The first-ever ASIYA Music Festival is happening very soon.
With such a stellar lineup of Asian acts from all over the region, it’s the definitive festival experience for those who wish to enjoy the diverse soundscapes that are representative of the continent’s finest performers. Yet despite its emphasis on the live experience of music, there also lies another unique aspect to the festival –– particularly with its highly-anticipated conference section.
At the ASIYA Festival’s conference, some of the international music industry’s most insightful speakers are coming together to discuss the theme of ‘Music Beyond Borders’, particularly as it navigates specialty topics such as global markets and festival opportunities. Throughout the festival’s two days, there will be six workshops –– comprised of a Spotify masterclass, a keynote section regarding the future of the live music experience and music culture, and four panel discussions that aim to explore the business of key international markets and festivals.
Though it may seem daunting to hear on paper, Billboard Philippines is here to give you the rundown on what each of these workshops entails –– along with what important insights one could gain from such conference portions of the festival. For not only is this a learning experience for its attendees, but it allows for a more thoughtful understanding of what the live experience can offer its audience.
Beyond The Pops: Unpacking East Asia
Date and Time: October 12, 2024 at 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Moderator: Mariah Reodica (Anecdotal Records)
Speakers: Shun Ebihara (Summer Sonic Festival), Subihin Jang (Busan Rock Festival), Weining Hung (9Kick, LUCFest)
What It’s About: Beyond The Pops aims to take a closer look at the diverse (and non-mainstream) musical landscape of East Asia, going beyond the dominance of K-pop from South Korea and the popular trends present in Japan –– which remains to be the world’s biggest music market. As it spotlights emerging talent, it aims to deliver a more comprehensive understanding of the artistry that takes place within these regions.
Key Takeaways: Insights shared could highlight promising new trends and artists that are yet to be discovered by the public, giving them a platform to garner recognition from various markets.
New Favorites: Southeast Asia
Date and Time: October 12, 2024 at 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Moderator: Jorge Juan B. Wieneke (BuwanBuwan Collective)
Speakers: David Slow (AXEAN Festival), Kukuh Rizal Arfianto (Suneater, Jakarta Music Con), Mak Wai Hoo (City ROARS! Festival), Poom Piyasu Komaderat (Seen Scene Space, Maho Resap Festival), Ted Yuthana (Big Mountain Music Festival, Monster Music Festival)
What It’s About: New Favorites unpacks how certain cities within the region have the power to uplift the musical and cultural markets of Southeast Asia, particularly with the power of its more youthful population. Additionally, it also discusses what could be better improved in such markets by dissecting the obstacles that stand in the way.
Key Takeaways: Insights shared can highlight how Southeast Asian markets have the power to change the face of their respective music industries and could spotlight the challenges that need to be addressed in order to level up the ‘underdog’ status of such regions.
Spotify For Artists: Masterclass
Date and Time: October 12, 2024 at 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Speakers: Chesca Tan (Lead Editor, SEA), Don Puno (Editor, Philippines), Thea Madrideo (Artists & Label Partnerships)
What It’s About: Spotify’s Masterclass aims to teach artists how to utilize the platform to better improve their marketing and reach with listeners. Whether it’s about pitching their music, setting up their profiles, partaking in programs, and learning the analytics and statistics off the platform, it gives artists the necessary information on how to find success via Spotify.
Key Takeaways: Other than teaching participants how to better make use of the platform, it will also share important takeaways on Spotify’s playlist ecosystem –– including the curated, algorithmic, and personalized playlists via a deep-dive analysis.
Plug and Played Out: Better Live Music For All – A Conversation With Primavera Sound
Date and Time: October 12, 2024 at 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Moderator: John Uy (Karpos)
Speakers: Marta Pallares Olivares (Primavera Sound)
What It’s About: With Primavera Sound’s renowned status as one of Europe’s biggest music festivals, the keynote presentation aims to tell participants about its core values, evolution over time, and their perspective on the future of live music.
Key Takeaways: With the insight shared by Primavera’s Head of Press, Marta Olivares, it could help both festival-goers and producers to better understand what it takes to keep the live experience grounded while offering information as to how others can improve and adapt to what audiences worldwide often adhere to.
The Big West: A Basic Introduction To Music Markets In Asia and The Americas
Date and Time: October 13, 2024 at 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM:
Moderator: Diego Castillo (Musician – Sandwich)
Speakers: Carmen Barahona (En Orbita Festival), Cils Williams (ATC Live Agency), Daniel Ha (KOHAI), Dijana Lakus (Prague Music Week), Galine Metalskaya (Independent Artist Booker)
What It’s About: The Big West tackles upon what makes the Western music markets tick –– including what goes on the ground, what lessons are often applied to their project execution, and how the booking insights work in such regions, among other insights shared.
Key Takeaways: Insights shared could offer valuable lessons for attendees on what Western markets often look for –– giving participants a comprehensive understanding on what could be applied when engaging with both Western audiences and creatives.
Standby Then Standout: Festival Readiness For Artists
Date and Time: October 13, 2024 at 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Moderator: Jim Bacarro (Musician – Cheats)
Speakers: Cora Chan (Clockenflap), Johnnie Moylett (Fuji Rock Festival), Dewi Gontha (Java Jazz Festival), Sarun ‘Top’ Pinyarat (Maho Rasop Festival)
What It’s About: Standby Then Standout discusses what it takes for festival performers to level up from the small venues to the headlining stage by sharing what festival promoters and bookers look for when it comes to signing on talent.
Key Takeaways: Several lessons regarding how an artist can improve their craft and what it takes to become a better performer are set to be shared from some of the most prominent festival bookers in the region.
Learn more about ASIYA Music Festival here.