88rising’s Road to FAM Finale Transformed Hua Lamphong into Asia’s Cultural Runway

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As a passionate gamer with a love for music and culture, I was absolutely thrilled to be part of the electrifying crowd at Bangkok’s iconic Hua Lamphong Railway Station. Transformed into a pulsating stage for 88rising’s Future Asian Music (FAM) platform, it became the ultimate destination for an unforgettable night on July 9.

This spectacular event marked the grand finale of the Road to FAM tour, and I was fortunate enough to be there as it sold out! This extraordinary gathering was also a significant part of Thailand’s Splash – Soft Power Forum, which took place from July 8-9. The Forum offered insightful music industry panels, the inaugural launch of FAM Studios at Cloud11 – an innovative creative space fostering emerging Asian artists – and capped off with an electrifying performance that brought the Road to FAM series to a climactic close. What an amazing experience!

More than 2,600 fans and artists gathered at the terminal to experience an impressive lineup, with Thai rap sensation MILLI as the headliner. She unveiled a fresh track titled “Sick With It” for the first time, which is set to be released on her upcoming album HEAVYWEIGHT. In collaboration with THACCA, the station was converted into a concert venue for the very first time, marking a new chapter in the cultural significance of one of Bangkok’s most recognized landmarks.

At this Southeast Asian concert, it marked a significant step forward for live music and an opportunity to showcase avant-garde fashion. In recognition of Levi’s® support for artistic expression, certain performers donned unique denim outfits created by local stylists and designers. Fariz Jabba’s outfit, refashioned by Youths in Balaclava, emphasized raw denim artistry with visible seams and multiple layers revealing what is typically concealed. Malaysian rapper Zamaera made a bold statement with an innovative silhouette from uglypretty, where jacket collars were transformed into a strong bust-line cutout-expressing her fearless femininity. Simultaneously, MILLI drew attention with a trench coat crafted entirely from Levi’s denim patchwork jeans, styled by Tang (WONGSAYOT NAPAWAROM), and layered over a western-inspired attire that exuded major leading lady vibes.

Besides MILLI’s headline-grabbing performance, the evening was marked by outstanding displays from an eclectic mix of up-and-coming Asian artists. RAMENGVRL brought the house down with energetic tracks such as “Cashmere” and “Vaselina”, while Zamaera captivated the audience with popular hits like “Helly Kelly” and “Get Munni”. Fariz Jabba showcased his lyrical prowess through “X Games” and “Gun-T”, adding to the momentum of his previous performances. The local scene was also represented, with Flower.far offering sultry R&B tunes, GALCHANIE delivering genre-blending hits, and PROXIE showcasing their synchronized pop charm.

As the finale approached, the creative energy spread to FAM Studios at Cloud11, a place where artists from Asia’s emerging scene congregated for two days. This event was all about fostering cross-border creative collaboration, and it featured intimate discussions, networking events, and workshops to hone skills. The highlight was undoubtedly a masterclass conducted by the Grammy-winning songwriter and producer James Fauntleroy. FAM Studios served as a nexus for upcoming talent from the region to connect and flourish.

At the grand finale of Road to FAM, it felt as if a diverse gathering of cultures took place, bringing together music, style, and regional influence. Thai stars, trendsetters, and artists intermingled with international talents, heralding a fresh chapter in Asian creativity on the global scene. With FAM Studios at Cloud11 now open and 88rising readying for further cross-border collaborations, the future of Asian music promises an exciting new chapter.

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2025-08-08 18:56