5 Asian Guitarists You Need to Listen to Right Now
Asia is a hotbed for musical talent. It’s not always easy to find the best musicians from such a large pool. But if Mateus Asato’s career is any indication, it is that much of the underrated talent in different parts of the world can be discovered online. Here are 5 of the most promising Asian guitarists that should definitely be on your radar.
Muhammad Alman
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Muhammad Alman is not even 10 years old and already he’s on his way to becoming a mainstay in Malaysia’s metal guitar scene. It’s not surprising, considering how his dad is Muhammad Najmi, the guitarist for Malaysian rock band JEMSON, while his mom is International College of Music alumna Dhiya Izwin Zainal Abidin. As a result, Alman discovered guitars, drums, and even drop tuning at an early age. Today, it’s highly apparent that this kid is bound for metal greatness.
Philip Flores
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Philip “Ipe” Flores might be the most important Filipino funk, reggae, rock, and pop guitarist you’ve never heard about. As the former axeman of bands like neo-soul outfit Pinoy Stories and funk, reggae, and rock act Cosmic Love, it would be an understatement to say that Flores has made his mark on the Metro Manila music scene. Armed with MXR pedals for both chorus and analog delay effects, and more than two decades of experience as a veteran in the Asian rock scene, Flores continues to craft some of the most pristine and original reggae riffs in the game. Today, you can find his latest work online in his new band, Lolit Solid.
Pablo Pablo
Also hailing from Metro Manila, Philippines, Pablo Pablo is the guitarist for contemporary dream pop and shoegaze act Polar Lows. Fronted by the dreamlike, echoing voice of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Megumie Alcala, the band’s deep roots in the old-school shoegaze scene are supplied by Pablo’s lead guitar and masterful use of effects. Using the classic fuzz from secondhand Joyo and Mooer stompboxes passed around from guitarist to guitarist in the city, Pablo’s command of guitar tone reveals his years of playing for Manila’s different indie rock bands.
Uk Sochiet
Groovy Cambodian rock might not be what it is today without Uk Sochiet. Alongside bassist Mark Chattaway, Sochiet is one of the founders of Kampot Playboys, a band that was instrumental in establishing the country’s folk rock scene. Blending Western rock influences with indigenous Cambodian sounds, Sochiet is the brains of the operation, and continues to push the limits of ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll-driven folk/alternative rock.
Hiroya Tsukamoto
Hiroya Tsukamoto’s first guitar was a five-string thrift store banjo. His dad brought it home when he was just 13. Today, he’s become a regular at New York jazz clubs, has won numerous awards for his mastery of finger style acoustic guitar, and has a small but rising following in the worlds of jazz, world, and folk music. He continues to regularly release new music as well as glimpses into his creative process.
This is just a quick glimpse into the world of undiscovered guitarists in Asia. From folk and neo-soul to classic rock and metal, there’s no shortage of amazing guitar talent in this part of the world.