If you’re procrastinating on that much needed Southeast Asian vacation, this winter would be a great time for music fans to finally make that happen.
We’ve time and again reiterated our love for Southeast Asia’s dedication to its brilliant musical and cultural spectacle. Because as far as festivals go, from religious, to cultural to artistic, Southeast Asia delivers on all counts. But, since winter proves the most conducive period to hit up the beauty of South East Asia; for music fans, the season will also prove perfect with ample offerings of music, across genres and styles.
The Sherp tells you why the season of cold will be all kinds of cool in Southeast Asia.
Clockenflap
Where: West Kowloon, Hong Kong
When: November 27 to 29
Having initially started out as a modest 3-day event, the festival of Clockenflap is now one of China’s biggest musical events. For music fans wishing to experience the artistic madness that is Bonnaroo, Clockenflap provides the easy alternative as it features an impressive line of musicians and artists, proving to be a truly immersive experience, as youngsters and families, alike find respite in its cultural leanings. This year’s music lineup features acts like New Order, Flying Lotus, Damien Rice, The Libertines and Blackalicious, among a host of other homegrown talent. This, in accompaniment with the raging artistic diversity.
Laneway Festival
Where: Singapore
When: Jan 30
The Australian mega event, St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival rose from its humble beginnings to become one of the most successful traveling music festivals in the world. Its Singapore edition takes place annually in the month of January, as if to usher in the well-meaningness of the new year. In 2016, the one-day festival will play host to names such as Chvrches, DIIV, East India Youth, Flume, Grimes, Hudson Mohawke, Thundercat, Shamir, and Tobias Jesso Jr. to name a few, thereby being the hotbed for all indie music lovers.
Zoukout
Where: Singapore
When: December 11 to 12
The completion of 2015 will be celebrated in the most grand fashion across Southeast Asian countries as several festivals are organised at the time to make for the most opportune party. Of them, Singapore’s Zoukout has earned quite the reputation of being the electronic dance music haven that it so successfully proves to be each other. With its 2015 edition featuring the likes of Dixon, DJ Snake, DVBBS, Kaskade, Tiesto, Jamie Jones and R3HAB, there is no stopping the force of its brilliance. Additionally, the festival’s pristine location, the Siloso Beach proves the able backdrop for the shenanigans.
DWP
Where: Indonesia
When: December 11 to 12
Self-proclaimedly the biggest dance music festival in Indonesia, the Djakarta Warehouse Project is somewhat of a cultural legend. The festival is known for establishing the mood for the upcoming new year celebrations by putting together a festival that is both raging, as it is spectacular. With names like DJ Rayel, Dillon Francis, Armin Van Buuren, DJ Snake, Claptone, Cashmere Cat, Jack Ü, Major Lazer and Jamie Jones to name a few, you know where the party’s at this December.
Wonderfruit
Where: Pattaya, Thailand
When: December 17 to 20
Fans of immersive, profound and intrinsically sensitive festival experience will find great solace in the spirit of Thailand’s Wonderfruit festival. Cleverly held at the compellingly peaceful city of Pattaya, Wonderfruit, which extends over the farms at Siam Country is an event rooted in earthiness, soul search, and conscious living. With events ranging from music, to arts, to wellness, healthy practices, the festival is a true getaway for the traveler and the art connoisseur, alike. Lovers of indie music will be heavily awarded with some of the most qualitative acts from around the world. The art fan will be visually satisfied from offerings right from majestic art installations to delightful graffiti work. Along with this, practices such as yoga, kids activities, food curation are all healthily encouraged.
Full Moon Party
Where: Thailand
When: December 25 and 31
Thailand’s Full Moon Party is infamous for its debauched celebration of all things popular, right from some exceptional electronic music to the most impassioned display of rave culture, all this while celebrating the end of the calendar year. As people from all over the world flock to Thailand to bring in the start of a new beginning with thousands of like-minded revelers, it’s no surprise that it’s the place to be at for the adventurous optimist.
Big Mountain
Where: Thailand
When: December 19 to 20
Pretty much proving the country to be at to dilute end of the year existential crisis, the Big Mountain Music Festival is yet another musical event in Thailand that is quite the draw, annually. Featuring some incredible homegrown talent, along with exclusive international talent, the festival has grown to be one of the most prominent events in the festival calendar. The event is also known for promoting a great social of social bonhomie and relationships, thereby becoming one of Thailand’s happiest festivals.