Head in the Clouds Manila is just a few days away, and we cannot deal. With 18 hours of exciting music, this experience is sure to be one for the books. 20+ artists are set to perform (at 45-55 minutes per set), but here are just 8 acts that we can’t wait to finally watch live:
1. Joji
Fresh from his Dec 8 concert in Bangkok, Joji will be taking the HITC stage to perform his biggest hits (e.g. “Sanctuary”, “Glimpse of Us”) as well as new tracks from his chart-topping new album Smithereens.
Known for his melancholic music, Joji is a multi-talented artist who started out making comedy videos on YouTube, before drawing attention with his hit single “Slow Dancing in the Dark”. He’s known for his distinctive sound that hovers between alternative R&B and trap.
2. Jackson Wang
After performing in Manila this July for the K-pop Masterz concert, Jackson Wang is coming back to the Philippines!
This Hong Kong singer-rapper is an international phenomenon, having achieved global success since he debuted in 2014 as a member of K-pop group GOT7. With his unique style of English rap and Chinese lyrics, Jackson has become one of Asia’s most popular artists. Fun fact: he’s the first Chinese artist to perform at the Coachella main stage!
3. Niki
This Indonesian songstress got her start as a teenager on YouTube, posting covers and even opening for Taylor Swift in Jakarta (at just 15!). Now, she is making waves in the international music scene with her unique blend of soul, pop, and R&B. Her sophomore album Nicole pays tribute to her beginnings, and is accompanied by a 30-minute short film But I’m Letting Go.
4. Rich Brian
This Indonesian rapper and record producer gained fame on SoundCloud with his debut single “Dat $tick”. Since then, he’s released two albums – Amen (2018) and The Sailor (2019) — which showcase his personal growth as an artist as well as his devotion to hip-hop culture.
5. eaJ
This Korean-American singer-songwriter rose to popularity as the vocalist and lead guitarist of the Korean band DAY 6. Since he has gone solo, he is quickly making a name for himself as eaJ, collabing with established artists like Keshi and Seori.
6. YAOSOBI
Composed of Vocaloid producer Ayase and singer-songwriter Ikura, Japanese music superduo Yoasobi gets its name from the Japanese word 夜遊び (yoasobi), which means “nightlife”. The duo refers to their individual careers as “daytime” and their Yoasobi career as “nighttime”. Yoasobi instantly went viral with their 2019 debut single “Yoru ni Kakeru”, topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for six weeks.
7. Atarashii Gakko!
Composed of the kawaii-but-fierce Mizyu, wildcard Suzuka, graceful Kanon, and funky Rin, Atarashii Gakko! is a genre-bending Japanese girl group that mixes elements of pop, jazz, hip-hop, rock, and more. Their performances are characterized with punk energy and frantic dance moves, choreographed by the four members themselves.
8. Ylona Garcia
Filipino-Australian artist Ylona Garcia first caught our eye in 2015 when she finished as first runner-up in Pinoy Big Brother. But in 2021, she moved the the US to pursue music, and Ylona is thriving! She’s signed under Paradise Rising, has collabed with Valorant for her song “Entertain Me”, and has performed in Head in the Clouds LA. And now, our girl is coming home to perform at Head in the Clouds Manil!
There are so many more amazing acts you can expect to see at Head in the Clouds Manila on December 9-10, 2022. From Indonesian and Japanese chart-toppers, to emerging homegrown artists – there’s something for everyone at this massive music event. Apart from music, you can also expect curated food as well as immersive and IG-worthy installations. Perfect for a year-ender barkada get-together!
So make sure you mark the date and get your tickets ASAP, because you won’t want to miss out. Get your festival passes on SM Tickets.
