AXEAN Festival and KEXP Bring Southeast Asian Music to Global Audiences
Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Dennis Kozevnikoff
AXEAN Festival and KEXP have joined forces to introduce Southeast Asia’s independent music scene to international audiences through a landmark series of live performances recorded in Bali, Indonesia.
The collaboration marks the first time Seattle-based radio station KEXP has brought its acclaimed Live on KEXP recording series to Asia.
Filmed in August 2026 during AXEAN Festival, the project features 12 exclusive sessions highlighting independent musicians from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Curated by Diana Ratsamee, host of KEXP’s Eastern Echoes, the performances began releasing on October 20, 2026, through KEXP’s official platforms.
A Historic Collaboration for Southeast Asian Music
AXEAN Festival has long supported independent artists by connecting them with industry professionals, international delegates, and new audiences.
Its partnership with KEXP represents another step toward increasing the global visibility of Southeast Asian musicians.
For festival co-founders Piyapong Muenprasertdee and David Siow, the collaboration reflects years of work building connections beyond the region.
“Being chosen as KEXP’s partner is an honor,” Piyapong said in the official announcement.
He emphasized the importance of having Southeast Asian music recognized as an established and diverse creative scene rather than a passing international curiosity.
The partnership also enables regional musicians to participate in KEXP’s internationally recognized recording series without traveling to its Seattle studios.
Twelve Artists Showcase the Region’s Musical Diversity
The project brings together artists working across genres including shoegaze, post-rock, metal, indie rock, and traditional music fused with contemporary sounds.
Participating acts include:
- Indonesia: Numeron, The Panturas, Çudamani, and Basajan
- Singapore: motifs and sub
- Thailand: TONTRAKUL, Yellow Fang, Hariguem Zaboy, Inspirative, and Slowwves
- Malaysia: Commemorate
The recordings highlight how different musical traditions and contemporary influences coexist across Southeast Asia.
Rather than presenting the region through one recognizable sound, the series gives each artist space to express an individual musical identity.
Bringing KEXP’s International Platform to Asia
KEXP is widely recognized for its live performance recordings and commitment to independent music discovery.
For this collaboration, its production team traveled to Bali to capture performances at Locca Sea House and Puri Bhagawan.
KEXP Chief Programming Officer Chris Kellogg described AXEAN as an ideal partner because of its commitment to independent artists and building music communities.
Diana Ratsamee also emphasized the importance of introducing international listeners to artists whose music may not fit conventional expectations of Asian music.
The series offers a platform for audiences to discover the breadth of talent emerging from Southeast Asia.
Building Opportunities Beyond the Performances
Beyond the recordings themselves, AXEAN Festival and KEXP hope the collaboration will encourage stronger connections between regional musicians and the international music industry.
Increased visibility may help artists reach listeners, promoters, and music professionals who would otherwise have limited opportunities to encounter their work.
The project also highlights the importance of reducing geographical barriers that can prevent independent artists from accessing international platforms.
For Southeast Asian musicians, the sessions represent an opportunity to share their work with audiences far beyond their home countries.
Where to Watch the Live on KEXP Sessions
The Live on KEXP performances began rolling out on October 20, with TONTRAKUL among the first artists featured.
Additional recordings, including performances by Numeron, The Panturas, and Slowwves, have subsequently been released.
Music fans can explore the collaboration through KEXP’s official video platform and its Live on KEXP performance archive.
As more international listeners discover these sessions, the AXEAN Festival and KEXP partnership offers an important opportunity for Southeast Asian independent artists to receive greater recognition.
The collaboration demonstrates how regional festivals and global music platforms can work together to bring distinctive creative voices to audiences around the world.
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