Singapore’s vibrant cityscape is astir, with the opening of an ambitious new venue on the horizon. Billed as a multidisciplinary community space dedicated to art and music, RASA aims to be a cultural hub and platform for showcasing diverse talent from Southeast Asia and beyond. Cutting-edge design with a global outlook located in downtown Singapore, the 6,114-square-foot space opens its doors officially in January 2025, but RASA is set to host exclusive preview events throughout December 2024.
“RASA is a love letter to our Southeast Asian roots”, says founder Kavan Spruyt, a pioneering figure of Singapore’s underground scene. His community-centric ethos endures at RASA, promising collaborations with local collectives such as Wild Pearl while remaining open to international artists.
The venue offers an immersive environment where music, design, and storytelling converge to spark creativity and connection. It comprises two distinct spaces: Hall and Floor, each with its own musical and atmospheric personality. Expect laidback vibes in the Hall, soundtracked by UK garage, downtempo, reggae, funk, and slow-mo. Floor, on the other hand, provides ample space for various special events, performances, and other surprises. Not to mention the regular club programming of house and electronic music.
RASA’s spatial identity is crafted by Studio Karhard, the same design team behind Berghain (Berlin) and K41 (Kyiv.) A state-of-the-art TPI sound system provides the sonic heart of the venue, developed in the UK and tailored to the space by AV consultant Sean Iskhandar. The floor-level DJ booths encourage intimacy between artists and audience. Finishing touches come by way of Bandung, Bali, with lighting design by Convert Textured.
With its cutting-edge design and progressive global outlook, RASA exudes the very essence of Singapore, a beacon of innovation in Southeast Asia.
This year marks a milestone for Pawnshop, the beating heart of Taipei’s underground electronic music scene. Over the past five years, the venue has emerged as a cornerstone of creativity, rebellion, and sonic exploration in the city, bringing together local and international talents to create a truly immersive experience.
Since opening its doors, Pawnshop has made a name for itself by prioritizing quality in every detail. Its cutting-edge Funktion-One sound system ensures every beat resonates with clarity and power. The musical curation spans genres and geographies while still focusing on fostering local and regional talent, offering fresh sounds that constantly challenge and redefine expectations. From intimate, groove-heavy sets by local talent to electrifying performances by international trailblazers, the club has cultivated a space where music, artistry, and community collide.
More than just a nightclub, Pawnshop has cemented its reputation as a cultural hub with an eclectic program committed to inclusivity and innovation, hosting everything from themed costume parties and LGBTQ+ celebrations to workshops, exhibitions, and lectures. By embracing these diverse formats, Pawnshop has become a breeding ground for collaboration and creativity, providing a platform where ideas can flow as freely as the music on the dancefloor.
This spirit of openness results in a vibrant and evolving community. Night after night, Pawnshop draws a crowd of artists, music lovers, and curious newcomers who contribute to the ever-changing fabric of Taipei’s underground scene. The club’s ethos extends beyond music—it’s about creating a space where self-expression and connection thrive, making every night at Pawnshop unique and unforgettable.
As the venue celebrates its fifth anniversary, it’s clear that this isn’t just about looking back at past achievements. It’s also a moment to look ahead, with exciting plans in the works to push the boundaries of what club culture can be.
This year’s anniversary celebrations will take place on December 6 and 7, featuring recurring Pawnshop favorites for a weekend of unforgettable moments across the venue’s three distinct spaces. The lineup centers around Pawnshop mainstays and trailblazers in Taipei’s scene such as Diskonnected, Miranda Ku, Andy Chiu, L-CC, AP-C, Gemnital, Debbie with an ‘S,’ RaBBitch, Toumingren, Tsui, Jesse Chen, and Umbra. Alongside them, a selection of emerging regional and international artists represents the club’s dedication to ever-evolving, dynamic sound, introducing Elli Arakawa, Cosmo, XIAOLIN, Mayo, Amotik, Woody92, Khoi Mai, and Amaliah into the mix.
Wonderfruit, an annual gathering celebrating the intersection of music, culture, and nature, returns to Chonburi, Thailand this December for its tenth edition. Launched in 2014 as a pioneering festival for Southeast Asian music and culture, it’s evolved into much more – a year-round cultural platform and permanent village that attracts over 30,000 attendees from around the globe.
This year, Wonderfruit – which wouldn’t be hyperbole to call the mecca for the Asian music scene – is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a lineup bigger than ever. The festival spans 10 stages, offering a diverse array of artists, DJs, and creatives covering genres from indie and house to techno, reggae, and blues.
While we encourage you to explore the full, eclectic lineup, highlights on the Quarry stage include Utrecht’s jazz and hip-hop connoisseur Colin Benders, the Canadian group Cobblestone Jazz, Savage Hanoi resident Di Linh, along with Thailand’s DOTT, Kova O’ Sarin, and Elaheh.
Elsewhere, DJ Masda is slated to play the 428 stage alongside a live set from Itheta Igarashi, XIAOLIN, Hiroko Yamamura, Clarisa Kimskii, and many, many more. Gabrielle Kwarteng is set to take the Solar Stage, as is Emel Rowe B2B Saint Guel, San Soda, Wildealer, and many others.
Another must-see is the Bangkok Community Radio stage, curated by the esteemed radio station showcasing the best in underground and emerging talent from Bangkok, Thailand, and beyond. And, Once you’ve had your music fix, there are countless wellness workshops, art and sensory installations, and culinary experiences to sink your teeth into. Again, we recommend checking out the full list of activities, experiences, and artists here.
Tickets for Wonderfruit 2024, slated to take place from 12th to 16th December, are on sale now.
In just one year, BEAMCUBE has woven itself into the fabric of Bangkok’s music culture, establishing themselves as a mainstay of the local scene, cultivating a vibrant community around dance music, and creating a welcoming space for partygoers and underground aficionados.
Thrilling nights are scheduled to happen throughout November, featuring takeovers by popular underground collectives such as High Wire, MOOR, Discovery Mammals, and a special celebration for More Rice Records’ 7th anniversary. Two major ticketed nights are happening on November 22 and November 29.
The first major night (November 22) features sensational UK act Y U QT. Known for their electrifying, genre-defying sets, Y U QT has taken the music scene by storm, wowing crowds with performances at notable events like Boiler Room and Waterworks. Their “All Nyte” EP, released last year, resulted in an epic tour attracting attention from not just fans but also industry bigwigs like Ben UFO and Disclosure. With glowing praise and accolades in tow, Y U QT is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression in Bangkok. Joining them for this special night are Bangkok’s own dynamic duo, Reilly & Guni of the Unusual Suspects crew. Known for their infectious energy and remarkable sound, they are sure to elevate the night to unforgettable heights.
The following weekend (November 29) sees another dynamic duo, Known Artist, bring their “bangers only” vibe to the BEAMCUBE stage, a perfect match for the month’s anniversary festivities. They will be joined by Vietnam’s stalwart selector Ouissam, whose influence in shaping the regional underground scene and sound is evident from his chief roles at Hanoi club Savage, Equation Festival, and Wonderfruit. Opening the night is Boiled Wonderland Records’ co-founder Vell, yet another local tastemaker and key figure in Bangkok’s music scene.
Over the past year, BEAMCUBE has become a beloved destination for underground music fans, showcasing an incredible 236 artists from international stars to local talents. This month, the anniversary celebrations are a tribute not only to the venue’s vibrant achievements but also to the community that has embraced it wholeheartedly.
Magnetic Fields, India’s internationally celebrated independent music and arts festival, is back for its 10th edition from December 6-8, 2024, set to take place in Alsisar, Rajasthan, India. Known for pushing the boundaries of sound and experience, this year features a stacked lineup of electronic music, promising exclusive performances, exciting collaborations, and a weekend of unforgettable moments.
The festival will be divided into several stages, each with a unique atmosphere and experience in store. The Ray-Ban Desert Oasis stage will set the vibe on Friday, welcoming audiences with a set from Delhi’s Digging in India & Friends, including international talents like Hong Kong DJ Ani Phoebe and Chicago-based producer Lapgan. Berlin-based duo The Ghost will perform their signature deep cuts and rare gems on Saturday. On Sunday, festival-goers can expect sun-kissed house from London’s own Gene on Earth, following morning grooves from DJ Moe and Poly-Ritmo.
On the vast palace lawn, the Jameson Connects South Stage will bring together some of the most sought-after names in modern electronica. German-Italian composer David August, known for his immersive soundscapes, will headline along with Sofia Kourtesis. Fans of genre-blending music will be delighted by artists like Tom VR, who mixes euphoric techno with experimental textures, and Cousin Kula, a Bristol-based quintet with a psychedelic funk sound. Adding local flavor, the Delhi-based pop producer SULTAN, band DEE EN, and chill R&B artist Tushar Mathur will showcase their sounds as well. The South Stage will also present legendary Indian producer Sid Vashi’s new live set, Unreleased, as well as Panelia’s debut live audio-visual performance.
For a deeper, darker mood, Jameson Connects Underground transforms the palace dungeon into a musical expedition of African music by Focus Group Radio on Friday and Saturday. Juxtaposing Afrobeat, Afro disco, and Ethiopian Jazz with contemporary styles from the continent’s various regions such as kuduro from Angola, gqom from South Africa, soca from the Caribbean Islands, and single from Uganda.
For dance music lovers, the BUDx North Stage lights up at night to host a lineup that celebrates diverse beats and cross-genre mixes. London-based DJ and producer Ahadadream will bring his unique UK club sound while New York’s Nikki Nair expertly blends techno, garage, and breakbeats to keep the crowd moving. Also performing is Miami’s Nick León, known for his contributions to the evolving dance music scene, and Berlin’s Gene on Earth, who has gained a reputation for mixing blissful rhythms with deep basslines. Sunday’s North Stage closer will be Ecuadorian artist Nicola Cruz, whose modern take on folkloric traditions will provide a captivating finale.
The iconic BUDxYARD garden will feature leftfield selectors, including London DJ Jane Fitz, Brazilian producer RHR, and Indian dubstep mainstay V.I.V.E.K. Nepalese DJ YNZN will make his festival debut, making the outdoor stage a space to watch for heavy duty bangers.
Adding to the excitement, UK label Hyperdub will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special Ray-Ban Secret Party, featuring performances by founder Kode9 along with several homespun artists like Burial, DJ Rashad, Scratch DVA, and Ikonika.
The Resident AdvisorSaturday night party is another festival favorite, known for featuring the hottest breakout stars of the moment. This year, Indian heavy-hitter Monophonik will take the stage to deliver a live, synth-driven, high-energy set.
Meanwhile, the Peacock Club, a multi-disciplinary space that transforms from a daytime storytelling tent into a disco dance floor by night, will host 10 Years of Rhythm Section on Friday, featuring the renowned London label’s founder Bradley Zero alongside regular collaborators Wallace and Private Joy. Saturday brings experimental sounds curated by Kolkata’s Social Isolation label. Sunday’s big finale will transport attendees to the heart of New York’s pulsing dance scene with DJ Voices.
For epic and scenic sunsets, the Corona Sundowner stage will be graced by Delhi-based producer Sublime Sound as well as a live set from Killzen and a debut performance of Space In Between by downtempo electronica producer SYEYL . Tom VR, Caroline Lethô, and Flux Vortex round up the magical ambience of the stage with their unique atmospheric tunes.
There’s no resisting the cultural feast at Magnetic Fields, with their exquisite curation of rising stars along with industry icons, established selectors and emerging names, live premieres, regional musicians, immersive audio-visual experiences, and a whole weekend filled with activities and entertainment. Every performance, every set, and every collaboration draws you in with full force.
As the easterly winds blow in with the shifting seasons, South Korea’s renowned outdoor music festival, The Air House, returns for its 10th edition. From October 12 to 13, this two-day, one-night experience immerses festival-goers in the serenity of nature, soundtracked by dreamy selections from regional underground musical talent.
For this edition, The Air House explores “The Beauty of Darkness,” inviting exceptional guest DJs to play across three different stages, catering to a range of moods and tastes (Minimal & Techno, House & Disco, Ambient & Sound Healing.) Headliners include Dresden, Tunik, Man Power, Interstellar Funk, Robbie Akbal, DJ Masda, Oshana, and Gorje Hewek. Each individual brings their own unique style, from deep and dark to bouncy and atmospheric techno, from powerhouse grooves to spacey electronic melodies. The Air House offers listeners a true exploration into sound.
As always, another highlight of the nomadic festival is its ever-changing location. This time around set to take over The Dreamping, a therapeutic retreat found alongside a tranquil river in Namyangju province, a mere half hour from central Seoul.
This further ties into the festival’s core ethos, emphasizing the connection between music, nature, and the human spirit. Aside from electronic beats and basslines, The Air House features various workshops and activities such as meditation, yoga, aerobics, art installations, and a pop-up flea market. Camping is also central to the festival experience. This holistic approach distinguishes The Air House as a festival that deeply cares about environmental impact and sustainability. More than the music, it’s an opportunity to unplug from urban life and reconnect with the natural world.
So fill up your flasks, roll up your yoga mats, and pack your dancing shoes. Witness the beauty of darkness at The Air House, from October 12 to 13, 2024.
Unaharn Festival is returning to the forests of Nakhon Nayok, located on the edge of Khao Yai National Park in Thailand this October.
Slated to take place from 12th to 14th October 2024, the two-day, two-night festival will be held across two stages each handcrafted with local materials and featuring a unique design for this year’s festival.
The afternoon stage, located by the garden near the resort’s swimming pool, offers a serene backdrop for daytime sets. At night, the second stage, hidden up the hill in the forest, will showcase a range of performances.
The lineup has yet to be announced, but organizers promise a diverse array of electronic music, spanning genres from house to techno and everything in between. While previous editions have hosted the likes of Ouissam, DOTT, Di Linh, Mumsfilibaba, Chucheewa, Monkey Business, Koish, and more.
Unaharn notes that the upcoming edition will expand its international and regional presence while continuing to showcase emerging talents from Thailand’s scene.
According to the Unaharn team, the upcoming event will stay “true to its core values: an independent music festival driven by its community. We’re focused on bringing singular experiences throughout 2 full days and nights soaked in nature.”
Unaharn Festival stands out for its eclectic music and unique location, offering a blend of on-site hotel rooms and camping options. A partnership with a neighboring resort ensures that all attendees can stay comfortably close to the venue, with shuttles running continuously to facilitate easy access.
Zhao Dai On Leave is returning later this month for its fourth edition.
Slated for May 31 to June 2, 2024, the three-day festival will be held in the coastal city of Qinhuangdao, Beidaihe New District, just a few hours from Beijing.
The festival was founded in 2020 by the Beijing club Zhao Dai and has since grown to become one of the most influential electronic festivals in the region. According to the festival organizers, “Zhao Dai On Leave emphasises community gathering: here, crowds meet, ideas collide, and different music genres blend, forming a cohesive force.”
Artists confirmed for this edition include Chinese DJs like Illsee, DJ Truck, Knopha, and Sanyo. The festival will also feature artists from across East and Southeast Asia, such as Hanoi’s Di Linh and Manikk, DOTT from Bangkok, Emel Rowe and Saint Guel from Manila, and many more. International guests include France’s Amor Satyr, Kimmah from the Netherlands, Peachlyfe from Denmark, and DJ SWISHA from the US, among others.
According to the press release, Zhao Dai On Leave is committed to showcasing a vast array of regional music culture hubs, including clubs, listening bars, record labels, radio stations, and collectives. It aims to provide a platform for new talents and ideas to emerge, interact, and flourish.
“In 2020, there was a period when the COVID-19 policy in China was effective. We couldn’t open the club during that time, but we could organize an outdoor festival. That’s how Zhao Dai On Leave started,” Zhiqi from Zhao Dai told Likdo. “We never intended to create a huge festival; in the first few editions, we focused on showcasing local DJs from all over China.”
“The festival connected club scenes from cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chengdu – each city had its community, radio, clubs, and residences. We brought them all together, which had never happened before. We wanted to foster these connections, and it just happened to be the right time and place.”
In other news, Bassis Asia and .TAG Chengdu recently collaborated for the Pleasures of Anomaly event at iKi in Singapore. The event was headlined by American-born, Berlin-based DJ Lawrence Lee, you can read more about it here.
Tickets for the Zhao Dai On Leave are on sale now, starting at 55 USD. You can secure yours here.
American-born, Berlin-based DJ Lawrence Lee is poised to headline the inaugural Pleasures of Anomaly event at iKi in Singapore next week, marking a collaborative effort between Bassis Asia and .TAG Chengdu. Slated for April 9th, coinciding with .TAG’s tenth-anniversary tour, this night promises to be a celebration of creative diversity and collaboration.
At its core, Pleasures of Anomaly is a club night and initiative set on embracing individuality and self-discovery. By showcasing a diverse lineup of artists, ranging from established veterans to emerging talents, the event aims to provide a platform for meaningful interactions and relationships within the music community. Through a fusion of art, music, and nightclub culture, Pleasures of Anomaly seeks to blur boundaries and create inclusive spaces that support various subcultures.
Lawrence Lee, a New York native with Korean/Brazilian roots, has made a significant impact on the global electronic music landscape. Based in Berlin and the founder of the A7A label, he is known for curating cutting-edge electronic music spanning genres such as techno, electro, and bass. Lee’s residencies include the links of Refuge Worldwide and Rinse France, along with his acclaimed LUSH nights at Panorama Bar. Lee is currently on a tour across the continent, with shows scheduled in Hong Kong and Szchenzen.
In addition to Lee’s headline performance, Pleasures of Anomaly will shine a spotlight on local and regional talent. YetPet, DONN, and a special collaborative performance from resident sound artist Fauxe and 3D fashion designer Rose Marie Sutanto are the acts set to kick off the evening.
Tickets are on sale now, you can secure yours here.
The future of the FINAL, a prominent club in Taipei’s music scene, is looking bright as it welcomes a new music director and has a number of international artists that will grace the venue in the coming months.
Throughout April, FINAL has curated a diverse lineup featuring artists spanning various styles, sizes, and flavours – notable names slated to play in the coming weeks include ZULI, spammy, and Simo Cell, HAAi. In the past, FINAL, in collaboration with local event organizers PURE G, has hosted the avant-garde eel Festival, welcoming artists like Ben UFO, Tzusing, Meuko! Meuko!, and more.
Speaking to Mixmag Asia, the new music director, XIN, said: “FINAL has been dedicated to promoting forward-thinking electronic music and cutting-edge aesthetics. Over the past five years, it has already established a unique aesthetic.”
“Moving forward, in addition to maintaining our original music direction, I aim to diversify it even further and also include some big names. I hope FINAL can put Taiwan more prominently on the map and attract more people who appreciate different genres of music to discover and experience this venue.”
Key dates and details for FINAL’s April lineup are as follows, with more announcements to come:
April 5: Cakeshop Seoul Pop-Up
April 6: ZULI + Secret Guest
April 12: HAAi
April 20: PURE G presents upsammy
April 27: BFDM 10 presents Simo Cell + Judaah
For more information about the club head to their website here.
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