The ASEAN India Music Festival 2024 marks its third year and its first-ever event outside of India. Organized by Sehar, in collaboration with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the festival aligns with Indiaâs Act East Policy, a framework aimed at strengthening socio-cultural ties between India and the Asia-Pacific region. This year, the festival celebrated the policyâs 10th anniversary in Thailand on December 9th.
For Thai people like us, the Indian music scene might feel unfamiliar, but itâs full of fascinating artists who break boundaries and bring remarkable diversity to the music industry. Artists like Parekh & Singh, The F16s, Raveena, and Peter Cat Recording Co. are prime examples of creative brilliance and are definitely worth exploring.
The ASEAN India Music Festival 2024 lineup featured rising stars from India, including The Western Ghats, an alternative rock band blending electronic music with colorful synth-driven sounds. The festival also included a Collaboration Band, a supergroup of singers and musicians from countries like Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, delivering lively and dynamic performances. To close the night, Thailandâs indie favorite Television Off from the Smallroom label took the stage, captivating the crowd with their infectious pop-rock sound and electrifying performance, ending the evening on a high note.
December 9, 2024
We arrived at the venue, The Street Ratchada, around 6:42 PM. Since the event was free and open to all ages, the crowd included a mix of high school students, university attendees, and working professionals scattered across the area. Even though the first performance was delayed by 15 minutes, The Western Ghats kicked things off with a warm-up cover of Paradise by Coldplay. (The lead singerâs voice carried a slight resemblance to Chris Martinâs, adding a pleasant touch.)
The five-member band also brought some of their original tracks, including Thousand Miles, Humne Bhi, and more, giving the audience a taste of their unique style. Their performance leaned heavily on entertainment, with playful renditions of hits like I Want It That Way by the Backstreet Boys and Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars. These lively covers kept the energy high and smiles abundant throughout the set. Itâs no surprise that their accessible and engaging music resonates so well with Indian youth and a broader audience back home.
Next up was a supergroup featuring artists from neighboring ASEAN countries, coming together to perform in a delightful celebration of musical and cultural bonds. This collaboration wasnât limited to newer generations of artistsâsome of the musicians hailed from the millennial era, proving that talent and a love for music transcend age. The joy and energy they brought to the stage were undeniably infectious, creating a rare and special moment for the audience.
Itâs not often we witness such a gathering, and while Thailand is currently embracing the T-Pop wave, the music scene in the Philippines is thriving with P-Pop (Philippines Pop). Representing this genre was Angela from KAIA, a rising girl group, stepping in as their ambassador for this special performance.
And then, the moment everyone had been waiting for. Television Off took the stage, opening with a mysterious intro and flickering lights reminiscent of a static TV screen. They dove straight into a non-stop set featuring tracks from Creatures, their debut full-length album, seamlessly blending indie rock and pop. The mix of heavy and light emotional tones was delivered with undeniable power, a testament to their artistry that recently earned them a spot performing in India.
Itâs easy to understand why they resonate so deeply, especially with the new generation of fans who grow and navigate life alongside their music. Reaching this point in their journey has been a considerable effort, much like other bands of their era. Their relatable lyrics and the emotions they communicate strike a chord, as evident from the audience at the venueâjumping, singing along to nearly every song, and creating a truly rewarding experience for the band.
One aspect worth praising is the evolution of their performance. The set was dynamic and engaging throughout, despite many songs sharing mid-tempo beats or similar melodies. The arrangement was remarkably cohesive and unexpectedly captivating. Standouts for us were āđāļāļĨāļĩāđāļĒāļāđāļāđāļŦāļĄāļ·āļāļāļāļąāļ (Vesper) and Mantis, two tracks that showcased their impressive sound design and creativity.
Looking ahead, we hope Television Off continues to gain international fans, breaking down language barriers and connecting with audiences worldwide. Their talent and energy deserve nothing less.
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