Richie Hawtin Spotlights Southeast Asian Artists at Prada Extends Bangkok

Prada Extends, the acclaimed series of events uniting music and culture, made its way to Bangkok on June 29. Created in collaboration with Richie Hawtin, the renowned electronic music artist known as Plastikman, Prada Extends showcased Thailand’s diverse array of artists through electronic music and meaningful dialogue.

Having previously taken place in cities like London, Tokyo, and Miami, Prada Extends aims to foster connections and conversations between different cultures and geographies through the power of electronic music. The series of live events celebrates not only the impact of music but also its intersection with creative communities and cultural exchange.

Richie Hawtin, who has designed original soundtracks for Prada’s runway shows, expressed his excitement about Prada Extends Bangkok, describing it as a celebration of the city’s diversity and intensity. Bangkok, with its unique vibrancy and magnetic energy, served as an ideal backdrop for the event, bringing together a melting pot of ideas and inspiration.

The event commenced with a conversation at the Prada ICONSIAM store, where Mixmag Asia Director Arun Ramanathan discussed the conceptualization of Prada Extends with Richie Hawtin. They delved into the power of music in today’s world, the cultural diversity of Bangkok, and its evolution in recent years. Hawtin shared his fascination with the city’s blend of harmony and chaos, which aligns with his creative process and his search for harmony through music as an intersection of art, technology, and culture.

The evening continued with a performance by Elaheh, a DJ and music curator from More Rice Records. Richie Hawtin also took the opportunity to meet and greet the crowd, consisting of local artists and fashion enthusiasts.

The main event took place at Warehouse Stadium in the Khlong Toei district, featuring a lineup curated by Hawtin. DJ BongBongQuayQuay, a Vietnam-born artist and former model, delivered a powerful closing set of driving techno. Elaheh and Sarayu, co-founder of More Rice Records, also showcased their unique sensibilities, offering a glimpse into the exceptional talent emerging from Southeast Asia.

The performances were accompanied by captivating visual art, 3D installations, lighting displays, and interactive installations by artists Chaiyapat Natt Plubsiri (yellowtrash) and Supitchkran Sriprasert (Footprints on Mars). Their works explore the aesthetic possibilities at the intersection of music, art, and technology.

Prada Extends Bangkok brought together tastemakers from the country and the wider region, including actor Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, rapper MILLI, and K-pop sensation Jeon Somi. The event served as a celebration of connections and interactions among diverse artistic communities, fostering innovation and establishing bonds between cultures and various art forms.

The collaboration between Richie Hawtin, Prada, and the talented artists showcased at Prada Extends Bangkok highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and the powerful influence of electronic music in Southeast Asia.