Future Music Festival Asia finds new home in Singapore

SINGAPORE — After a three-year run in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore has been announced as the new host of the Future Music Festival Asia (FMFA) today (Nov 17).

The cross-genre music festival, which typically features an eclectic mix of electronic dance music (EDM), hip hop and pop and rock acts, will be held on March 14 and 15 next year. The venue has not been revealed.

According to organisers The Livescape Group and Future Music Australia, the festival is expected to attract more than 50,000 fans across two days and is “set to feature its biggest line up to date”.

Brett Robinson, director of Future Music Australia said: “We will be announcing the biggest gathering of music superstars Singapore and the rest of South-east Asia has ever seen with over 50 international and regional acts on our bill.”

While the lineup has yet to be announced for FMFA, the roster for the parent Future Music Festival in Australia could provide some clues.

Huge international stars like Drake, Avicii and The Prodigy are expected to feature at the Australian edition, alongside big names in EDM like Martin Garrix, Afrojack and Knife Party. Rising star Kiesza, rapper 2 Chainz, and South African rap-rave act Die Antwoord are also on the list.

The decision to move FMFA across the causeway comes after drug overdose deaths at this year’s edition in Kuala Lumpur caused organisers to pull the plug on the last day of the three-day festival. The likes of Pharrell Williams and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis were due to perform on day three as headliners.

Iqbal Ameer, Group Chief Executive of The Livescape Group said: “We’re confident that by moving FMFA across the causeway, we will be able to significantly provide not only a safe and fun environment for our guests but the festival will also still be within easy reach for our Malaysian fans whom throughout the years, we have grown very affectionate to.”

Limited early bird discounted tickets — for single day, two-day weekend pass and VIP categories — will be available for purchase from Nov 22 via www.galactix.asia/FMFA2015.

More details of the festival including its phase one line-up, venue, and regular ticket prices will be announced on Dec 1.

Iqbal added that the festival has plans to stay in Singapore for the long term and has set itself a target to become Asia’s largest music festival within the next three years.