ARTBAT’s message was clear: electronic music is not just about performance, it is about connection, community and creating moments that stay long after the music ends.
GENTING HIGHLANDS: Ukrainian electronic duo ARTBAT brought electrifying beats and immersive visuals to Sunset by NEON on June 20, marking Asia’s first-ever Upperground showcase.
Renowned for their emotionally charged melodic techno sound and visually stunning productions, the globally acclaimed duo brought thousands of fans on a journey through music, emotion and connection during the highly anticipated event.
READ MORE: R3HAB promises Malaysia return as Dutch-Moroccan DJ brings fresh sound to Sunset by NEON: Upperground
Speaking before the performance, ARTBAT said Malaysia was a natural choice for Upperground’s expansion into the region after receiving an invitation from local organisers.
“When we received the request from the promoters, we didn’t think too much. We just said yes
“We like nature, we like culture, we like people. We see how people here enjoy music…it’s insane. We are happy to bring Upperground here for the first time in Asia, in Kuala Lumpur,” the duo said.
For ARTBAT, however, the success of Upperground is not measured by attendance numbers or commercial milestones.
Instead, the duo emphasised that the project is rooted in creating meaningful shared experiences between artists and audiences.
“We don’t think about impact. We think about gathering together with people.
“The main thing is to be like one organism with the crowd, to bring our energy, our music, our mood and to experience it together as one community,” they said.
The pair said every Upperground event is designed to create moments that stay with fans long after the music ends.
“It’s about having an experience you live inside your mind and your body, with your friends and people close to you. Something you can remember. That is what matters.”
ARTBAT also revealed that audience reactions remain one of the biggest inspirations behind their creative process, influencing both their music production and live performances.
“The main creativity driver is feedback from the crowd, how people respond, their comments, emails, messages and even meeting them personally.
“When we see how people feel our music, we just want to bring more of that experience. It pushes us to make more music and expand what we are doing,” they added.
That relationship between artist and audience continues to shape the evolution of Upperground, which has become synonymous with meticulously crafted visuals, cinematic production and emotionally driven storytelling through music.
The duo also shared a heartfelt message for their growing Malaysian fanbase.
“Be yourself, enjoy life and go the way you feel with your heart,” they said.
The Ukrainian pair showcased tracks such as Horizon, For A Feeling, Atlas, and Upperground. These performances were defined by their trademark combination of powerful sound engineering, bursts of pyrotechnics, and vivid visual displays that have become synonymous with their live sets.
A standout moment arrived with Fight Machine; the track’s driving, rhythmic intensity was perfectly complemented by arresting graphics of a pilot maneuvering a spacecraft.
The event’s location proved ideal for a rave. Situated at an altitude of 3,100ft, the refreshing mountain climate ensured that attendees remained comfortable, enabling them to sustain their energy on the dance floor all night long.
Their appearance at Sunset by NEON: Upperground not only marked ARTBAT’s first performance in Malaysia, but also signalled the expansion of the Upperground movement into Asia, where its message of unity, emotion and collective musical experience resonated strongly with local fans.
For many in attendance, it was more than just a concert, it was the beginning of a new chapter for one of electronic music’s most celebrated live experiences in the region.
