Think Southeast Asia, and exotic landscape, intrinsic culture and colourful traditions come to mind first, right? Well, think again. Because if music festivals are not one of the regions’ growing industries, we don’t know what is.
The locales of Southeast Asia have always been tourist favourites for the longest of time. Over the past few years though, the location has also grown to be infinitely popular for its growing music festival culture. With a number of popular festivals being borne on a regular basis, we at Festival Sherpa have rounded off the festivals you must check out in the summer. Ain’t nothing like some good music on a summer afternoon, right?
1. Ansan M Valley Rock Festival
Where: South Korea
When: July
Rock festivals being a relatively new concept in South Korea, The Ansan M Valley Rock Festival sprawls across huge picturesque grounds bringing music, food and games together to give a holistic experience. Armed with fedora hats and funky put-ups, music lovers are out in large numbers, frolicking around the venue. With Foo Fighters as this year’s headlining act, the festival is sure to get credible buzz.
Check out the Ansan M Valley Rock Festival video:
2. Rainforest World Music Festival
Where: Malaysia
When: August
There is a line-up involving an acclaimed set of world musicians. There is the alluring, naturesque backdrop of the Malaysian rainforests. With such an enthralling combination, not much can go wrong, right? Pretty much why the Rainforest World Music Festival is one of Malaysia’s yearly highlights. With this festival that brings cultural artists from the world over on a single platform, the onset of monsoon has never seemed so musical.
(images courtesy: rwmf.net)
3. Fuji rock Festival
Where: Japan
When: July
Probably one of the most accomplished music festivals in South East Asia, The Fuji Rock Festival reaches an estimate number of 100,000 music lovers who settle themselves between the over 10 stages that the festival puts up. Previous performers include the likes of Radiohead, Oasis and Red Hot Chilli Pepper. This year, with artists like The Foo Fighters, Muse, FKA Twigs, Of Monsters and Men and Ryan Adams, the festival is sure to hit all the right notes.
4. Ultra Korea
Where: Korea
When: June
The Ultra Music Festival is extremely popular the world over for its electronic music fuelled frenzy. Its Korea edition has been just as attractive a feature, as EDM lovers from the country throng to the festival making it one of the largest attended music festivals in South Korea. With this year’s headliners being David Guetta and Hardwell among others, the festival is on its way to register another hit.
(images courtesy: Ultra Korea Facebook page)
5. Summersonic Music Festival
Where: Japan
When: August
The Summersonic Music Festival held simultaneously at Osaka and Chiba, features some of Japan’s most popular and indie rock musicians coming together on one platform, along with acclaimed international artists. A festival that has had Arctic Monkeys, Megadeth and Robert Plant making their way to Japan is sure expected to have a crackling line-up this year. And the most exciting part? The artists performing on day 1 at Osaka proceed to perform on day 2 at Chiba. Talk about harmony.
6. Baybeats
Where: Singapore
When: August
One of the largest music festivals in Singapore, what sets Baybeats apart from the rest is the prominence it gives to local bands. With genres ranging from alternative rock, to metal, all the way to electro, the festival has constantly encouraged up and coming bands to apply to play at the festival. Perhaps one of the grandest stages homegrown talent can avail.
(images courtesy: Baybeats Facebook page)
7. Cambodian Music Festival
where: Cambodia
When: July
Cambodia has always been known for its impeccable eye for culture. A reiteration of the same is the Cambodian Music Festival that brings musical acts from all over the world on a single platform. A musical representation of cultural diversity would be the best way to describe. If Cambodia has been on your to-visit list for a long time, perhaps July is the time to plan your trip out.
(images courtesy: Cambodian Music Festival Facebook)