Just like relative neighbouring music scenes in Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Hanoi and Shanghai the Malaysian capital has a music scene that may not stand out like Toronto or Austin does but it’s growing into its own.
The proof is in the pudding as many with a habit for horrible puns would say. A festival like Urbanscapes and music venues like The Laundry Bar, No Black Tie and Alexis Ampang are providing a platform for young artists and an outlet for Kuala Lumpur’s music fans.
The core ingredient of this development is, as Aidil Rusli of power-pop band Couple told Travel & Leisure, the internet.
“Its always been around,” says Rusli of the city’s music scene. “But (it) was more underground before – mostly in the eighties, punk rock and alternative in the nineties,”
The musician affirms that once the internet became prominent in society musicians in the country started experimenting and local audiences started branching out from the formulaic pop that dominates the airwaves.
Kuala Lumper’s musicians have started to rise in a difficult climate with bands taking advantage of spaces such as shopping malls and assembly halls to perform and jam.
In that sense those within the scene are prepared to play in areas whether they’re glamorous or not.
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Optimists have begun to label the city as Asia’s next San Francisco or London. While that bold statement remains to be seen there are scenes emerging that range from grindcore to metal, folk and Brit pop.
Shop
Joe’s Mac, Amcorp Mall, No.18, Jalan Persiaran Barat
Located on the base floor of Amcorp Mall owner Joe Rozario is in charge of one of the very few vinyl establishments in Kuala Lumpur. It has almost everything a Malaysian music enthusiast could be looking for. Turntables, audio equipment, instruments, art, CDs, DVDs and a small selection of new records are all on offer here. If that’s not enough Joe also has coins, stamps and comic books for sale.
Joe’s Mac 2, Jalan 14-1
Finished with the original Joe’s Mac? The owner will likely send you on to his second location. The difference between the two is more than just size. While this store is much smaller you’ll find a bigger selection of 7-inch singles. Joe’s Mac 2 is only a 20-minute walk from Amcorp Mall.
Junk Book Store, 78 Jalan Tun H S Lee
Book hunters and music hunters have a few things in common. The essential thing is that they know how to find a diamond among the rough. Junk Book Store has quite a few second hand diamonds to be found. While there is only a small collection of vinyl records on offer there are plenty of music related literature ready to be hunted for.
Listen
With Sigur Ros headlining in 2012 and Two Door Cinema Club and Franz Ferdinand sharing the top spot in 2013 this is one the few chances for locals to catch the world’s best indie acts. With a selection of acts from surrounding Asian countries and locals Urbanscapes also provides art activities, graffiti, visual designs, photography, film and stand up comedy.
Gathered together for three days of safari-themed festivities, Deadmau5, Armin Van Buuren, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and rap legends The Wu-Tang Clan make up the 2014 lineup for the Asian arm of the popular annual Australian music festival. Adding to the jungle fun, Future Music Festival Asia will take place at the Mines Wonderland theme park, located 20 minutes from Kuala Lumpur’s centre.
The Laundry Bar, Lot 72, Ground Floor, Western Courtyard, the Curve, Mutiara Damansara
Opening its doors in 2006 this music venues has supported the local music scene since the early days. With a refurbishment recently completed The Laundry Bar hasn’t lost any of its unpretentious attitude. Instead there’s now more music from international and local bands alike.
No Black Tie, 7, Jalan Mesui Off Jalan Nagasari
Abbreviated and known by the locals as NBT this establishment caters for those interested in jazz, Brazilian funk, poety and even Chopin. It’s eclectic to say the least, but NBT has made its reputation in being the foremost jazz house of Kuala Lumpur. With a wooden interior it isn’t just the music that makes the atmosphere delightful.
See
National Museum of Malaysia, Jabatan Muzium Malaysia Jalan Damansara
Before you begin your search for the best of Kuala Lumpur’s music scene you should brush up on your knowledge of the country’s vast history, music or otherwise. Opened in 1963 the museum exhibits everything from traditional weapons to ceramics, flora and fauna and other artefacts that have impacted on Malaysia’s cultural history. Music lovers will note the musical instruments display which provides an insight into the traditional music of the past.
Kuala Lumpur Acts You Should Check Out
Kyoto Protocol – Soundcloud
This indie rock five-piece are no strangers to humour. Their own includes the quirky naming of their debut EP entitled An Album. But they’ve got some serious musicality going for them as well. Having supported the likes of MGMT and scoring a spot on the Future Music Festival Asia bill this independent act are building towards the release of their debut album.
One Buck Short – Soundcloud
Founded in 2001 when the three-piece were in high school One Buck Short are one of the premier punk acts in Malaysia. Having supported the likes of Fall Out Boy, Good Charlotte, Panic At The Disco, My Chemical Romances and Sum 41 the band’s popularity has continued to grow since the release of their 2008 debut Halal & Loving It.
