Five rising Asian bands you must see, from Hong Kong’s Phoon to Indonesia’s Seahoarse
Southeast Asian music has long been overlooked in the West, but the tide is turning, with a plethora of new and exciting acts transforming the region
Tokyo has long been seen as Asia's main hub for touring bands and music lovers, but increasingly widespread internet access and social media use across Southeast Asia has brought international attention to an upswell of creative new talent within the region.
Bands in the region might have a notoriously tough time breaking into the Western market, but why would they want to when there’s so much going on here? Check out these five rising Asian acts that are leading the way.
Singapore – Jasmine Sokko
Jasmine Sokko’s deceptively minimalistic electronic sound hides layers of spongy, syncopated synths, bass-heavy washes and choppy, distorted vocals. The singer-songwriter-producer has made a name for herself on Spotify, hitting the top of Singapore’s viral chart with her debut single 1057 last year. In March, she teamed up with New York producer Lucian for the tropical-sounding Close To You, inspired by long-distance relationships. Fans of Lorde and Lykke Li’s husky, intimate delivery and heartfelt songwriting should check out this rising Singaporean star, who released her long-awaited Nº EP in September.
Hong Kong – Phoon
After opening for US rockers Diiv in September and drawing significant crowds at the Wow and Flutter Weekend and Clockenflap festivals in Hong Kong this year, Phoon has earned a reputation as one of the city’s most essential live acts. Their sound channels a post-rock sensibility with shifting tempos and moods, while catchy melodies and sunny hooks evoke upbeat indie bands such as The Temper Trap.