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Art of Speed isn’t just about custom motorcycles, rare cars and diecast collectibles anymore. Over the years, SoundCircus Music Festival has become one of the event’s biggest attractions, bringing together rock legends, indie favourites, regional stars and underground heroes on one massive weekend.
With more than 70 acts performing across six stages, deciding who to catch can be overwhelming. To help you plan your schedule, here are 10 performances we think deserve a spot on your must-watch list.
1. Ella x Cokelat – A Rock Royalty Collaboration You Won’t See Anywhere Else
If you only watch one performance all weekend, make it this.
Malaysia’s Queen of Rock Ella is teaming up with Indonesian rock icons Cokelat for Takhta Ratu Rock Nusantara, an exclusive collaboration created specially for SoundCircus. Expect powerhouse vocals, timeless rock anthems and plenty of goosebumps as two of Southeast Asia’s biggest rock names share one stage.
Why you shouldn’t miss it: It’s an exclusive performance that’s unlikely to happen again anytime soon.
2. Johnny Pandora – Japan’s Rockabilly Kings In Malaysia
If Art of Speed had an official soundtrack, Johnny Pandora would probably be playing it.
The Japanese rockabilly band led by “Johnny” Daigo Yamashita is known for its energetic live performances inspired by 1950s American rock ‘n’ roll, making them the perfect fit for a festival filled with hot rods, classic Harleys and vintage custom culture.
Why you shouldn’t miss it: Their music perfectly captures the spirit of Art of Speed, and the full band rarely comes to Malaysia for shows.
3. Sheila Majid x Jemput Dengar – Disco, Vinyl And Pure Nostalgia
Music icon Sheila Majid joins vinyl collective Jemput Dengar for Waktu Malaysia Berdisko, a specially curated performance celebrating disco, city pop and classic Malaysian hits.
Rather than a typical concert, expect a stylish throwback with plenty of feel-good vibes.
Why you shouldn’t miss it: It’s one of the festival’s most unique and exclusive performances.
4. Hujan – Celebrating 20 Years Of Malaysian Indie Rock
Few Malaysian bands have had the impact that Hujan has.
Led by Noh Salleh, the band is celebrating two decades of music, and fans can expect plenty of singalong moments from a catalogue packed with hits like Kotak Hati and Aku Skandal.
Why you shouldn’t miss it: It’s a celebration of one of Malaysia’s most influential bands.
5. Nadin Amizah – Indonesia’s Rising Folk-Pop Star
Known for the heartfelt songwriting and smooth vocals, Indonesian singer-songwriter Nadin Amizah has built a huge fanbase across Southeast Asia.
Her music offers a refreshing contrast to the louder rock acts on the lineup, making her set perfect for anyone looking for something more intimate.
Why you shouldn’t miss it: She’s one of Indonesia’s biggest contemporary artists and rarely performs in Malaysia.
6. Disagree – Malaysian Metal Legends Still Going Strong
Ask any longtime Malaysian metal fan about Disagree and you’ll probably hear stories of unforgettable live shows.
The veteran band has spent decades earning its reputation as one of the country’s finest heavy acts, delivering crushing riffs and relentless energy every time they step on stage.
Why you shouldn’t miss it: A chance to witness one of Malaysia’s most respected metal bands live.
7. Ibliss – Heavy, Fuzzy Riffs For Doom Metal Fans
If slow, crushing riffs and walls of fuzz are more your thing, make time for Ibliss.
One of Malaysia’s most respected heavy bands, Ibliss has carved out a reputation with its blend of stoner rock and doom metal, drawing inspiration from the likes of Black Sabbath, Sleep and Electric Wizard. Their live shows are loud, hypnotic and unapologetically heavy, perfect for anyone looking to escape the mainstream.
Why you shouldn’t miss it: They’re one of Malaysia’s leading names in the stoner doom scene and deliver an immersive live experience that’s all about massive riffs and atmosphere.
8. Sweetass – Punk Rock Veterans Who Never Slow Down
If fast riffs, loud guitars and high-energy performances are your thing, Sweetass should already be on your schedule.
The Malaysian punk rock outfit has built a loyal following over the years thanks to its no-frills approach and explosive live shows. With song lyrics full of slangs and terms only familiar to the Malaysian ear, their shows guarantee a good time.
Why you shouldn’t miss it: Expect plenty of crowd surfing, singalongs and pure punk energy.
9. 30 Years Of Asian Hardcore – A Celebration Of The Region’s Heavy Music Scene
Rather than focusing on a single band, this special showcase celebrates three decades of hardcore music across Asia. The bands featured in this showcase are Special Combat, Straight Answer, and Overthrown.
Expect an all-out display of raw energy that pays tribute to one of the region’s most passionate underground communities.
Why you shouldn’t miss it: It’s a rare celebration of Asian hardcore culture in one performance.
10. After Mdnight – Malaysian Pop Punk Done Right
Homegrown band After Mdnight has built a reputation for energetic live performances that blends pop punk with modern influences. Whether you’re already a fan or discovering them for the first time, they’re the kind of band that thrives in a festival setting, where loud guitars and singalong hooks can instantly win over a crowd.
Why you shouldn’t miss it: They’re one of Malaysia’s rising rock acts and a perfect way to round off a weekend dedicated to horsepower, custom culture and loud music.
Many more acts you shouldn’t miss
These are just a fraction of the massive 60-act lineup SoundCircus is presenting this year at Art Of Speed 2026.
More noteworthy performances you should definitely check out are bands like Masdo, a Malaysian group which modernises pop yeh-yeh and 1960s pop genres.
If you want even more metal, Moneybag and No Title will bring on the kind of heavy sounds that form mosh pits in the crowd.
To see the full SoundCircus 2026 lineup, along with the set schedules, head to the festival’s official Instagram page or refer below.
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10 SoundCircus Acts You Seriously Shouldn’t Miss At Art Of Speed This Weekend
Entertainment Flash Report
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