5 Valid Reasons to NOT Support Your Local Music Scene
1 There
2 Are
3 No
4 Valid
5 Reasons
Good? Alright, with that out of the way, here 11 genuinely awesome bands and solo artists you should be supporting in the Ho Chi Minh City area, there's something here for everyone, from modern metal to soft bossa nova:
The Bùi Viện Banshees | Songwriter, Rock, Alt
Vish is an incredible musician and songwriter. He has a song, I think called Heartbeat that is beyond masterful, it's not available yet, so your only way to experience it is in a live show right now! Follow them on Instagram to keep an eye on their gigs!
XOI | Energetic, Industrial Rock
Heavier, more hostile vibes, going into Rammstein territory, deep growly voice. What's not to love?
Navy | Easy Listening, Dreamy, Indie
An amazing, softer side of the Ho Chi Minh City local music scene. She just released her album and I'm going to do a deep dive on it! But before that 👇
Con Cá Điện | Alt Rock, Viet Influence
Probably the most stylish band in HCMC, but don't let the style fool you, there's plenty of Rock substance too, they recently released a single called Dark Light
Skeleton Goode | Energetic, Rock, Surfy, Art
One of the top originals bands out here in Ho Chi Minh City. They blend Surf Rock with some psychedelic goodness. Easily one of the tightest bands out there.
irihi 入日 | Anime, Rock, Melodic
A young rock band, mixing anime style with a surprisingly heavier riffing. They are very versatile though, and are good at leaning back too.
The Gobsmacked Ivory Salesmen | Trad, Rock, Driving
An amazing band with super tight grooves, they lean more on an Irish trad sound, but with the combination of electric guitar, banjo and mandolin, can really go wherever they want sonically. I wrote an article all about their new album: Terminally Employed with a link to listen!
COCC | Energetic, Indie
An energetic, Vietnamese Indie Rock band. They've been around for quite a while with their debut show happening in 2010! Go show some support to some HCMC veterans!
The Breeze | Pure Rock
Another young Vietnamese rock band, these guys put on a hell of a show.
ABUCHIBU | Melodic, Soft
Super easy listening pop-rock that's hard not to bob your head to!
Bedlam Royals | Death Metal, Energetic, Melodic
One of the heaviest bands in Ho Chi Minh City. They recently released a music video for their song Ode to Not a King.
I definitely missed some bands here. Let me know who I should feature in the comments below!
Want to catch these acts live around Saigon?
Follow Noise Saigon for the most comprehensive guide to gigs in Ho Chi Minh City there is out there
Bonus: If you want an easy, all-in-one way to stream the scene, check out the Ho Chi Minh City Originals event series! They host a showcase every two months featuring local acts, and you can stream their curated HCMC Originals Spotify Playlist here to keep tabs on new local drops.
PS. Thanks Trix for compiling all of these great bands in one comment!
New to the city?
Adam Khan
