Dispatches from A Fest 2, a cultural exchange program better known as a week-long series of gigs

Interviews by ALICE SARMIENTO
Photographs by KEITH DADOR

Organized by local indie outfit, Kindassault records, A Fest features regional and local talent in a week-long festival of indie pop, rock, shoegaze, and electronica. Besides generating exposure and album distribution, A Fest has also been a successful platform for creating a sense of community among Asia’s independent musicians.

This year, bands and artists were flown in from Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore; so we came in to pester them about first CDs, favorite non-musical sounds, and things that remind them of “home” (wherever that may be).

Osaka's Brian the Sun at Route 196, April 15

Malaysia's Mohd Jayzuan at Club Dredd, April 14

From the UK and Thailand: The Standards at Saguijo, April 16

From everywhere, but based in Singapore: Giuliano Gulotti, aka Amberhaze at Saguijo, April 16

Indonesia's Bottlesmoker with only half of their usual rig, Saguijo, April 16

A Fest 2 was organized by Kindassault records and was made extra possible with the help of Revolver Productions, Bratpack, Splintr.com, and UR 105.9. Local acts who played at this year’s A Fest were Encounters with a Yeti, Turbo Goth, Ang Bandang Shirley, Sleepwalk Circus, Musical O, Up Dharma Down, and The Dorques.

For more information on future gigs, recordings, and merchandise, you may contact Joff [at] kindassault [dot] com