In Tune With: Sonic Wonder Mogwaa Before His Set at Sunda Festival
In the daytime, Asia embraces a true hustle culture; by night, we let our hair down and erupt in a magnificent energy to good crowds and good music. In Tune With meets the electric DJs and music makers of Hong Kong and Asia to feel their pulse and uncover why they entered the frenetic nightlife industry.
Seoul-based DJ, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Mogwaa is a one-man powerhouse in South Korea’s electronic music scene, celebrated for his infectious grooves and masterful use of hard-ware instruments and gear.
Dubbed ”boy wonder" by peers and collaborators, Mogwaa glides effortlessly across genres and defies borders — spinning together ‘80s boogie, house, electro, and ambient jungle into dreamy, minimalist soundscapes that feel both retro and futuristic.
With roots in classical piano, guitar, and trumpet, Mogwaa’s finely tuned ear and self-taught production skills have propelled him to new heights. Since his debut EP "Déjà Vu" in 2017, he’s continued to evolve — most recently with "Translucent," an album recorded entirely on a 4-track cassette tape and released through his own label, Magnetic Paws.
Mogwaa has enchanted crowds from all over, including Boiler Room Seoul and Wonderfruit and released tracks under Peggy Gou’s Gudu Records imprint.
Ahead of his set at Sunda Festival in Singapore, Mogwaa speaks to The Beat Asia about his musical beginnings, current inspirations, and the state of Asia’s electronic music scene.
What excites you most about playing at Sunda Festival 2025?
I’m so excited to play with such a great lineup. It’s my second time in Singapore but my first time outside of the city, so I can’t wait to enjoy the nature of Singapore. For my live set, I’ll be playing new unreleased tracks. I hope the audience will enjoy them.
How did your love for electronic music start?
My love for electronic music started from boogie funk, I was digging all those drum machines and synthesizers those bands used back in the day, and now here I am.
I started my career as a guitarist, but later I found out how electronic music works and realized I can be a one-man band within electronic music. So that's how my journey started.
You’re known for your eclectic, cross-genre DJ sets and have spent your early days in a soul/jazz and funk band. How does that background shape your electronic music today?
Sound-wise, instruments like synthesizers, drum machines etc., might be distinct from electronic music. But I get a lot of ideas and inspirations from their arrangement, composition, and how the music handles the space.
Are there any new or emerging artists in the Asian music scene you’re inspired by?
Jesse You. I’ve seen him since day one when he started to produce music. He’s been putting crazy efforts and countless hours into his production. The result of those efforts has just started to come out in the past few years, and of course, they’re amazing.
How do you think the Asian underground music scene has changed compared to when you first started as a DJ, and are you excited by where it’s heading?
Locally, I see more producers, which makes me happy that we are not only consuming but also creating. I feel like the Asian countries are getting closer than before and building a healthy community.
Do you have a standout performance that was particularly meaningful for you as an artist?
The live set I played at Wonderfruit 2023 and Shi Fu Miz 2023. I saw and felt people vibing during my set and it meant a lot to me.
What can audiences expect at your upcoming set at Sunda Festival?
These days, the priority of my live set is to make people dance. I hope audiences will dance a lot during my set.
What do you think of the dance music scene in Singapore? How is it compared to Seoul?
I have similar feelings about both scenes. Both Singapore and Seoul are big, but they have small scenes, so everyone knows and is friends with each other, which makes a unique vibe across the genre/styles.
You’ve described your music as a diary or record of your state of mind at the time. Are there any recurring themes or emotions that have been shaping your recent productions?
It’s more about sound these days.
For the past few years, I’ve been researching and archiving a place called Cabaret/Colatec (Cocacola-Discotheque), which is a dance place for seniors who are retired and in their 60s or 70s. They always have keyboard player there, and their concept of sound and how they design their sound inspires me a lot.
You regularly post videos of yourself brewing coffee on your Instagram. Does this ritual play a role in your creative routine?
In the beginning, it didn't, but right now yes. Somehow it became a trigger to start my studio time and daily life.
After Sunda Festival, what’s next for you?
I’m planning a European tour during June. And I’m working on album right now that I can hopefully finish this year!
For more information, visit Sunda Festival’s website or Instagram. Stay connected to Mogwaa on his Instagram and Linktree.
Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous In Tune With profiles here.
Mogwaa's Set Details:
Location: Jurong Stage, Sarimbun Scout Camp, 70 Jalan Bahtera, Singapore
Date and Time: Apr. 19, 2025, 8 to 9 PM
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