It’s no secret that Southeast Asian countries have a lot more in common than differences. Whether it’s on the music business end or collaborations between artists, our common love for music transcends languages and borders.
From dark pop acts like Su San and SUGARKISS to wadfah and Novocrane, here’s nine collaborations between Southeast Asian and Visayas-Mindanao acts that we want to see (hopefully!) soon.
Mèow Lạc (VN) and Keith Human
Vietnamese act Mèow Lạc treat music as a playground, jumping around between disco, funk, pop, electronic, and everything in between. A similar genre-bending act is Cebuano singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Keith Human. Keith Human’s blues-inspired guitar riffs and pop melodies would suit Mèow Lạc well, and it’d be great to see what a collaboration could sound like between the two.
The Panturas (ID) and Sansette
Kick back and enjoy the sun with these surfpop and rock-inspired acts. Indonesian band The Panturas can bring the heavy, twang-y guitars while Sansette bring the jazzy surfpop sound with their brass section and catchy melodies. Either way, a collaboration between the two bands would make the perfect summer soundtrack.
KIKI (TH) and Chelsea Dawn
Critically-acclaimed Thai pop trio KIKI have made waves all over the world with a bevy of hits like “XOXO” and “Daydream.” Their songs are incredibly catchy, funky, and certified headboppers.
Pairing them with Dumaguete’s Chelsea Dawn would be an interesting collaboration. Chelsea Dawn is no stranger to an international collaboration, as seen in her feature on lightcraft’s “Coming Home” with Cebuano band Coloura. Imagining the singer-songwriter’s voice on a KIKI electro pop track would be a new and refreshing sound for both acts.
PUNOKAWAN (ID) and Delinquent Society
In a world of hip-hop groups, few find the natural chemistry and magic that occurs between the members of PUNOKAWAN and Davao’s Delinquent Society. PUNOKAWAN — composed of acclaimed rappers Mario Zwinkle, MatterMos, Tuan Tigabelas, and Sonjah — are known for the infectious groove in their rhythm and flow. On the other hand, Delinquent Society bring the hype with their signature trap beats. It’d be exciting to see them switch sounds and how the two groups would adjust to their respective beats.
Su San (MY) and SUGARKISS
All hail the dark pop girls. Su San’s haunting and ethereal approach to music pairs so well with SUGARKISS’s equally haunting, but slightly more upbeat take on music. Whether it’d be SUGARKISS taking a more unconventional take on pop or Su San leaning into a dark club dance beat, both singers are practically two sides of the same coin.
Wadfah (TH) and Novocrane
We love infectious female indie rock, and thankfully, Wadfah and Novocrane make them in spades. Both acts have similar breath-like dreamy vocals and a penchant for singing catchy melodies. There’s this certain teenage nostalgia that’s present in both their music and aesthetic, so if there’s any collaboration that (hopefully) happens soon, we hope that it’s this one.
Cayenne (SG) and IIICCCYYY
There are so many similarities between Singapore’s Cayenne and Cebu’s IIICCCYYY that honestly, it’s kind of crazy. Both acts serve as the vocalists for their respective, well-beloved indie bands — Cayenne being the frontwoman for Sobs, and IIICCCYYY being her parallel for Sepia Times. Then just recently, the two embarked on their solo projects…both heavily inspired by hyperpop. I mean, is there anything else to say?
Capt’n Trips and The Kid (MY) and Kubra Commander
In the market for some Southeast Asian psychedelic rock? Say less. Malaysia’s Capt’n Trips and The Kid are a fan favorite for their King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard-influenced and mystical sounding-like tracks that seem to put you in a trance. On the other hand, Kubra Commander lean in the similar psych rock space with tracks like “I’ve Seen The Heathens Cry.” With both acts being such great instrumentalists and artists in their own rights, a collaboration would feel just right.
Blush (SG) and Hazy Daisy
Singapore’s Blush and Cebu’s Hazy Daisy may sound like complete opposites, with Blush having heavier guitar sounds and Hazy Daisy taking a more dream pop approach. However, both Soffi Peters (Blush) and Josephine Lim (Hazy Daisy) have these enchanting voices that go so well in an indie rock space.
Listen to our wishlist of Southeast Asian and VisMin collaborations below.
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