A*FEST is an Asian Music Festival with a lineup of underground musicians from across Asia, including the Philippines. They took me on a melodic ride overseas, hoping that I take their music back home with me – and I did. Kudos to the event organizers! I’m loving the cool new sounds i’ve been hearing lately.
Bottle Smoker (Left)
Bottle Smokers, an electro, down-tempo pop duo from Indonesia sounds like Owl city without words. Their soothing piano melody floating above a stereophonic sound made me feel like I was in a video game where their tiny pianos were the joysticks moving my body rhythmically to each synth. It was so kren (which is astig in Bahasa)when they used their phone to emit a signal interference into the song!
Mohd Jayzuan (middle)
Alone with an acoustic guitar at hand, this year Mohd Jayzuan appears at A*FEST without his band, giving a more intimate performance with his audience. Although coming from Malaysia, he mostly sings about the universal language of love where “Fuck You” means pretty much the same thing no matter where in the world you are.
Sleep Walk Circus (Right)
Like their name, this Philippine band’s hypnotic sound produces ripples in your mind, making you feel like you’re going in and out of slumber. You’re in musical limbo - that place where everything feels like a dream and Sleep Walk Circus is what will cater to your every fantasy.
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