Rising Voices: Southeast Asia’s Next Wave of Breakout Talent
In Southeast Asia, music isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a force that pulses through generations, communities, and cultures. It’s the sound of late-night food stalls in Jakarta, rooftop bars in Bangkok, karaoke rooms in Manila, and street dances in Davao.
Here we meet the next wave of artists defining what it means to be a Southeast Asian musician today: bold, personal, and unmistakably original.
52Hz – Vietnam
Vietnam’s own 52Hz is carving out her space as a compelling new force in Asian music. Her artistry fuses raw emotion with a sleek, modern sonic palette. Dive into her world and you’ll find a genre-bending blend rooted in alt-R&B’s cool, indie pop’s sharp edges, and the immersive textures of electronic music. It’s a fluid soundscape, reflecting the intricate emotional depth woven into her lyrics. She first captured global attention with her breakout hit “Đợi,” a track that proved her ability to connect on a massive scale. 52Hz is a master of intimate, personal storytelling, crafting songs that feel both vulnerable and vast.
She’s also a key player in the fresh wave of Asian artists actively defining the global soundscape, not just chasing it. In her own words, “No matter how messy, unclear, joyful, or painful, creativity can be shaped into something meaningful that can truly move others.” Partnering with Spotify, she’s amplifying her reach, driven by the core mission to share music that genuinely moves people, anywhere they are listening.
BUS – Thailand
Thailand’s BUS is a 12-member T-Pop group that brings energy, emotion, and creativity to the stage. With rising momentum, they’ve hit key milestones, including being named a Spotify RADAR Thailand artist and taking the spotlight in the Thailand Music Countdown, establishing themselves as one of the most exciting acts.
For BUS, music is more than performance—it’s personal. “The most exciting thing is seeing fans happy,” they share. “That connection drives everything we do.” From crafting songs to releasing music videos, their process is fueled by fan love. “We work hard on every release,” says AA. “The moment it’s out, we look forward to hearing what fans think. Their support pushes us to keep getting better.” For new listeners, start with the playful energy of “BOW WOW” or the heartfelt nostalgia of “Just As Much As You Want.” Each track is a window into the band’s personality and passion.
Cup of Joe – Philippines
Hailing from the Philippines, Cup of Joe is a band that’s breathing fresh life into modern OPM (Original Pilipino Music). They masterfully capture its core essence while fearlessly infusing it with experimental sonic textures. As they aptly describe it, “Asian music has many stories to tell, and [it has] always been a blend of tradition and new wave forms.” This philosophy is evident in their music, where they celebrate their rich cultural roots while boldly pushing boundaries with a fresh, contemporary approach to storytelling.
Cup of Joe’s tracks are a powerful testament to their unwavering commitment to authenticity, reflecting their personal journeys and emotional evolution with raw honesty. Believing that “With good music and the right platform, anything is possible,” they are now capturing attention far beyond their home country, reaching appreciative international audiences with their unique sound.
Firdhaus – Malaysia
Known for crafting soul-baring ballads and a sound that feels both delicate and deeply introspective, Firdhaus first captured regional hearts with the viral phenomenon “Gulf of Alaska.” This breakout hit soared onto the Top 50 charts in Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan, powerfully demonstrating that genuine emotional honesty possesses a universal language capable of transcending any border.
Firdhaus stands among a compelling new wave of Asian artists actively reshaping the global narrative on their own authentic terms. As he explains, “We’re no longer just trying to fit into typical molds, we’re creating our own stories.” This raw authenticity doesn’t just define his music; it fuels his profound connection with fans—a bond perhaps best exemplified by the poignant moment he was visibly moved to tears during a rainy soundcheck in Kota Kinabalu when overcome by the quiet, powerful wave of support emanating from the crowd.
Hev Abi – Philippines
Filipino artist Hev Abi isn’t following trends; he’s building his own musical world. His deep passion for his craft is immediately felt, powered by the electric energy of his fan base and the innovative sounds emerging across Asia. As he notes, “Southeast Asian fandoms have a passion and energy that’s different; it gets you going.” This unique connection fuels his artistry.
Chosen as a Spotify RADAR artist, Hev Abi’s fresh and captivating sound is quickly earning him widespread acclaim. Want a taste? Start with “Walang Alam” from his potent 2023 album, Kung Alam Mo Lang.
Hindia – Indonesia
Blending indie rock, alt-pop, and electronic textures, Indonesian artist Hindia is known for raw, reflective music and lyrics that touch the soul. His breakout album, Menari Dengan Bayangan, became a soundtrack for many.
Beyond the music, his connection with his fans drives him. A fan once gave him a ring she wore during her battle with a terminal illness, saying that his album gave her strength to carry on. “Now that ring is on my left index finger,” he explains. “That’s the kind of bond music can create.”
Now Hindia has more than 12 million monthly Spotify listeners and a growing list of awards.
MILLI – Thailand
Thailand’s MILLI is rewriting the rule book with her electrifying, genre-defying sound. She boldly blends hip-hop’s edge, pop’s accessibility, R&B’s soul, and the vibrant textures of traditional Thai music into a signature style that defies categorization. As a breakout star in Asia, she’s the voice behind massive viral moments including “สุดปัง Sudpang” and the impactful “Mirror Mirror,” which features Changbin of Stray Kids. Her global reach is undeniable. She stormed the stage as the first solo Thai artist in Coachella’s history in 2022 and recently captivated a sold-out crowd at her first solo concert in Japan.
Beyond the beats, MILLI’s music is a deeply personal expression rooted in her culture and driven by purpose. “Music has become my life since I don’t know when,” she says. She is fueled by the belief that “everything around [her] inspires [her] now.” She sees the surge of Asian artists globally as a vital cultural wave. Her message is clear: “Don’t let language limit you—spread our culture to the world.” And describing her connection with her fans? She offers a perfectly MILLI analogy: “We’re like sticky rice—we stick together in the cutest way.”
Regina Song – Singapore
Hailing from Singapore, Regina Song is a rising force in Asian alt-pop known for crafting music that feels like reading a private diary. Her confessional songwriting lays bare emotionally raw lyrics delivered through soft-spoken vocals that somehow manage to hit exactly where it hurts. With standout tracks like the tender “the cutest pair” and the atmospheric “venus,” her 2025 Southeast Asia tour became a powerful breakthrough, proving that her honest storytelling resonates deeply with listeners far beyond her home.
For Regina, music is far more than just art—it’s an essential lifeline. “I like to be very diaristic in my writing,” she explains, using her songs to navigate her inner world. She sees the current wave of Asian music defined by its diversity, shared vulnerability, and strong sense of community. It’s her fans who truly keep that creative fire burning. The profound impact of her vulnerability is perhaps best captured by her recounting, “A fan once wrote me a long letter about how my album helped him through a hard time. I cried so hard reading it.”
Wren Evans – Vietnam
Wren Evans is a dynamic force pushing the limits of Vietnam’s alt-pop scene. His music dissolves borders; it’s a sleek fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and bold visuals. Kicking off with the viral hit “Thích Em Hơi Nhiều,” Wren quickly accumulated millions of streams, conquered charts in Vietnam, and sent his debut album, loi choi, resonating across Asia.
A featured Spotify RADAR artist and the first Vietnamese act to collaborate onstage with K-R&B giant Zion.T, he is actively redefining the global Asian artist paradigm. Wren says that “music is becoming a borderless concept, empowering collaborations and connections while letting each artist stay true to their identity.”
For him, creativity isn’t just a pursuit. “Creativity is life. It’s like breathing,” he says. That deep-seated intensity fuels every performance, from electrifying shows packed with fans to the exhilarating experience of hearing his audience singing along to tracks.
Yura Yunita – Indonesia
A force in the Indonesian music scene, Yura brings culture, honesty, and emotional depth to everything she creates. With more than 100 million streams on Spotify and a place on Spotify’s Top Indonesian Artists list, she continues to reach new audiences across Southeast Asia and beyond.
One remarkable moment that encapsulates what music means to her: A blind fan, inspired by Yura’s songs, became her collaborator onstage. That moment resulted in the fan’s reuniting with her father following a 25-year estrangement. “That’s when you realize music can truly change lives,” reflects Yura.
For Yura, creativity starts with a story. “Lyrics are the heart of what I do,” she says. And with every verse, she brings listeners closer to something honest, heartfelt, and uniquely hers.
