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 Asia to feel their pulse and uncover why they entered the frenetic nightlife industry.

At June's &FRIENDS Festival, DJ Kiara debuted her newly released single, “What the Hell,” to a crowd that met every build and breakdown with the same euphoric energy. Sharing the lineup with electronic stars like Galantis and Porter Robinson, the 25-year-old Singapore-born DJ is emerging as one of Asia’s most exciting burgeoning names in electronic music.

Known for high-octane sets that fuse big room house with tightly wound, pop-infused mashups, Kiara’s Manila performance marked another milestone in a career accelerating at internet speed.

DJ Kiara, whose real name is Ashley Ler, first built her following on TikTok, where late-night bedroom mixes evolved into viral edits that introduced hundreds of thousands of listeners to her energetic, genre-blurring sound.

During a university exchange in France in 2022, Kiara uploaded a mashup of Avicii's “I Could Be The One” and Krewella's “Alive” that quickly amassed more than 100,000 views, doubling her audience almost overnight and opening the door to club bookings at Singapore institutions like Cherry Discotheque.

Since then, Kiara has grown a community of more than 470k TikTok followers and over 15 million likes — but the force of her appeal reaches well beyond the For You page.

From festival stages including Djakarta Warehouse Project and &FRIENDS, to a growing catalogue of original releases, she's part of a new generation of DJs pushing Singapore’s dance music scene onto the global stage.

Where did you first find your love for DJing and dance music?

I discovered my love for dance music at Ultra Music Festival Singapore. Seeing artists like Alesso perform live completely changed the way I experienced music. I had already been listening to EDM since the early 2010s, but that was the moment I realised I wanted to be part of that world myself.

What do you remember most about your first time playing in a club, and how did it feel stepping behind the decks for the first time?

It was incredibly nerve-wracking. I spent weeks practicing before my first set because I wanted to be as prepared as possible and not let my nerves get the better of me. At the same time, it felt empowering to be the one controlling the energy in the room and connecting with people through music.

You first gained attention by creating viral mash-up tracks on TikTok. How do you approach making music in such a fast-moving digital space?

I try to create music that I genuinely enjoy while also thinking about what my audience would connect with. It's important to find a balance. If you're only creating for yourself, you can lose touch with your audience, but if you're only creating for others, you can lose your identity as an artist. For me, it's about balancing personal creativity with the business side of music.

You've already built a strong presence across both online and club spaces. How do you see those two worlds interacting in your work?

To me, the world is my stage, whether that's online or in real life. My music is an extension of who I am. Everything I put out reflects how I feel and how I see the world, so both spaces naturally complement each other.

What excited you the most about performing at &FRIENDS Festival in Manila?

The opportunity to connect with new audiences and continue growing across Asia. I hope to perform in more countries, tour internationally, and keep releasing original music. Every new show is a chance to share my sound with more people around the world.

What's been your most memorable set so far, and what made it so special?

Playing at Djakarta Warehouse Project in 2024 was definitely my most memorable set. It was the first festival I'd ever played, and seeing people show up and connect with my music on that scale was an unforgettable experience.

How would you describe the current DJ and club scene in Singapore right now?

I think the creative community in Singapore has become much more connected and supportive. There's also been a shift in how people view DJs and artists — the old stereotypes have faded, and being a DJ is increasingly seen as something to be proud of. It's exciting to see more people pursuing creative careers and supporting one another.

What do you love most about DJing?

The people, the vibes, and the energy. There's nothing quite like sharing a moment with a crowd and feeling everyone connect through music.

When inspiration hits, do you prefer to capture it immediately or let ideas evolve over time?

I capture it immediately. Whether it's in my Notes app or on Post-it notes, I write ideas down whenever they come to me. My room is usually covered in little reminders and creative thoughts waiting to be developed.

Who or what are you listening to right now? Are there any DJs, producers, or non-music influences influencing your current sound?

I've been listening to BUNT., KETTAMA, Ian Asher, and NOTION. They all bring something unique to electronic music, and they've definitely influenced the way I think about energy, groove, and crowd connection.

Where do you see yourself fitting into Singapore's next wave of DJs and producers?

I hope to be part of a community where everyone supports and uplifts one another. Singapore is full of talented artists, and I'd love to contribute to a scene that's collaborative, inclusive, and constantly pushing forward together.

Where do you want to take DJ Kiara next? What does the next chapter look like for you?

I want to take DJ Kiara onto the international stage. My goal is to tour globally, release more original music, and represent Singapore wherever I go. If I can help put Singapore on the map and make my country proud, that would mean everything to me.

For more from DJ Kiara, follow her journey on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous In Tune With profiles here.