Aussie success leads to launch of NME Asia

The success of England’s iconic music publication NME in Australia has lead its owner BandLab Technologies to expand to Asia this morning.

NME launched last year in Australia, where the title was regarded as among the major markets.

According to BandLab, NME Australia attracts over half a million monthly unique readers. Its core readership is a young demographic, with an equal male-female split.

The Australian editorial of new music, gaming, film and television, is run out of Singapore by Iliyas Ong, former editor of Time Out Singapore, and Karen Gwee, former editor of Bandwagon and writer at NPR, and using Australian freelance writers and photographers.

Ong and Gwee will also responsible for the new editions in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, also using regional writers.

“Southeast Asia has a proud musical heritage. Whether it’s trending pop styles, traditional music or a marriage of the two, artists in the region have pricked the ears of audiences worldwide – and we’re thrilled to be able to tell their stories,” says Ong

“Expect the best music writing and multimedia content, from breaking news to longform features to authoritative guides on the many vibrant scenes across Southeast Asia.”

Meng Ru Kuok, CEO of BandLab Technologies adds that “Asia is a tremendously exciting and vibrant market to be launching into. 

“Even though live events, tours and travel are on pause globally, there is still incredible creativity coming out of this region which we want to highlight.”

“NME has long been recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities in music and pop culture, known for a distinctive voice and point of view.

“As a group we have a long history in the region and as BandLab Technologies we are very pleased to be bringing a global powerhouse like NME to our doorstep, and to be opening a new channel between musicians, artists, fans and brands.”

BandLab’s other titles also include Uncut, Guitar.com and MusicTech.