#MusicPH - AXEAN Festival 2025: A Celebration of Southeast Asia’s Indie Spirit
This September, Bali becomes the heartbeat of Southeast Asia’s indie music scene as AXEAN Festival returns with its most ambitious edition yet. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Jimbaran Hub, the two-day festival (September 13–14) promises an electrifying experience with 45 acts performing across three stages.
The lineup is a genre-spanning showcase of talent, featuring everything from the raw energy of Indonesian metal band AVHATH to the dreamy melodies of Vietnamese act Milkiwav. Whether it’s the folk charm of Banda Neira, the genre-bending flair of Morbid Monke, or the soulful R&B of Malaysia’s Alextbh, the festival is a melting pot of musical identities.
But AXEAN isn’t just about performances—it’s about platforming voices that deserve to be heard. This year, TuneCore steps into a curatorial role, helping select standout indie artists through a rigorous multi-stage process across Southeast Asia. From over 600 submissions, six artists emerged, each bringing a unique sound and story. According to Cyrus Chen, Head of TuneCore Southeast Asia, the goal was to spotlight authenticity and cultural richness. “We found remarkable hidden gems,” he shares, “many of whom hadn’t even released music yet.”
The Orchard, a global music distribution powerhouse, also joins the celebration, sponsoring a stage and reinforcing its commitment to helping artists break into new markets. Prahlad Prabhas, The Orchard’s Senior Director for Southeast Asia, sees the partnership as a way to amplify the region’s creative energy. “It’s about sharing the spirit of Southeast Asia with the world,” he says.
AXEAN Festival has come a long way since its pandemic-era launch in 2020. From virtual beginnings to packed live shows, it has grown into Southeast Asia’s leading music export platform. With over 200 artists featured across five editions and a growing international reputation, AXEAN is more than a festival—it’s a movement.
Whether you're a longtime indie fan or just curious to explore new sounds, AXEAN Festival 2025 is your chance to witness the future of Asian music, live and loud in Bali.
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