Southeast Asia’s independent music scene is gaining international exposure through a landmark collaboration between AXEAN Festival and KEXP, the Seattle-based public radio station and globally recognized music discovery platform.

The partnership marks the first time KEXP has brought its acclaimed Live on KEXP series to Asia for an on-location recording project, featuring 12 independent artists from across Southeast Asia. Recorded in August during AXEAN Festival in Bali, Indonesia, the exclusive sessions showcase the region’s diverse musical identities and creative talent to KEXP’s international audience.

Curated by Diana Ratsamee, host of KEXP’s Eastern Echoes, the performances began rolling out on October 20 through the official Live on KEXP YouTube channel.

The participating artists represent Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia. They include Indonesia’s Numeron, The Panturas, Çudamani, and Basajan; Singapore’s motifs and sub; Thailand’s TONTRAKUL, Yellow Fang, Hariguem Zaboy, Inspirative, and Slowwves; and Malaysia’s Commemorate.
A Shared Vision for Southeast Asian Music
For AXEAN Festival co-founders Piyapong Muenprasertdee (Py) and David Siow, the partnership represents a major step toward bringing Southeast Asian independent music into the international music conversation.

The collaboration developed through a shared appreciation of KEXP’s music discovery initiatives, particularly Eastern Echoes, which has consistently introduced Asian artists and music from the diaspora to global listeners.

“Being chosen as KEXP’s partner is an honor,” Py said. He noted that KEXP has previously collaborated with established international festivals, including Trans Musicales in Rennes, France; Iceland Airwaves in Reykjavik; and BIME in Bilbao, Spain.

For AXEAN, being part of this group reinforces the growing recognition of Southeast Asia as a music region worthy of international attention and documentation.

David emphasized the significance of the opportunity for the participating musicians, highlighting the emotional impact of giving regional artists a platform to share their work with a wider audience.
Bringing KEXP’s Live Sessions to Asia
KEXP’s decision to bring its Live on KEXP production to Southeast Asia reflects its interest in discovering and documenting music beyond established international markets.

Chief Programming Officer Chris Kellogg identified AXEAN Festival as a natural partner because of its commitment to independent music and its role in connecting communities across the region.

“Our mission knows no bounds. Sometimes, it takes the right partnership at the right time to drive our work forward, and that’s exactly what happened with AXEAN,” Kellogg said. He added that Southeast Asia has a rich and diverse music scene, and AXEAN provided the right platform for introducing its artists to KEXP’s global audience.

The 12 sessions were curated to reflect the region’s musical range rather than conform to a single definition of Southeast Asian sound. Under Diana Ratsamee’s direction, the project highlights artists’ individual identities, cultural influences, and creative approaches.

“We wanted to challenge the idea that Southeast Asian music can be defined by any single sound and introduce KEXP audiences to the incredible creativity coming out of the region,” Ratsamee said.

The performances span multiple genres, including post-rock, shoegaze, metal, traditional folk, and contemporary music shaped by local cultural influences.
Creating Global Opportunities for Independent Artists
Beyond the exposure generated by the recordings, the collaboration addresses a long-standing challenge for independent musicians in Southeast Asia: access to international platforms and production opportunities.

By bringing its production team directly to Bali, KEXP made it possible for regional artists to record professional live sessions without having to travel to its studios in Seattle. The initiative helps reduce geographical and logistical barriers that can limit the international reach of independent musicians.

Both organizations also see potential benefits beyond the 12 featured acts. Increased international discovery could help open pathways for regional artists in touring, music distribution, licensing, and collaborations with industry stakeholders outside Southeast Asia.

The project also aims to encourage international listeners to explore the region’s independent music communities and discover artists beyond mainstream music markets.
Positive Audience Response
The sessions have received encouraging feedback from KEXP’s international audience and Southeast Asia’s music community, with listeners discovering artists and sounds they may not have encountered otherwise.

Online discussions and YouTube comments reflect growing interest in the region’s musical diversity, reinforcing the value of platforms that connect independent artists with audiences across borders.

“Just as we had hoped, the sessions are helping create connections and spreading the joy of music across borders,” Kellogg said.

Ratsamee also sees the response as an indication of the international audience’s interest in discovering more music from Southeast Asia.

“One of the most exciting things about this project has been seeing audiences discover artists they may have never encountered otherwise,” she said. “There’s no shortage of talent in Southeast Asia, but there is a need for more platforms to share it with the world.”

Through this historic collaboration, AXEAN Festival and KEXP are creating greater visibility for Southeast Asia’s independent music community while strengthening connections between regional artists and the global music industry.

The Live on KEXP x AXEAN Festival sessions are available through KEXP’s official YouTube channel. View the ongoing collaboration and performances through the official Live on KEXP series.

More event photographs by Carlos Cruz are available through the organizers’ photo link.