The energy was electric on Sunday evening, August 17, 2025, at Rona di Bukit as Jimbaran Hub’s “Road to AXEAN Festival 2025” culminated in a spectacular final battle, setting the stage for one of Southeast Asia’s most anticipated music events.The night was headlined by a powerful performance from acclaimed Filipino indie band The Itchyworms, but the spotlight was firmly on the emerging talent. After a fierce competition, two acts emerged victorious: Morbid Monke and Gozal. They triumphed over fellow finalists Samara and Jumat Libur Soundsystem to secure a coveted slot on the main stage at AXEAN Festival 2025.
The event drew over 100 attendees, creating a vibrant mix of musicians, fans, and key industry figures from across Southeast Asia. The excitement wasn’t just on stage; it also flowed into the “Obrolan Teras” (Terrace Talk) session, which delved into the realities of the music industry.
International publicist Victoria Ciesieolka shared invaluable insights in a talk titled “Siasat Publisis Menembus Pasar Musik Global” (Publicist’s Strategy to Penetrate the Global Music Market). In a refreshing take, she encouraged artists to embrace their authentic voice, literally. “I think you don’t have to sing in English,” she stated. “A while back, I watched a Chinese musician sing in Mandarin, and it was a religious experience. It didn’t matter that I didn’t understand the lyrics; it was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen.”
The enthusiasm was echoed by Mahanugra Kinzana, Head of Business and Commercial at Jimbaran Hijau, who emphasized the venue’s alignment with the festival’s vision. “As a venue partner, our DNA is completely aligned with the DNA of AXEAN Festival 2025: where authenticity is a core idea for every event at Jimbaran Hub as a contemporary village center.”
With new stars crowned on August 17th, industry wisdom shared, and a rocking closing set by The Itchyworms, the “Road to AXEAN” has successfully built immense excitement for the main festival in 2025. The bar has been set high for a celebration of authentic, boundary-pushing music from across the region.