Maho Rasop 2023
Text by Anindita and Image Source courtesy of GUIT and Maho Rasop
Maho Rasop translating to “Festive Celebration” in Thai, is an embodiment of Bangkok’s vibrant spirit.
This annual music festival isn’t just an event; it’s a cultural icon symbolizing joy, excitement, and historical richness.
Launched in 2018 by HAVE YOU HEARD?, Seen Scene Space, and Fungjai, Maho Rasop emerged in response to Thailand's flourishing independent music scene. This festival set a new standard for live performances in Bangkok, combining local and international acts.
From its humble beginnings as a one-day event, Maho Rasop evolved into a weekend-long festival in 2019, indicating its ambition to become an annual fixture. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, the festival made a triumphant return in 2022, attracting its largest audience to date. The 2023 edition promised to further this legacy with an even more diverse and vibrant lineup.
Maho Rasop's distinct stages each offered a unique experience. The Maholan stage, as the main platform, showcased headlining acts with exceptional production values. The Viman stage was a gateway to discovering emerging global talents. Lastly, the Sawan Club stage provided a space for experimental and electronic music aficionados.
The 2023 edition was an exhilarating blend of musical styles. The lineup included British post-punk, North American indie acts, East Asian groups, and Thai artists, creating a rich soundscape. Highlights included performances by Yard Act, Squid, IDLES, Alvvays, Alex G, and Atarashii Gakko!, showcasing the festival's commitment to diverse musical expressions.
Day 1
The festival kicked off with the shoegaze vibes of Death of Heather, setting a dreamy tone. The energy escalated with Yard Act’s debut performance in Thailand, captivating the audience with their unique sound. The day continued with various acts like Otoboke Beaver and Mildlife, leading up to Alex G's eclectic set, which spanned multiple genres and captivated the crowd.
Day 2
Day two commenced with Numcha's soothing indie melodies, warming up the crowd for the day ahead. Squid’s performance on the Maholan Stage was a masterclass in post-punk, captivating fans with their dynamic rhythms.
Atarashii Gakko! was a standout, drawing a dedicated fanbase. Their performance was a high-energy spectacle, combining cheeky choreography with infectious hits like 'Nainainai' and 'Otona Blue'. The unannounced set by Alec Orachi added an element of surprise, blending jazzy alt-rap with enthusiastic calls for community and change.
The night continued with a myriad of acts, making it hard to stick to just one. Alvvays' indie pop resonated with the audience, especially during their hit 'Dreams Tonite'. Japanese legends Envy delivered an intense post-hardcore set, while Thaiboy Digital's rap performance at Sawan Club was a memorable Bangkok debut.
Interpol's first performance in Thailand was a significant moment, but the energy of Balming Tiger on the Viman Stage was unparalleled. Their eclectic hip hop/alt-K-pop performance, featuring tracks like ‘Sexy Nukim’ and ‘Frog’, was a fitting end to the festival, compelling everyone to dance along.