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1. MISTER TWO FIVE
If you're into chill, genre-blurring sounds that feel perfect for late-night drives or zoning out with your headphones on, MISTER TWO FIVE should already be on your radar.
His music leans into smooth R&B, mellow pop, and subtle experimental touches that feel polished but never overproduced and definitely not basic. He's the kind of artiste whose tracks slowly creep into your rotation… and never leave.
Listen to him here:
2. JAIE
JAIE makes the kind of music that feels deeply personal, like you're listening in on someone's late-night thoughts.
When words are hard to find, her songs say it for you. Think of the texts you'd send to your ex if you were being poetic: intimate, soft‑spoken, and atmospheric. Songs that make you feel like you're floating, not just listening.
If you like sounds that feel intimate without trying too hard, JAIE is absolutely worth pressing play on.
Listen to her here:
3. Darren Ashley
A familiar name in Malaysia's English music scene, Darren Ashley is a producer, multi‑instrumentalist and songwriter, who proves that longevity counts. Years of experience have shaped his sound into something mature, both sonically and lyrically, yet still completely relevant today.
His songwriting and performances have real depth, and he's taken his music far and wide — Switzerland, Berlin, India, Shanghai — showing that Malaysia's local sound travels just as well as it does at home. He's a reminder that some artistes don't just appear overnight; they've been quietly putting in the work for years.
Listen to him here:
4. Saint Kylo
Funk. Soul. R&B. All the good grooves. Saint Kylo brings a slick yet effortless feel to his music. Known for his groove-driven sound and smooth delivery, he's also one of the few local artistes who's made waves internationally, and had the rare opportunity to work under the guidance of Grammy-winner Anderson .Paak.
And live? He doesn't just perform… he owns the room. Even the shyest person won't be able to sit still. Calling his energy "infectious" is an understatement.
Listen to him here:
5. David Soh
David Soh's tunes sit smack in that sweet spot between emotional pop and mellow R&B. The singer‑songwriter's smooth voice and knack for heartfelt melodies make each track feel intimate and expressive.
There's a genuine sincerity in the way he writes and performs, making his songs easy to connect with, especially if you're into honest, no-frills storytelling.
Listen to him here:
6. Moghul Miz
Genre? Who cares. Moghul Miz refuses to be put in a neat box. His sound is experimental, unexpected, and just fun. A mix of R&B, soul, hip‑hop, and whatever else he feels like weaving in.
While he's written for other artistes, he also steps up as a rapper and performer in his own right.
If you're over predictable beats and want something that surprises you in a good way, drop his tracks into your rotation.
Listen to him here:
7. LANG
LANG's music feels like it was made for easygoing, intimate moments. Late evenings, dim lights, headphones on… that's the vibe.
His sound drifts between indie, R&B, and alternative textures. It's the kind of music you put on when you want to slow down and just feel… or maybe start cooking and swaying along.
Listen to him here:
8. TY:DEL
TY:DEL (pronounced like tidal) is a Malaysian indie-pop band shaped by friends jamming together and honing their chemistry over time. And you can hear that chemistry in how natural their breezy, easygoing tunes feel.
Since 2019, they've been crafting feel‑good indie-pop that slides effortlessly into chill playlists.
Listen to them here:
9. Murty
Murty's music feels like a conversation. Honest, grounded, and full of personality, his blend of R&B and heartfelt songwriting hits in the way that leaves you feeling seen… even if you thought you were just scrolling through music.
His rich voice has drawn praise online, including shout‑outs from Chris Brown who highlighted his vocal chops.
Listen to him here:
10. Takahara Suiko
Artistry is her middle name. Takahara Suiko, also known as The Venopian Solitude, delivers bold, introspective alternative sounds with a DIY edge that feels real and unfiltered.
If you appreciate artistes who treat music as an extension of their creative identity, she's one to watch, listen, and re-listen just to catch every bold, beautiful note.
Listen to her here:
11. lost spaces
Dreamy, hazy, and a little melancholic, lost spaces creates music that feels like it belongs in a coming-of-age film soundtrack. Indie rock with ethereal instrumentals and soft vocals? Yes pls.
Perfect for those moments when you want your playlist to set a mood, not just fill silence. With plenty of new music on the way, he's definitely one to keep on your radar.
Listen to him here:
12. RESORT
Indie-pop trio RESORT nails that warm, jangly guitar + airy synth combo so well, it's like sunlight bottled into songs.
They've been making waves locally with memorable releases and festival appearances, including Good Vibes Festival 2023, and recently took their sound international with their first show at LaLaLa Fest in Jakarta, sharing the stage with big names like The Black Eyed Peas and Camila Cabello.
Their EP TRANSPARENT swings effortlessly between reflective and upbeat, making it perfect for slow days with good company.
Listen to them here:
13. Valerayy
Valerayy brings confidence and edge to the local pop scene, mixing moody hooks with slick, well-crafted production.
Her tracks are modern, polished, and full of personality; the kind you'd play when you're vibing with dark-pop but still want something catchy. She's proof that local pop can be stylish, sharp, and emotionally engaging all at once.
Listen to her here:
14. Alena Murang
Alena Murang stands out not just for her music, but for what she represents. Blending traditional sounds with contemporary songwriting, she uses her platform to highlight indigenous culture and endangered languages from Borneo.
Her music feels both rooted in heritage and refreshingly modern, making her one of Malaysia's most distinctive voices and captivating both in her songwriting and her instrumental work.
Listen to her here:
15. Adriel
If lyrics matter to you, Adriel's voice and storytelling delivers. His music carries sincerity, and his lyrics pair with arrangements that enhance rather than overpower his voice.
For anyone who listens closely to words and meaning, his music is bound to resonate.
Listen to him here:
16. maatjet
Experimental without being inaccessible, maatjet crafts music that plays with soundscapes, textures, and beats to create fully immersive experiences.
His tracks reward focused listening, making them great for moments when you want to actually tune in rather than just have background noise.
While his work is often rooted in electronic production and electronica vibes, he's also no stranger to hip‑hop‑infused rhythms and alternative influences, so there's this cool hybrid edge to his sound. Definitely one for fans of alternative electronic music.
Listen to him here:
17. zekke
zekke represents that exciting new wave of local artistes who aren't afraid to blur genres and try new things.
With crisp, inventive sounds and a fresh approach to songwriting, his music feels current and forward-looking. He's the kind of artiste you discover early and feel proud about later when everyone else catches on.
Listen to him here:
This feature is part of the #saysplaylist series, providing your playlist with a breath of fresh Malaysian air
If you have any Malaysian bands, singers, or songs that you think we should feature, drop us a message!
