Are you wondering what ASEAN Pride will sound like this year? We asked the organisers to put together some musical tasters for you.
This year’s ASEAN Pride Festival is gearing up to host some of the most eclectic, exciting and talented bunch of stage performers Hanoi has ever seen. A landmark performance from a US – Vietnamese act, stellar indie bands from ASEAN countries, a high-heeled dance troupe and a Pop Idol winner are all going to be there, and you should be too!
Words by Eliza Lomas
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Artist: Thao & The Get Down Stay Down
Track: (Live KEXP session)
Place: San Francisco
This San Francisco-based indie-folk group is irresistible. Fronted by Thảo Nguyễn, it will be their very first gig in Vietnam, the birthplace of her parents. She’s been eager to come here and do a show for years and the opportunity has finally come to fruition for ASEAN Pride. This KEXP live session is a great indication of what to look forward to.
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Artist: Yellow Fang
Track: I don’t Know
Place: Bangkok
Yellow Fang are a dream-pop shoe-gaze band coming out of Bangkok’s bubbling indie scene. Three girls holding down demanding day jobs whilst churning out some of the most seductive-sunset pop I’ve ever heard. Can. Not. Wait.
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Artist: CoCC
Track: 6 Giờ
Place: HCMC
You know a band is significant when their live show is still being talked about a year later. This HCMC group were last brought to Hanoi by The Onion Cellar, and already have a huge fan club here. Get to the front early to hear them rip up the stage with their deep riffs, killer drums and cool Southern accents.
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Artist: OJ Law
Track: Sun, Moon and Sky (Live on The Wknd Sessions)
Place: Malaysia
I first saw a video of OJ Law in Malaysia’s The Wknd magazine, and was so impressed by the slickness and style in their performance: it’s a perfect blend of electronic background beats with live indie-rock elements, and OJ’s soulful voice sends serious shivers down the spine.
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Artist: Tô Lâm & The Mix
Track: High Heels Dance
Place: Hanoi
Tô Lâm & The Mix was one of my all-time highlights of last year’s ASEAN PRIDE. The moment when him and his troupe effortlessly pulled off an insane dance routine with killer heels, Tô Lâm whipping off a 15 metre dress to a cacophony of screaming is a moment I’ll never forget… I’m sure whatever they have in store for this year’s festival will similarly blow everyone away.
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Artist: Ngọt
Track: Cá Hồi
Place: Hanoi
If you live in Hanoi and haven’t yet heard of Ngọt, you’ve probably been hiding in a cupboard. They’ve been growing in talent the past year, and it will be wonderful to see them on a festival stage surrounded by their fans. Get to know their music beforehand so you won’t be the odd one out who doesn’t know their lyrics off by heart!
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CAMA’s Eliza Lomas is on a mission to find a huge array of great Asian music, digging through different times, countries and genres, with a regular monthly selection.
