As the new year approached with each ticking second, gig enthusiasts and music lovers were met with the best way to spend their New Year's Eve, as Manifest: Music Day Out! welcomed 2026 in a blazing glory of music, culture and fun. The all rounded lineup that was split between the indoor Enclave stage and outdoor Projector stage featured a perfect balance of homegrown and regional musicians.Each act brought a distinct style that elevated the experience, whether it was shredding guitars and thumping beats that sparked high-octane mosh pits, or dreamy, ambient alternative melodies that had the crowd swaying along.
Here are some of Bandwagon’s top picks from the thrilling sets that soundtracked the countdown to the new year:
Carpet Golf delivered a blistering performance, with infectious indie rock grooves that kept the crowd moving and the energy soaring throughout their set. Every lyric was echoed back by the audience, creating an electrifying atmosphere that pulsed with the crash of each drum solo and the shredding of the guitar riffs, reverberating through the venue.
As the audience carried the buzz of excitement that came with each minute that brough them closer to the new year alongside amazing musical performances iiARA upped the ante making sure the exhilaration did not fade even in the slightest. She splayed her incredibly unique, almost experiemental hip-hop sound on the stage as she passionately spat our verses that held intese emotion and meaning. Audiences resonated with her confident energy as they mirrored the fire in her performance by jumping along to the beat.
Hulica, all the way from Jakarta, brought their distinctive math rock sound, leaving the audience in awe during their first-ever performance outside Indonesia. The trio found the sweet spot between beautiful melodies and organised chaos to create the tracks that had the crowd hooked to each lyric and note. The music reached out into the audiences taking them along for each beat drop and build up that took the performance to a different level.
With his iconic sarung and undeniable swagger, ABANGSAPAU took the stage with a powerhouse performance, effortlessly connecting with the crowd through his dynamic rap verses. Midway through his set, he stepped off the stage, bringing the show directly to the audience and transforming it into a fully immersive experience. He invited fans to surround him, creating an intimate atmosphere for the remaining songs, and even selected an audience member to join him on the moving heartbreak anthem 'selamat, sayang.' He closed the unforgettable set with a stirring cover of Kanye West’s 'Runaway,' leaving the crowd electrified.
Venturing into hardcore territory, Mystique captivated the crowd with intense, pulse-pounding beats that ignited a frenzied mosh pit. The set reached an even higher level when ABANGSAPAU made a surprise appearance, adding his signature rap flair to Mystique’s raw, electrifying energy.
DOOR PLANT delivered a spectacular set, bringing their unique blend of alternative indie and dream pop all the way from Thailand. Their rich, melodic sound filled the venue as every strum, beat, and lyric radiated energy, creating a captivating sonic atmosphere that drew the crowd together and infused the show with their wide musical range.
As the sun began to set, the sky exploded in radiant shades of orange and pink, perfectly mirroring the enchanting energy of Sobs’ set. Her indie-pop brilliance shone through each song, captivating fans who swayed, sang along, and lost themselves in the dreamy melodies. With every chord and lyric, the performance created a warm, immersive atmosphere that lingered long after the final note.
Straight from Bangkok, Thailand, Whispers unleashed a scorching wave of evilcore that ignited the Enclave stage. Their set transported the crowd from a New Year’s Eve celebration at Scape to the heart of an underground hardcore show, complete with intense mosh pits and crowd surfing. Frontman’s guttural screams added a dark, immersive edge, amplifying the atmosphere and driving the performance to electrifying heights.
Shifting from the intensity of the previous set, Indonesia’s Reality Club filled the stage with their lighthearted indie charm as midnight approached. Their infectious positivity radiated through the crowd, creating a feel-good energy as fans sang along, matching every lyric with unbridled enthusiasm.
Making their international debut, Indonesia's Sukses Lancar Rejeki brought mischief, chaos, and humor to the stage. Their classic punk energy, paired with the hilarious stories behind tracks like 'Cantik Tapi Bau' and 'Maling', had the crowd laughing and singing along. The trio’s antics reminded everyone that as we step into the new year, it’s important to pause, let loose, and simply have fun.
As the final notes rang out and the countdown reached zero, Manifest: Music Day Out! proved to be more than just a New Year’s Eve celebration but a powerful reminder of the energy, creativity, and community that define the regional music scene. From blistering mosh pits to moments of quiet reflection under the night sky, the festival captured every emotion needed to close one chapter and welcome the next. Here’s to more unforgettable gigs, boundary-pushing sounds, and shared moments in the year ahead. Happy New Year, and may 2026 be filled with discovering new music and cherising classic jams.
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