VA - Messages Volume One (2021)

Cosmic Tiger present the first in a series of various artist compilations designed to shine a light on far-flung musical scenes while raising money for good causes.

Kicking things off close to home in our Asian base, 'Messages Volume One' welcomes a varied lineup of creators from disparate musical backgrounds – including revered masters of the craft alongside irresistibly emerging talent. The sounds may differ in style and tone, but what unites each of the artists involved is the sincerity of their respective approaches to making music, and the indefinable magic embedded in their sounds.

From Japan to Korea, Thailand to Indonesia, Singapore to Hong Kong: the far-reaching compilation features original compositions taking in blissful Balearic wonder, life-affirming disco, late-night house, seductive neo-soul and more as it glides through the evolving skies of the vast Asian continent.

While shining a light on the effervescent talent that exists in Asia's growing underground community, we felt a strong desire to spread some positivity. We wanted to do what we could to help some of those whose lives have been thrown into turmoil by the bizarre times we're all currently living through. All profits generated from sales will be split between Bangkok Community Help Foundation and The Sweet Potato Project – charities based in Thailand and Indonesia respectively, that are helping to support those who have been worst affected by pandemic enforced lockdowns.

It's worth noting, too, that musicians and performing artists were among the first to see their incomes diminished by the worldwide closure of venues, festivals and events, and in many cases are among the last to be able to return to work. With that in mind, the generosity of the contributing artists here is even more profound, as each of them has seen their livelihoods dented by ongoing venue closures and performance restrictions.