With large-scale concerts and festivals making comebacks across the world, it’s a good time to be a music lover. It’s also a great year to plan a Southeast Asia itinerary, considering the A-lister acts are scheduled across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. Undoubtedly, we have been well-fed these past few months, but there are still a bunch of live acts to look forward to for the rest of the year.
Whether your bank accounts are ready for this or not, here are all the shows you need to bookmark for the remainder of your 2023 concert calendar.
Good Vibes Festival
The much-loved Malaysian music festival and local annual music and arts showcase, Good Vibes Festival, returns once again to Sepang International Circuit in celebration of its 10th anniversary. The main headliners for this year’s three-day festival include The Strokes, The 1975 and The Kid Laroi. Other international acts include South Korean rappers DPR Live and DPR Ian, DJ Porter Robinson, Giveon and many more.
Good Vibes Festival happens at Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur on July 21 to 23.
We The Fest
One of the biggest music festivals in Indonesia announces its return to fill the music-festival hole in our summer agenda. Since its augural edition in 2014, We The Fest mixes in elements of the arts, fashion and food through various activities that festival-goers can experience and explore. Sing your heart out to the performances of The Strokes, The 1975, The Kid Laroi, Lewis Capaldi, Daniel Caesar, Sabrina Carpenter and beloved Indonesian up-and-coming stars.
We The Fest happens at GBK Sports Complex, Jakarta on July 21 to 23.
The 1975
Brit indie rock lads, The 1975, are set to make their return to Singapore for their ‘At Their Very Best’ tour. Praised for their enigmatic soundcraft, their music explores mental health, addiction, climate change and nihilism. Look forward to a dynamic setlist consisting of tunes from their latest album ‘Being Funny in A Foreign Language’ and all-time hits like ‘Happiness’, ‘Robbers’, ‘Somebody Else’ ,‘Chocolate’ and ‘The Sound’.
The 1975: ‘At Their Very Best’ tour happens at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore on July 18 and 19.
WOODZ
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Set the vibe of June and July in a sultry, groovy mood with South Korean singer-songwriter, WOODZ (Cho Seungyoun). Over the years of musical exploration, he has successfully made a name in the industry and built a strong fanbase in South Korea and worldwide. Expect to witness brilliance, intensity and passion personified by a one-of-a-kind artist on stage as WOODZ kicks off the Asian leg of his world tour.
WOODZ: ‘[OO-LI]’ tour in Indonesia: The Kasablanka Hall, Jakarta on June 3. Malaysia: Zepp KL, Kuala Lumpur on June 11. Philippines: New Frontier Theater, Manila on June 17. Thailand: Thunder Dome, Bangkok on July 1 and July 2.
Cigarettes After Sex
The American three-piece is bringing their critically-acclaimed music to Kuala Lumpur this 2023. Greg Gonzalez’s songwriting, accompanied by his gentle yet giant riffs and textures, makes the songs feel like you have a whole galaxy to yourself. Sway to the slow groove of ‘Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You, ‘Baby’, ‘Apocalypse’ and ‘Each Time You Fall in Love and City’.
Cigarettes After Sex show happens at Zepp KL, Kuala Lumpur on July 15 to 16.
Coldplay
Coldplay is bringing their ‘Music of the Spheres’ tour with a brief run of Asian dates at the end of the year. The popular British alternative rockers’ setlist ranges from anthemic bops to calming songs such as crowd favourites ‘Fix You’, ‘A Sky Full of Stars’, ‘Yellow’ and The Scientist’. Sing and dance your way to mind-blowing special effects and confetti visuals, too.
Coldplay: ‘Music of The Spheres’ tour in Indonesia: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta on November 15. Malaysia: National Bukit Jalil Stadium, Kuala Lumpur on November 22.
Muse
Fans of rock music (or Musers) can rejoice as the legendary band, Muse, is set to perform in Kuala Lumpur as Asia’s only stop for their ‘Will of the People’ tour. The tour is in support of their eponymous ninth studio album which was released in August last year. According to Andy Price, the record is “their best music in years”.
Muse: ‘Will Of The People’ tour happens at Bukit Kiara Equestrian Resort, Kuala Lumpur on July 29.
Lauv
Ready to fall in “lauv” again? Known for hit songs like ‘I Like Me Better” and ‘Paris in the Rain’, pop visionary Lauv announced his return to Asia as part of his ‘The Between Albums’ tour. Capturing audiences with his heavy-hitting pop songs coupled with stunning visuals and tender on-stage moments, Lauv’s performance is not to be missed.
Lauv: ‘The Between Albums’ tour in Thailand: Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Bangkok on August 26. Singapore: Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore on September 5. Malaysia: KL Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur on September 7. Philippines: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, Cebu on September 9 and SM Mall of Asia Arena, Manila on September 11.
FKJ
Short for French Kiwi Juice, the multi-instrumentalist heads to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore for evenings of jazz and electronic music. An accomplished artist of the Parisian electronic scene, FKJ has been described as a pioneer of the new French house musical genre. Let his magical sounds captivate you as he performs his infectious tunes such as ‘Skyline’, ‘Tadow’, ‘Lying Together’, ‘Die with A Smile’ and many more.
FKJ Asia tour in Malaysia: Zepp KL, Kuala Lumpur on July 26. Singapore: Pasir Panjang Power Station, Singapore on August 1.