four-piece group have long established themselves as one of the driving forces in Metro Manila’s thriving indie rock scene, thanks to their idiosyncratic songwriting and consistently memorable performances.
Why check them out: Fresh off the triumph of their first full-length album, Pagtanda (2023), this band is riding a wave of momentum ahead of their return to Singapore. Renowned for their angular instrumentation and technical virtuosity – Oh, Flamingo are a tour de force live.
Who is she: It’s difficult to fathom the meteoric rise of Singaporean bedroom singer-producer – and a dear friend of FEMALE – Shye. In five short years, she’s won a multitude of prominent awards, opened for international stars (such as Clairo, Superorganism and Daniel Caesar), been invited to huge festivals around the world, and became a finalist in China’s popular music competition reality show 青年派计划.
Why check her out: Shye’s on a hot streak with the back-to-back successes of her four sensational albums. If you’re familiar with her work, you’ll know that her hazy and ethereal DIY indie pop is exquisite. If you’re not, you’re in for a treat.