Despite its very cool – and therefore, somewhat intimidating – aesthetic, the streetwear community is in fact, incredibly welcoming. Hugh Koh, the co-founder of Malaysian streetwear brand Pestle and Mortar, can attest to this; he’s been embraced with open arms into diverse and talented streetwear communities both in and out of Malaysia.

“Each of the different brands out there are all doing their own things and everyone inspires each other,” Hugh said.

People know Pestle and Mortar as a clothing brand that prides itself on cultural storytelling; they embrace elements familiar to their Southeast Asian clientele. Their recent collaboration with Philippine brand Don’t Blame The Kids (DBTK) and Indonesian brand Ageless Galaxy further strengthens such commitment.

Entitled “SEA No Bounds, SEA No Borders,” this collaborative release features unique designs created by each brand. For their part, Pestle and Mortar created a shirt that showcases three animals, each representing one culture.

“We included a tiger for Malaysia, a garuda [for Indonesia], and a bull [for the Philippines],” Hugh explained. “The whole idea is that these animals come together and carry artifacts from each country. From a distance, it looks graphic but when you come closer you see the details and realize that it tells a story.”

On the other hand, DBTK released an acid-wash shirt, while Ageless Galaxy designed a white top that showcases the durian, papaya, and mango fruit. The collection was lauded across three cities – Jakarta, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur – in a celebratory tour that highlighted togetherness and collaboration.

For Hugh, highlighting local and regional talent has always been an important aspect of his clothing brand. In fact, that’s how he came across the DBTK and Ageless Galaxy brands in the first place. His multi-label brand, Major Drop, carried DBTK and Ageless Galaxy, forming a bridge for these international creatives to come together.

“Southeast Asia has so much going for it; so many cool things are coming out, but a lot of people always look to the West and want to have Western brands. We wanted to create a space to shine a light on different regional creators,” Hugh explained.

Now 15 years old, Pestle and Mortar continues to shine a light on various creators, setting patriotic trends that inspire local citizens. The public is particularly receptive to such values, especially as Hugh noted that young people are becoming more conscious about what they wear.

“People now want a stronger message. What does a brand represent? People no longer want to buy for the sake of buying,” Hugh pointed out. “Our customers know how to curate their wardrobe and even for us, when we create our product, we are conscious about how we manufacture.”

Of course, this kind of fashion philosophy reflects Hugh’s style as well. As the visionary nears his 40th birthday, he noted that his style has evolved to include cleaner, more timeless pieces. “Right now, I’m all about being comfortable,” he shared. “These days, I gravitate more towards relaxed, clean looks [that also represent my values].”

Visit Pestle & Mortar through their online channels

Step into the enchanting universe of the Little Prince (Le Petit Prince), as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved tale comes to life in Kuala Lumpur.

Whether you’re rediscovering this childhood classic or introducing it to a new generation, Le Petit Prince offers a magical escape into a world of stars, imagination, and heartfelt lessons.

This immersive exhibition, running from now until March 21, 2025, is your chance to relive the timeless story like never before and experience the whimsical landscapes, profound lessons, and unforgettable characters of The Little Prince through an interactive and multisensory journey.

Prepare to be transported to a fantasy world where glowing stars, dreamy landscapes, and life-sized versions of iconic characters await. From the wise Fox to the tender Rose and, of course, the Little Prince himself, this exhibition brings the story’s illustrations and themes vividly to life.

The exhibition will be split into four segments: The Story That Took Flight, The Pilot and His Little Prince, From B612 to the Stars, and You Are Unique to Me. Each section offers a blend of nostalgia and wonder, perfect for fans of the book or newcomers alike.

There’s even more to enjoy with a dedicated activity area, making it a fun outing for families and friends.

Tickets are priced between RM45 and RM60, with a family package available at RM135 for two adults and two children. Tickets are selling out fast, so secure them before they’re gone! You can get them here.

Location: 3F, Farenheit88, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 9:45 PM

To find out more, visit their website and Facebook.

Brace yourselves, classical music fans! The lightning-fast fingers of Croatian classical crossover pianist Maksim Mrvica are set to dazzle Kuala Lumpur once again.

Mark your calendars for Feb. 12, 2025, when the piano virtuoso will bring his "World Tour: Segmenti" to the Mega Star Arena for an unforgettable night of genre-defying performances.

Expect an evening of classical flamboyance as Maksim serves up hits from his latest album "Segmenti." Think the timeless classics from Chopin and Tchaikovsky mingled with fresh takes on ABBA and Queen. Whether you're a die-hard classical fan or just tagging along for the pre-Valentine’s Day vibes, there’s guaranteed to be something in his setlist to leave you swooning.

Maksim remains a global sensation, renowned for playing an astonishing 16 notes per second. Born in the war-torn city of Šibenik, Croatia, his passion for the piano endured through chaos and led him to prestigious music academies in Zagreb, Budapest, and Paris.

Today, he’s a household name for crossover hits like "Croatian Rhapsody" and "Flight of the Bumblebee" and even blockbuster themes from "Game of Thrones" and "Pirates of the Caribbean."

Ticket prices cost RM888 (VIP), RM688 (CAT 1), RM488 (CAT 2), RM288 (CAT 3), and RM188 (CAT 4) and are available now for purchase here.

For more information, visit Maksim on his website, or follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

Alesso returns to Southeast Asia for one night only.

Global electronic music icon Alesso is returning to Malaysia after 12 years for a one-night only performance at The Landing, KL Base, on Jan. 17, 2025, 7 PM. This show is Alesso’s only standalone performance in Southeast Asia, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for his fans across Southeast Asia to witness one of the world’s most influential DJs live.

Tickets to this highly anticipated 21+ event will be officially open to the public on Dec. 11 via this website.

Tickets are priced at RM238 (GA Ticket), RM642 (Bundle 1: 3 GA Tickets), and RM1,143 (Bundle 2: 6 GA Tickets).

Ticket holders looking to elevate their show experience can sign up through All Access, where they can unlock exclusive rewards, such as Meet & Greets, Backstage Tours, Signed Posters, and Upgrades which started on Dec. 9, 2024. To access these perks, sign up at All Access’ website.

Alesso has redefined electronic music throughout his career, creating global hits-turned party classics like “Heroes (We Could Be),” “Calling (Losing My Mind),” and “Remedy,” and captivating audiences with his euphoric melodies with high-energy beats. With over 5.5 billion global streams, two RIAA-certified Platinum hits, and a list of iconic collaborations with artists like Katy Perry, Calvin Harris, and Tove Lo, Alesso has proven himself to be a powerhouse in contemporary music.

Alesso, born Alessandro Lindblad in Stockholm, Sweden, has continued to redefine the genre with his hits “When I’m Gone” featuring Katy Perry, which marked his Saturday Night Live debut, and “Words” featuring Zara Larsson, which was hailed as the “Top Dance Song of 2022” by Billboard.

With his massive reach and following across social media, amassing 1 billion TikTok views, and performances at some of the most iconic festivals around the world, Alesso remains at the top of his game.

Malaysian and Southeast Asian fans can’t miss this chance to see Alesso and hear his iconic hits live.

This event is presented by All Access, in partnership with Collective Minds, and organized by The Livescape Group.

For more updates, follow Livescape Asia on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

The 90s and early 2000s nostalgia isn’t ending anytime soon.

Backstreet Boys fans in Malaysia, get your wallets ready, because Nick Carter is gearing up to bring his solo concert to Kuala Lumpur in February 2025!

Carter returns to the spotlight with his “Who I Am World Tour,” a celebration of his solo music and career. This comes straight after the Backstreet Boys wrapped up their “DNA World Tour,” spanning over 150 shows in the US, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

The “Who I Am World Tour” features the Backstreet Boys' member's hit singles from his upcoming album of the same name — "Superman,” “Made For Us,” “Never Break My Heart (Not Again)” — and more.

The tour will mark Nick Carter’s return to Malaysia after their “In A World Like This Tour” in 2015.

Rohit Rampal, CEO of Hitman Group, and Kesavan Purusotman (KC), Managing Director of Happymoon, said that the event is part of their “mission” to bring various international acts to Malaysian fans, “Nick Carter is a pop icon who defined an entire era…After years of group and solo success, his current tour is making waves globally, making him the perfect fit for our lineup."

Nick Carter is set to hold his “Who I Am World Tour” at the Zepp Kuala Lumpur on Feb. 26, 2025. Ticketing details, as well as the Artist Pre-sale and General On-sale dates were announced on the organizer’s page. More details are available on Nick Carter’s website. General Public sales begin on Dec. 12, 2024, at 12 PM.

Tickets are priced at RM248 (Rockzone), RM348 (CAT 2), RM448 (CAT 1), and RM8,888 (VIP Box for 10 pax). Tickets will be available through Hitman Solution’s official website.

Don’t miss out on the chance to see boy band member excellence!

For more information, follow Hitman Solutions on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

The Beat Kuala Lumpur’s Up and Coming is a series where we feature rising talented artists from Malaysia, giving them a platform to share what they’re passionate about and promote the music they (and us too!) would love for the world to hear. Do you want or know someone who wants to be featured? Email us at [email protected] or slide through our DMs on Facebook or Instagram.

Home is where the heart is. FIG has had many.

A Malaysian born in the Philippines, raised in Singapore, and spent time living in Shanghai, Beijing, and Frankfurt, Fay had multiple cultural influences under her sleeves. Now based in New York, the young, budding musician carries her fair share of diverse experiences, which she translates into her music — as FIG, an alt-indie pop artist.

Releasing music as early as 2019, FIG prides herself on being a "self-expressing artist with a DIY attitude." True enough, her songs have been all about her everyday experiences: from the complications of love and friendship to the mundane moments in her life. She now even makes her own cover art for her albums, showcasing her true-blue self-made attitude.

“I’m most drawn to writing about everyday, mundane stories — like biking the same street daily or finding joy in a favorite snack. I love exploring how these simple moments can be special and appreciating the beauty in the ordinary,” FIG told The Beat Asia.

Living in New York, however, did not come without challenges. According to her, loneliness was the biggest debacle when she moved to the big city.

“The biggest challenge was finding a community. Even though NYC is so full of people, it can feel really lonely. Community is essential, especially with people going through similar experiences,” she confessed.

But FIG believes that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. In her case, when life gives you a bunch of corn, make a cob stand. In 2022, the 20-something singer established her own events imprint, Cob Stand (which can be attributed to her love of corn). With Cob Stand, she was able to make a community of music and food lovers in her new hometown and give a platform for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) creatives and artists to showcase their craft.

“I started hosting my own music and food events called Cob Stand, which helped me not only find my own community but also create a space for others to connect,” she added.

Apart from Cob Stand, FIG, of course, is raising the Malaysian flag and uplifting the Asian community as she carves her way into the music industry. Just a few years since she started her music career, FIG has already made waves in the industry, surpassing one million streams with standout singles “Splinter” and “Pair of You.” She has also been featured in Spotify’s Mood and New Music Friday playlists across Asia and has supported other artists like grentperez, dhruv, Tiffany Day, Peach Tree Rascals, and Sarah Kinsley on their tours.

Recently, the singer-songwriter also released her album, “FITS,” featuring eight songs about love and loss — both of which pave a new avenue for FIG’s music.

“This project means a lot to me as it dives deep into the emotional arc of friendships and relationships, capturing both their beautiful beginnings and sometimes their inevitable endings. I explore new topics and continue to find myself as an artist in this project.”

One of the album’s tracks, “Opposite Day,” features Japanese American artist Yoshi T. The song speaks about the back-and-forth tensions in friendships and relationships, featuring a rhythmic rap verse from Yoshi.

“Working with Yoshi T. was amazing! I’ve been a fan of his work for so long and really respect him. I loved how we seamlessly blended indie pop and hip-hop on 'Opposite Day.' Even though we don’t hang out often, shooting the music video was so fun — we naturally got along and worked well together. In the video, we had to constantly argue, and it was hilarious how easily we slipped into it,” FIG shared.

FIG has worked with a few other acts in the past, too. But if she has to choose a dream collaboration, it would be indie R&B artist Orion Sun.

“She does things so effortlessly, and you can’t help but smile when listening to her music. She’s been a major inspiration, and seeing her live recently reminded me why I fell in love with her music. I’d love to work with her someday,” she added.

Amid all the good things going for her, FIG is still looking forward to exploring a lot more, especially when it comes to her music.

“When I first started releasing music, I had no idea what I was doing, so seeing my growth over the years has been amazing. I’ve been exploring indie R&B and enjoying that world, but as I grow more comfortable with my identity and artistry, I’m excited to see how my sound continues to evolve!”

On what her biggest goal as a musician is, FIG says that she wants to do a multi-show tour. But above all, she wants to continue building a community for her fellow artists.

“Creating a safe space where people feel connected and making a meaningful impact is the most rewarding part of being an artist.”

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. To learn more about FIG, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, and stream her music on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Up-and-Coming articles here.