These Southeast Asian Artists Should be on Your Playlist

When creativity meets vulnerability

There are a few through lines connecting Southeast Asia’s rising musical acts: a penchant for raw, emotional storytelling; combinations of beats and sounds that resist definition; and a strong, unwavering rootedness in local culture.

These characteristics define the artists who made it to Spotify’s recently released list of Rising Voices, describing the group as ‘bold, personal, and unmistakably original.’ With several million streams and throngs of passionate fans combined, these voices are setting the stage for Southeast Asian music to not only thrive, but to dominate global airwaves.

Firdhaus – Malaysia

This balladeer from Malaysia previously transcended borders by landing on the Top 50 charts in Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan with ‘Gulf of Alaska.’ He proves that deeply introspective and emotional storytelling, done with honesty and artistry, resonates with any cultural background.

BUS – Thailand

This 12-member T-Pop group, known for their dynamic and creative performances, has been making a mark: not only have been named a Spotify RADAR Thailand artist, but they’ve also shone in the weekly music show Thailand Music Countdown.

Cup of Joe – Philippines

Leading the next wave of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) acts is Cup of Joe, a pop/rock band known for their experimental sound and raw storytelling. Their recent surprise drop, Multo, captures the band’s ethos: pure emotion interpreted through the poetry of pop.

Hindia – Indonesia

With over 12 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Hindia has captivated audiences with raw and introspective lyrics, expressed through a mix of indie rock, alt-pop, and electronic music. It all began with his breakout album, Menari Dengan Bayangan—and the rest is history.

52Hz – Vietnam

Vietnamese artist 52Hz blends alt-R&B, indie pop, and electronic music that conveys emotion through a contemporary soundscape. With her first global breakout hit, “Đợi,” she has proven how intimate storytelling and genre-bending beats resonate with today’s audiences.

Yura Yunita – Indonesia

She has over 100 million streams on Spotify, a stronghold in the stream platform’s Top Indonesia Artists list, and a soundscape that seamlessly combines culture, emotion, and vulnerability. Yura is more than just a force—she leads the way for Indonesian music and Asian creativity to be recognized worldwide.

Hev Abi – Philippines

Filipino rapper and Spotify RADAR artist Hev Abi continues to emerge as one of Southeast Asia’s rising acts. His knack for sonic storytelling is evident through his unique sounds and energetic bars, powered by a passionate fanbase.

MILLI – Thailand

MILLI’s rise in Asia is backed by breakout moments like “สุดปัง Sudpang” and “Mirror Mirror,” featuring Changbin of Stray Kids. She was also the first Thai solo artist in Coachella, debuting in 2022. Her music draws from personal expression and culture, interpreted through a blend of hip-hop, pop, R&B, and traditional Thai music.

Wren Evans – Vietnam

This alt-pop artist puts R&B, hip-hop, and eye-catching aesthetics to challenge the boundaries of music in Vietnam. Wren Evans is a Spotify RADAR artist and the first Vietnamese musician to work onstage with Zion.T, one of South Korea’s biggest R&B acts. From his popular hit “Thích Em Hơi Nhiều” to his intense performances, Wren is setting the bar high for Asian artists breaking into the global music scene.

Regina Song – Singapore

If vulnerability were a song, it would be a track from this emerging Singaporean alt-pop artist. Regina Song broke through the scene with her confessional songwriting style, using music to build deep emotional connections and unravel the workings of her mind.

Photos courtesy Firdhaus (Instagram)