Sharing a playlist is a vulnerable act — it’s baring a part of your soul. Each song and lyrics says something about what resonates with you on a deeply personal level; it’s almost intimate.
The other day, I was vibing to our team’s Spotify jam and (I’d just queued “M2M” by CODY JON — a bop, by the way) and had a brilliant thought baby: Why not turn this into something more?
Music is such a personal experience, yet simultaneously a universal tool of connection. So, I thought about tapping into that and asking the team for their favourite Southeast Asian music artists.
Introducing #AskCG, your new go-to for personal and honest takes on everything from music to food, and all things lifestyle. We’re kicking things off with a simple question: Who is your favourite SEA music artist and why?
AskCG: Our Favourite SEA Artists
Layyi
Eunice: I love how intentional she is with her lyrics; it almost feels like I’m listening to pages straight from her journal. She also does cute TikTok content in which she sings to passersby with signboards captioned “sit here if you’re feeling blue”. It’s so wholesome and uplifting, and just such a cute little human thing to do.
Favourite Songs: control, i’ll be blue (she couldn’t choose just one)
Layyi lays her soul bare with her authentic lyrics based on life experiences, catchy melodies, and delicate vocal tones. As a pop/R&B singer-songwriter, her tone has been compared to Ariana Grande.
If you enjoy music by H.E.R. and John Mayer, chances are, you’ll like her songs as well.
Cup of Joe
Kris: Their songs make me feel like I’m the main character in my own movie. There’s a song for every mood, but unfortunately, the translated lyrics never quite capture the depth and emotion of the original (it truly does suck when things get lost in translation).
Favourite Song: Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko
Fans of acoustic pop, retro, and alternative pop ballads, give them a listen. Don’t let their youth fool you — this band is the first Filipino act to break into the Billboard Global 200.
Cup of Joe is a young pop/alternative band featuring Gian Bernardino and Raphaell Ridao on vocals, Gabriel Fernandez on lead guitar, CJ Fernandez on rhythm guitar, and Xen Gareza on keys.
Sezairi
Wing Xin: I discovered Sezairi through “It’s You” during quarantine, and it was basically on repeat in my room for months. This song is my lover girl anthem, like seriously, when is it my turn?
Favourite Song: It’s You
Sezairi Sezali is a Singaporean musician and singer-songwriter who skyrocketed to fame after winning the third season of Singapore Idol in 2009. However, he’s anything but a one-hit wonder with his blend of chill R&B, soul, and pop.
Whether you’re in the mood for dancing in the kitchen as you cook or staring dramatically out the window during long bus rides, there’s certainly a track for you.
NIKI
Glenda: NIKI is one of the first few Asian artists I fell in love with! She reminds me of Taylor Swift, and I especially enjoy her clever wordplay and honest, heartfelt lyrics. She may not be a powerhouse vocalist, but her vocal colour is so pretty and delicate and somehow manages to bend to whatever genre she chooses to explore.
Favourite Song: Plot Twist
Indonesian singer-songwriter Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as NIKI, stole the hearts of many when she opened for Taylor Swift at the age of 15.
Since then, she’s created an introspective space, with lyrics reflecting on themes of heartbreak and loss. You’ve probably already heard her viral hit “Lowkey”, which has racked up over 37 million views on YouTube (and for good reason, it’s such a vibe for late-night pondering).
Yung Raja
Ash: Honestly, the first thing that caught my eye about him was his fashion sense. I think what makes him stand out the most is how he uses Tamil in his rap, it feels very relatable and local. Oh, and not gonna lie, he’s handsome too.
Favourite Song: Mustafa
Known as Yung Raja, Rajid Ahamed Yousuf Arafat is a Singaporean-Tamil rapper and songwriter well-known for his use of Tanglish, a mix of English and Tamil. In an interview with Tatler Asia, Raja expressed his pride in being a part of Southeast Asia’s hip-hop movement.
Cashew Chemists
Angela: I stumbled across their music in a random playlist and was so surprised to find out they’re Singaporean! Their vibe is super chill and great for a vibey night, I even heard their songs playing in One Holland Village the other day.
Favourite Song: Over You
Being heavily influenced by blues and pop-rock music of the 50s to the 70s, enjoy an enchanting listening experience with Cashew Chemists’ dreamy tunes and jazzy harmonies.
Sadly, they’re currently on hiatus.
sunlotus
Maeve: I actually caught their set live and really enjoyed listening to their dreamy and comforting music — super calm energy, and they seemed chill in person as well. The sound really reverberates through the room, I love blasting it on my speakers at home.
Favourite Song: Garnet
Formed in 2018, sunlotus consists of Made Dharma as a guitarist and vocalist, Dzul Fawaid as a guitarist, and Bagus Putra Pratama as a drummer.
This Indonesian band channels emotional anxiety into subconscious experiences. They experiment with alternative music termed “Heavy-Shoegaze” that fuses genres such as rock, grunge, drone, and ambient sounds.
Imagine distorted guitar floating over dreamy melodies — perfect for a tranquil night out, or discovering the world of alt-rock/heavy shoegaze music.
So there you have it — 7 Southeast Asian music artists to jazz up your playlists, so you don’t keep listening to the same few singers. I know I’ll definitely be adding a few new songs to my playlist.
For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood.
