Music Makes The World Go Round
For centuries music has been a staple form of entertainment. Travel to any corner of the world, and you will find some form of music present within the community. Even in the interiors of rural land and forest alike, are tribes of individuals who have created their own original music suited to their cultures.
Today, music plays a vital role in the lives of the majority of our earth’s population, and it is safe to say that music has even saved several lives! But more commonly, music brings people together, and what better way to celebrate your favorite tunes and artists than a music festival? We present to you, 10 upcoming music festivals not to be missed in Malaysia this 2016!
1. Rainforest World Music Festival
Once a year, the little city of Sarawak is flooded with nearly 30,000 festival-goers and melody-makers from all over the globe for one of the best world music festivals around – the Rainforest World Music Festival. Be enthralled as world-class international artists take to the stage, alongside indigenous musicians from the depths of the mythical island of Borneo.
Expect didgeridoos, sitars and thumping tribal beats playing into the night; you’ll never have a dull moment with their lineup of workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, all while snacking on some kolo mee (typical Kuching noodle dish) and an ice-cold Heineken beer.
Chat up traditional artists, delve in to Sarawak’s rich ethnice diversity, and soak in all those positive festival vibes! And remember – what happens in the rainforest, stays in the rainforest!
Date and Time: 5th – 7th August 2016
Venue: Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching
Ticketing: http://www.ticketcharge.com.my/en/current-events/rainforest-world-music-festival-2016
2. Urbanscapes 2016
Urbanscapes, everybody’s favorite music festival is back this 2016 featuring a stellar lineup of international and local artists this year. So far, two acts have been released – Australian Grammy nominated indie rock band, Tame Impala and French electronic music group, M83. Tickets for these highly anticipated shows have gone on sale, but remember to keep a look out for the many other acts to be revealed soon!
Introducing an entirely new scheme this 2016, Urbanscapes will span over two weeks, and activities and performances will no longer be held in one specific location, but several! Such venues include Medan Pasar, KL Live, The Bee Publika as well as The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel.
Ticket prices for international acts begin from RM199, but don’t worry, for those of you running on a lower budget; certain events will be non-ticketed, in other words, FREE!
Dates: 23rd April 2016 – 3rd May 2016
Venue: Various
Ticketing: www.ticketpro.com.my
3. SongkRUN
Water + Music? No lah, it’s not singing in the shower.
Inspired by the annual Thai Songkran festival, the ‘Happiest 5k Water Run On The Planet’ has finally arrived in Malaysia! An un-timed, non-competitive fun run, dance to the beat while getting drenched (and soaking others, too), and be rewarded with a Wet-Music festival awaiting you at the finish line!
Revel in the beats busted out by renowned musicians and DJs such as Nikku, XU, Twinkies and Dennis Lau while being doused by water guns and gigantic Fire Brigade showers on the festival grounds. Perfect to stay cool in the insane Malaysian heat.
Date and Time: 3rd April 2016
Venue: Sepang International Circuit, Putrajaya
Website: http://songkrun.com/
4. KL International Jazz and Arts Festival
If indie isn’t your cup of tea, and you would rather be seating relaxed in an auditorium housing soulful jazz tunes, the KL International Jazz and Arts Festival is just the right thing for you. Featuring a stellar lineup of internationally acclaimed jazz artists from all around the globe, there’s no reason for all you jazz fanatics to be anywhere else.
Date: 26th – 29th May 2016
Venue: University of Malaya
Ticketing: http://www.klinternationaljazz.com/ticketing-2015/
5. Sunset Music Festival Sabah 2016
Held at the unconventional tip of Borneo, Kudat, where the South China Sea merges with the Sulu Sea, the Sunset Music Festival will take you on a musical journey as you enter a world of classical and contemporary music, all within the realms of nature. And as the title promises, experience this magical event as you watch the sun set in the horizon.
Returning for the 10th year, this year’s lineup will include international and local artists from both musical and vocal backgrounds. Local handicraft, souvenirs and food will also be sold during the festival, so make sure you take a trip to the northern most tip of Borneo for this breath taking event. Anyway, how often does one get to experience a world class musical extravaganza on top of a cliff by the ocean?
Date and Time: 3rd June 2016 – 4th June 2016
Venue: Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Kudat
Website: www.sunsetmusicfest.my
6. 10th Malaysian Youth Music Festival
If you’ve always had a soft side for classical music, look no further! Hosted by the Malaysian Youth Orchestra Foundation, whose mission since 1997 has been to promote music participation, education and appreciation to Malaysian youth, this festival will be hitting the city of Kuala Lumpur this September 2016.
This two day festival doubles as a piano competition for young artists to showcase their musical talents, all in tribute to prodigal pianist Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 260th birth year. So come and support your fellow Malaysian youth as they bring the music of this legendary artist back to life.
Dates: 10th September 2016 – 11th September 2016
Venue: tbc
Website: www.myof.org.my
7. The Music Run Malaysia 2016
I’m sure a good portion of you guys run on a regular basis, and perhaps a majority of you runners listen to your workout jams on your phone while you’re at it. But what if we told you, you could bring your exercise regime up ten insanely awesome levels by completing a 5K running course lined with over 120 speakers blasting your favorite tunes?
That’s right, The Music Run will be returning to Kuala Lumpur this 2016 for another pumped out round of running, music and partying! The event begins with a 5K run, followed by the ultimate after run music festival, including world renown DJ’s, bands, dancers, laser lights, fireworks and a whole lot more!
Head on over to the website listed below for more information on this event and how your favorite music can be featured on the run’s playlist.
Date: tbc
Venue: tbc
Website: http://www.themusicrun.com/country/malaysia
8. Rock The World Malaysia 2016
Malaysia’s largest rock festival celebrating local talent will be holding its 16th rock music festival this 2016. The music festival which first premiered on Malaysian grounds in the 2000 has been soaring in success ever since, and guaranteed this year’s lineup of performances will be the greatest and the best yet.
Like most festivals, Rock The World will house a wide array of stalls selling your favorite festival buys, and since the main event is indeed a rock concert, you’ll be sure to be rocked away by Malaysia’s most talented homegrown rock stars.
Date: tbc
Venue: tbc
Website: www.rocktheworld.com.my
9. Paint Glow Music Festival
If 2016 is anything like the year before, be sure to keep a lookout for the return of Paint Glow Music Festival. This EDM event, also known as Asia’s Largest UV Paint Party treats its participants with raining glow paint and a smashing lineup of international DJ’s.
Last year’s event kicked off with a ton of fun sports activities and ended with everybody dancing the night away while glowing in the surrounding darkness – how fun is that?! So fingers crossed we see a return of this mega fun event this 2016.
Date and Time: tbc
Venue: tbc
Website: http://pgf.my/
10. MTV World Stage Asia
Last but not least we give you one of Malaysia’s largest music festivals since the year 2009 – MTV World Stage Malaysia, a member of the MTV World Stage series. Bringing in a bigger and better lineup of performers each year, there is no doubt 2016 will top the charts.
In the past, artists such as Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Jason Derulo, and from the east, EXO, APink and a whole list more, have graced the stage of Sunway Lagoon’s Surf Beach – a wave pool by day, and concert arena by night.
The one night only event is recorded live for global telecast and is one of the largest music events in all of Southeast Asia. Bring yourself, your family and your friends, and get ready for the night world class superstars come together on one stage.
Date: tbc
Venue: Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon
Website: http://worldstage.mtvasia.com/
When Words Fail Music Speaks
And there you have it, 10 music events not to be missed this 2016. We hope all you music festival junkies have found some closure in this list, and we hope you have a blast at these festivals! Have fun, make memories, and be safe!