Deciphering foreign lyrics could make us appreciate the composition of the entire song even more. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s trivial at best. Music has been collectively regarded as a universal language, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.
K-Pop is a massive proof of this, as it has gained global recognition and patronage over the past decade. J-Pop also has its way of infiltrating our playlists, as acclaimed anime shows and films we stream almost always have banger soundtracks. P-Pop has been gaining domestic and international attention as well.
But beneath the euphonious surface, have you explored or even heard of Southeast Asian pop music? If not, let’s dive in and meet some amazing SEA artists. Hop on!
4EVE (Thailand)
The term ‘sweet and spicy’ perfectly encapsulates the charm and music of this group. Mind, Jorin, Taaom, Hannah, Fai, Punch, and Aheye had to go through the reality competition show, Girl Group Star, before becoming 4EVE in December 2020. If you have guesses about what their group name stands for, then you’re probably correct because it is the conception of the words ‘forever’ and ‘eve,’ as in woman. Their debut song “Oohlala” might’ve established a girl crush concept, and while that’s their core, 4EVE is not daunted in releasing ballads, summer, and bubblegum bops. Their top 3 popular songs on Spotify—”Tears,” “hot2hot,” and “Test Me”—could easily attest to this.
Personal Pick: 4EVE – วัดปะหล่ะ? (TEST ME) (Prod. by URBOYTJ) – Summer Video
ATLAS (Thailand)
ATLAS is technically 4EVE’s younger brother, as both groups are managed by XOXO Entertainment, with the former entering the T-Pop scene in 2021. This seven-member boy group had one of the most meaningful debuts as their digital single “Mayday Mayday” introduced who they are and what they are capable of. But what’s the big deal about it? Well, their group name was derived from the titan god, who had to bear the heavens upon his shoulders, and from a book with a collection of maps. Combining the two ideas, ATLAS becomes a boy band that dares to explore the universe, venturing different concepts, aesthetics, sound, and storytelling with each comeback.
Personal Pick: ATLAS – คุยแก้เหงา (Mr.Lonely) Prod. by URBOYTJ | Official MV
DOLLA (Malaysia)
A pinch of femininity and a bucket of savagery. Even during their pre-debut, the all-girl quartet has exuded next-level badassery and swag on stage. Their charisma and great rap line might just be the reason why they gained a lot of attention, as well as negative feedback claiming they’re duplicates of the K-Pop superstar, BLACKPINK. DOLLA firmly clarified that they deem the South Korean girl group merely an inspiration and proved their unique color through their music and electrifying live performances.
Just a month ago, Universal Music Malaysia released a statement regarding the departure of one of the members, Syasya, due to personal reasons. While fans and the remaining members—Sabronzo, Angel, and Tabby—received the news with a heavy heart, the now-trio expressed support for their former teammate’s decisions and promised to continue taking DOLLA into international stardom.
Personal Pick: DOLLA – CLASSIC (Official Music Video)
UN1TY (Indonesia)
No one embodies representation like this group, as their name and concept literally reflect the Indonesian national motto, “unity in diversity.” Going a bit against the K-pop trend of EDMs and hard-hitting choreographies, UN1TY branded themselves as a vocal-centric band that aims to uphold the endearing Indo-pop music through relevant social contexts. Their career may have started on a good foot with the hit single “Coba Cintaku,” but the pandemic impeded ‘normal’ promotional activities. But this didn’t stop them from making good music.
One of the group’s hallmarks is that they highlight one member for each music video release so that all eight charms and characters are equally represented. Their easy-listening discography is perfect when you yearn for the flutters in your stomach, when you’re pretending to be productive in the coffee shop, or just trying to doze off. Unfortunately, the octet is no more as three of its members withdrew due to creative differences, leaving Zweitson, Fenly, Shandy, Fiki, and Fajri to continue UN1TY’s growth and success.
Personal Pick: UN1TY – ‘Pangeran Tidur’ (Sleeping Prince) M/V
Hoàng Thùy Linh (Vietnam)
Now, enough with pop groups, because this solo artist surely doesn’t sell herself short. You might’ve heard of or even joined the “Ting Ting Tang Tang” dance challenge that took over TikTok from late 2022 to early 2023. It’s so viral that celebrities, K-pop stars, and athletes have joined the fever. The famed track is actually the remix and sped-up version of the hit single “See Tình,” a song that encapsulated how Hoàng Thùy Linh felt when she first fell in love during her teens.
The overall concept of the award-winning actress and singer is that she’s not afraid to give you colorful, elaborate costumes and set designs on top of layered and meaningful music. It’s truly a visual and auditory feast, as if you’re experiencing a piece of Vietnam firsthand.
Personal Pick: Hoàng Thùy Linh – Kẻ Cắp Gặp Bà Già (Diamond Cut Diamond)| Official Music Video
CONCLUSION
Despite the enormous waves of mainstream music, the rise of southeast Asian pop is in good hands with these promising artists. In realizing this feat, we can at least try to get to know them a little more. There’s no need to memorize their entire life timeline or force yourself to dig up all their songs, like it’s some sort of chore. You can always start by listening to tracks that truly interest you because, honestly, plunging into unfamiliar streams can be a bit off-putting. But sometimes, our curiosity can lead us to great discoveries.
