With the first in-person South by Southwest (SXSW) in 2 years coming up in less than 2 days, and its music festival kicking off from the 14th of March to the 20th, the established event is teeming with talented showcase artists.
Celebrating the growing representation of diversity in the creative industry as in the annual festival held in Austin, Texas, here are 10 Asian acts you need to know.
Balming Tiger (KR)
As the first Korean artists to be holding an exclusive showcase in the history of SXSW, alternative K-pop collective Balming Tiger are definitely ones to keep an eye out for this coming 19 March at their self-titled showcase Balming Tiger: Joyful Delivery.
BIG ANNOUNCE ALERT🦄
— Balming Tiger (@balmingtiger) March 7, 2022
We are the first Korean collective, record label, and group of artists to present at @sxsw See you in Austin, Texas at SXSW2022. pic.twitter.com/EHpiHABbdR
Lil Cherry & GOLDBUUDA (KR)
Joining Balming Tiger at their showcase are the sibling Hip-hop duo, Lil Cherry and GOLDBUUDA. If not from us, then take it from the ‘Best Friend’ hitmaker Saweetie, who recently endorsed the ‘하늘천따지(1000 Words)’ act. Check out this rising hip-hop act on the 19th of March!
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Elephant Gym (TW)
Known for their unique and skillful performances, Elephant Gym is an alternative math-rock trio with a bassy tone and heavy jazz influences in their music. The Taiwanese band has made appearances all over the world from award-winning festival ArcTanGent to homegrown event Music Matters in Singapore, and are slated for an online set on 16 March.
Hanita Bhambri (IN)
Dubbed by Rolling Stone as the "angsty-soulful pop artist to look out for”, Hanita Bhambri hails from Delhi, India and will be performing on the 17th of March. The ‘Nothing for Our Own’ singer-songwriter is no act to overlook, with notable awards such as TIMD’s Best Singer-Songwriter in India and semi-finalist of the International Songwriting Competition (ISC).
Shonen Knife (JP)
Widely known as one of Kurt Cobain’s favourite bands, this world-famous Japanese punk-rock group names legendary acts like Ramones, The Beatles, and the Buzzcocks as the influencers of their sound. Shonen Knife will be performing on 18 March via an online showcase on Channel 1.
SURL (KR)
After winning the grand prize at the 2018 Sinhan Card Rookie Project and the Excellence Award at EBS Hello Rookie with KOCCA, Korean indie band SURL quickly became one of the most anticipated rising bands of South Korea. Boasting star-studded collaborations with Jay Park and Hash Swan, the four-piece will be taking the stage on 18 March alongside the likes of sogumm and Woo (우원재).
Shelhiel (MY)
Since we last spoke to him in February over his ‘Superstrobe’ music video, genre-bending Malaysian star Shelhiel is gearing up for his performance on 18 March at 3TEN Austin City Limits Live. Having lent his voice to open for acts like Hyukoh and FKJ, the ‘Star 星’ hitmaker is definitely not one to miss!
Amra (MN)
In 2020, Mongolian superstar Amra marked her rise to stardom by winning the ‘Best Track of the Year’ award with her lead single ‘Never’ from her debut album. Slated for 2 stages on the 16th of March, the emerging female act is a must-watch for fans of sultry R&B.
Kiana V (PH)
With nearly 340k monthly listeners on Spotify, Kiana V is no stranger to the music scene in Southeast Asia. The ethereal Filipina singer-songwriter and Bandwagon Stage alum was recently awarded the People’s Choice Awards for Best Female Performance at the 33rd Awit Awards last year and will be showing off her chops on 16 March.
Gede Robi Navicula (ID)
Vocalist, guitarist, and founder of veteran Indonesian rock band Navicula, Gede Robi Navicula has had a long-standing career in the music industry. Outside of his music, he is also the co-creator and protagonist of the documentary Pulau Plastik (Plastic Island) which would similarly be screening at SXSW EDU Film Festival. Performing on the 18th of March, the multi-talented frontrunner of Navicula is one to see and hear.
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