by Léa Dérédjian
Are you planning to travel for the upcoming summer holidays? Why not add a summer music festival to your travel itinerary? We’ve selected 5 popular music festivals not to be missed across Asia – whether you’re travelling with the family, friends or your darling, there’s no reason not to enjoy a few days of music and festivities.
Summer Noise | Makati, Philippines
18 May 2019
Summer Noise is a one-day music festival at the Circuit Makati Concert Grounds in Makati City, Philippines.
There will be 15 international and local acts in the line-up. Headlining the festival are American pop artist Japanese Breakfast, American indie rock group Turnover, Australian psych-pop trio Last Dinosaurs, Thai singer songwriter Phum Viphurit, and Norwegian sensation Jakob Ogawa.
This year, their aim is to put the country at the forefront of the Southeast and East Asian festival map, welcoming celebrated musicians from the region such as Sobs and Subsonic Eye from Singapore, Manic Sheep and SEN from Taiwan, as well as The Ringmaster and UPRISING from the Philippines.
On top of the non-conventional programming, expect a burst of culture and colour. There is also a spot for curated and sponsored art installations with works ranging from large format canvas to mobile displays.
Good Vibes Festival | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
20-21 July 2019
Good Vibes Festival is Malaysia’s electric and diverse music festival, bringing the biggest names from the worlds of indie, pop, hip-hop and electronic music to the highland resort of Genting Highlands.
In 2018 the festival brought together a variety of musicians such as Kodaline, Dua Lipa, and The Kooks, alongside Malaysia’s most talented artists. The first lineup of Good Vibes Festival 2019 promises to be incredible so far: Rae Sremmurd, Mura Masa, Dean, and Cigarettes after s**, with more to come.
From alt-pop, deep tech and trap tunes, to house, electronic, and hip-hop, it’s undoubtedly the biggest and most diverse music event in Malaysia. It’s a festival not to be missed!
Valley Rock Music & Arts Festival | Ansan, South Korea
26-28 July 2019
Known also “Jisan Valley Rock Festival”, it is one of the biggest dates on Korea’s music calendar.
In 2017, the festival brought over great international artists such as Major Lazer, Lorde, Gorillaz, Lukas Graham, and Nell.
This year, around 100 teams of musicians will rock 5 different stages, including The V, Tune Up and Green Pampas on Jisan Resort’s vast green expanse. On top of that, the festival will be offering exciting modern art installations created by some of Korea’s most talented artists. The line-up for the 3 days of music and festivities will be out very soon, so stay tuned!
Summer Sonic Festival | Osaka and Tokyo, Japan
16-18 August 2019
Summer Sonic Festival is an annual rock music festival that has been held simultaneously in Tokyo and Osaka every summer since 2000. Summer Sonic showcases great musicians of various genres from all around the world, from rock to EDM, and the past acts includes numbers of the world’s greatest artists like MUSE, The Chemical Brothers, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc.
A great news for Summer Sonic fans has been announced – Summer Sonic 2019 will be held for 3 days! Since the festival won’t be held in 2020 due to Tokyo Olympics, this year’s festival will be held for one day longer.
The initial line-up has also been revealed, which includes Red Hot Chili Peppers as a headliner, The 1975, The Chainsmokers, and Rita Ora – more of the world’s greatest artists will be announced for the line up soon!
Hohaiyan Rock Festival | New Taipei City, Taiwan
August 2019
The Hohaiyan Rock Festival is Taiwan’s annual rock music festival held at Fulong Beach, in New Taipei, Taiwan. It has taken place every July since 2000, and has grown from a small indie event into the largest free outdoor concert and annual coastal event of the summer season in Taiwan, attracting hundreds of thousands over a three- to five-day period.
The theme of the Festival is “Appreciating Indie Music at the Ocean” and centres on performances by Taiwanese musicians and foreign musical groups. It’s a brilliant showcase of indie music groups that creates an incredible atmosphere in the crowd, who can enjoy the performances right by the ocean!
This summer, liberate your soul with music, open up your arms and welcome this “sacred” annual rock classic. Details will be up by June/July!
