ASIYA Launches ‘Music Beyond Borders’ Conference Program, Offers Spotify Masterclass & Panels on International Festival and Global Market Opportunities for Asian Artists

ASIYA—a new Asian music festival and conference experience by KARPOS, the team behind the annual Wanderland Music & Arts Festival in the Philippines—is proud to announce the first edition of “Music Beyond Borders: Navigating Global Markets and Festival Opportunities” conference program, a first-of-its-kind instructive experience designed to elevate Asian music artists and industry professionals to global
competitiveness, on October 12 and 13 at World Trade Center Metro Manila.

The two-day program—which includes a Spotify masterclass, a keynote about the future of the live music experience and innovating programs and practices to advancing music culture, and four panel discussions that will explore key international markets and festivals—will take place before the festival performances from 20 of the most sought-after and exciting acts from the Philippines and across Asia.

Leading minds in the global music industry

“Music Beyond Borders” will feature a series of educational and artist-focused career development talks and speeches by leaders from the international music industry. Kicking off the conference on the first day will be Chesca Tan, Lead Editor for Southeast Asia, and Thea Madrideo, Artist & Label Partnerships Lead for Spotify, who will conduct a masterclass for music artists, a valuable learning opportunity for career-building, as well as maximizing the streaming platform’s offerings and local campaigns, among others.

A keynote discussion between KARPOS’ John Uy and Marta Pallares Olivares of Barcelona, Spain-based diversified music powerhouse Primavera Sound titled “Plug and Played Out: Better Live Music For All – A Conversation With Primavera Sound” will provide a behind-the-scenes look at organizing a world-renowned music festival, discuss the state and future of live music and how to foster a rich music culture and empower artists beyond live music opportunities.

Music artists, industry professionals, enthusiasts, and fans alike will get the chance to have access to rare insights on key, coveted music markets and festivals around the world through four panel discussions featuring speakers with expertise and first-hand, tenured experience in the music business.

“Beyond the Pops: Unpacking East Asia” will delve into the vibrant and diverse world of non-mainstream music in Asia’s largest and most popular music markets. On the panel are Weining Hung of 9Kick and LUCfest (Taiwan), Subhin Jang of Busan Rock Festival (South Korea), Shun Ebihara of Summer Sonic and Creativeman Productions (Japan), and Natsagdorj ‘George’ Tserendorj of Playtime Music Festival (Mongolia). Moderating the discussion is cultural journalist and musician Mariah Reodica (The Buildings).

The “New Favorites: Southeast Asia” panel will examine the rich musical culture of Southeast Asia, addressing how the region can break through the “trigger cities” barrier and elevate its presence on the global stage. Mak Wai Hoo of City ROARS! Festival (Malaysia), Kukuh Rizal Arfianto of Sun Eater and Jakarta Music Con (Indonesia), David Siow of AXEAN Festival and Steady State Records (Singapore), and Thailand’s Poom Piyasu Komaradat of Seen Scene Space and Maho Rasop Festival alongside Ted Yuthana of GMM Thailand, Big Mountain Music Festival, and Monster Music Festival. Jorge Wieneke—musician and co-founder of Manila-based BuwanBuwan Collective, Manila Community Radio, Doppla!, Kindred Music, Apotheka, Cosmic Sonic Arts, and Terminal Dogma—will serve as moderator.

Learning about the realities on the ground on the other side of the globe, “The Big West: A Basic Introduction to Music Markets in Europe and the Americas” will offer attendees a practical, nuanced look at the world’s second-largest music market. Sharing their insights are Dijana Lakus of Prague Music Week (Czech Republic), Carmen Barahona of En Orbita Festival (Chile), Russian independent artist booker Galina Metelskaya, Cils Williams of ATC Live Agency in (UK), and Daniel Ha of KOHAI (US). Musician Diego Castillo (Sandwich) will be moderating this exciting panel.

Lastly, “Standby Then Standout: Festival-Readiness for Artists” gives an unprecedented guide to artists on how to best equip themselves for international stages and for those seeking festival performance opportunities. Offering a practical approach and their own experiences in following artist journeys from small venues to massive outdoor festival are industry veterans Cora Chan of Clockenflap (Hong Kong), Sarun ‘Top’ Pinyarat of Maho Rasop Festival (Thailand), Johnnie Moylett of Fuji Rock Festival (Japan), and Dewi Gontha of Java Jazz in Indonesia. Musician Jim Baccaro of Cheats will moderate the session.

More than just music

ASIYA’s conference program incorporates a valuable addition to the experience of live music fans: a deeper, more thoughtful understanding of music—the people who make it, how it happens, and those who make it happen.

“Over the years, I think the work we’ve been doing at KARPOS has been focused on bridging the gap between artists and their audiences through our festivals and live shows.

But there is still so much more that can be done: from showcasing our homegrown talents and opening them up to international opportunities to creating connections for those who want to take part in the world and business of music. In all that, I hope ASIYA can be a good start,” says John Uy, President & CEO of KARPOS.

Uy hopes that ASIYA will benefit not just the local music community but international music industry leaders who will be able “to experience and learn about our music scene” firsthand.

Tickets for the “Music Beyond Borders” conference program are now available at PHP3,850 for both days (inclusive of ticket charges). ASIYA festival ticket holders who purchased passes from August 15 to September 25 can avail of a discounted rate of PHP 3,000.

Tickets are available exclusively at asiyafest.com.

ASIYA Music Festival will feature highly anticipated performances from 20 music acts—10 from the Philippines and 9 from the rest of Asia—headlined by HYUKOH & Sunset Rollercoaster and our very own BINI, with Urbandub, Juan Karlos, UDD, Zild, Reese Lansangan, Gabba, Flu, Jose Miguel, and Ysanygo; as well as Balming Tiger, Colde, Imase, Babychair, Shye, Salsa, Numcha, and 9m88.

More details at ASIYA, an Asian Music Festival 2024

ASIYA Conference Schedule