Big In Asia
Music festivals are the ultimate summer romance. Its universal charm has even enticed the Confucists. Though many rock festivals in Asia took off only about 4 to 5 years ago, they are quickly becoming annuals for young folks. Swing by one of the following hip festivals that will heat up the continent this summer.
1. Summer Sonic, Japan: This two-day festival simultaneously taking place in Tokyo and Osaka swaps two batches of artists between the two major Japanese cities. You may not see many free-spirited campers frolicking in the sun since the locations are not far from each metropolitan area. However, it gives off a unique ebullient vibe, boasting an eclectic history of artists, ranging from hard industrial bands (Nine Inch Nails in '09) to swag rappers (Jay-Z in '10). This year, another massive package deal is promised: Green Day, Passion Pit, Sigur Ros, Death Cab, Nelly Furtado, Rihanna, Jamiroquai, Kesha, Pitbull and etc.
August 18-19, 2012. http://www.summersonic.com/2012/
2. Jisan Valley Rock Festival, South Korea: Nestled in the ethereal beauty of soaring mountain peaks, Jisan Valley is the Korean equivalent of Coachella, Since its launch in 2009, artsy hipsters, it girls and it boys flock every summer to this large ski resort on recess, about an hour south of the capital city, Seoul. Camping in the woods makes up more than half of the Jisan experience; you can rent a tent at the spot. Don't miss out on cocktail buckets and cooling off the heat in the pool. Radiohead is set to headline this year, along with The Stone Roses, James Blake, Beady Eye and other local and foreign artists.
July 27-July 29, 2012. http://www.valleyrockfestival.com/
3. Baybeats, Singapore: While many other Asian rock festivals tend to look outward, Baybeats does the opposite. Over the last 5 years, it has emerged as the hub of Asian indie music. Dedicated to 'nurturing homegrown talents', it spawns a number of local gems every year. Baybeats is also super chill. There is neither entry fee nor need to commit the whole weekend. Take a short break from Singapore's suffocating humidity and hope over to Esplande, Singapore's opera house for performing arts. What more could one ask for, when some folkish, blusey, easy-on-the-ears tunes are being played by fresh baby-faced bands while sipping on a beer on a hot summer day?
June 29-July 1, 2012. www.baybeats.com
4. Java Rockin'land, Indonesia: What do President Obama and the Smashing Pumpkins have in common? Both Chicagoan figures are pretty hot stuff in Jakarta since their visits in 2010. Held on wide open Carnaval Beach in north Jakarta, Java Rockin'land hosts dozens of alternative and hard rock groups. From early evenings till past midnight, you will see a lot of young kids in black band t-shirts filling up the venue, which overlooks the often grim looking Java Sea. Aside from the nation's pretty solid alternative scene, Jane's Addiction, Goo Goo Dolls, and My Chemical Romance will keep rocking the largest rock fest in Southeast Asia this year.
July 6-8, 2012. http://javarockingland.com/
