88rising’s Future Asian Music (FAM) is quickly becoming a game-changer for the region’s music ecosystem. Born out of a need to support early-stage Asian talent, FAM has rapidly grown into a movement that spans distribution, community, and cultural programming. And with the grand opening of FAM Studios in Bangkok and the culmination of the Road to FAM tour, it’s clear that this initiative is more than just a platform — it’s a launchpad for the next wave of music from Asia.
Officially unveiled during the Road to FAM – The Finale festivities, FAM Studios offers a physical space for discovery, experimentation, and collaboration. Nestled in Bangkok’s historic Talat Noi district, the pop-up studios are part of The Corner House — a 120-year-old heritage building revitalized as a creative hub. Developed in partnership with Bangkok tech collective Cloud11, the space spans three floors: a recording studio (2nd floor), an artist lounge (3rd floor), and a live performance arena with movable sets (4th floor) inspired by Thai street food markets. The studios are designed as a launchpad for both FAM-signed and network artists, equipping them with the tools needed to thrive globally.
A highlight of the FAM Studios opening was the exclusive masterclass by four-time Grammy-winning producer James Fauntleroy, marking the debut of 1500 Sound Academy Bangkok in partnership with Cloud11. Fauntleroy, who’s worked with Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, led a deep dive into songwriting, production, and building global resonance while retaining local identity.
The studio launch coincided with SPLASH – Soft Power Forum 2025, where FAM and 88rising hosted an insightful music symposium. Speakers included Verbal (m-flo, AMBUSH®) and 88rising’s Dani Chae, who led a panel titled Creativity as Currency to Build Cultures. The session explored the influence of Asian artists in global pop culture, the power of language and authenticity, and the opportunities for cross-industry expression. At the same forum, 88rising announced a joint venture with XOXO Entertainment to showcase Thai talent on the global stage (case in point: they recently released T-pop girl group 4EVE’s first global EP GLOW) — with a focus on talent development, platform support, and collaborative ideation.
At the heart of the celebration was the Road to FAM finale, held at Bangkok’s iconic Hua Lamphong Station — marking the first-ever public concert at the historic venue. Headlined by Thai rap superstar MILLI, the sold-out event drew over 2,600 fans and industry figures. MILLI debuted new music including ‘Sick With It’, ‘One Punch’, and ‘Menace’ from her album HEAVYWEIGHT. She was joined by a regional all-star lineup: PROXIE, Zack Tabudlo, RAMENGVRL, Zamaera, Fariz Jabba, GALCHANIE, Flower.far, and a group showcase curated by WAYDAY & IAM, featuring rising Thai acts like Sammy Niche, AOM, EYE, and ICE.
Since its 2024 launch, FAM has supported over 300 artists, distributed 150+ tracks monthly, and driven more than 50 million streams — proving that investing in grassroots talent unlocks both cultural and commercial impact. Breakout names like Mighfar Suganda (whose debut single 'Anti ∞ Hero' amassed 40 million streams) and FION (‘More Than a Friend’) show what’s possible with FAM’s upstream pipeline to 88rising’s global platform.
Crucially, FAM also invites non-distribution artists into its fold. Collaborators like GANGGA, Rangga Jones, Yuji, Kendis, and Thai indie icon _less participated in live sessions, interviews, and studio activations during the week-long activation in Bangkok, underscoring FAM’s commitment to inclusive artist development.
As FAM evolves, its partnership with Cloud11 will anchor it in Thailand’s future. With Cloud11’s full creative campus set to open later this year — complete with high-tech studios, performance spaces, and educational facilities — Bangkok is well on its way to becoming Asia’s next cultural capital.
As 88rising founder Sean Miyashiro says, “FAM takes our mission to amplify Asian talent on the world stage to the next level.” Bangkok may have been the backdrop, but the movement is pan-Asian — and its momentum is just getting started."
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