Space Bird: From Kuching’s underground to Tokyo’s global stage

There’s something hypnotic about Space Bird. Maybe it’s the way their instrumental rock soundscapes swirl and swell like waves crashing in slow motion. Maybe it’s the way they build tension without a single lyric, letting cascading guitar lines and cinematic textures tell stories that words never could. Whatever it is, it’s working — and now, after years of electrifying Malaysia’s underground scene, they’re gearing up for their biggest stage yet: Music Bridge Tokyo 2025.

For those in the know, Space Bird isn’t new to making waves. Their journey started in the shadows of Kuching’s indie circuit, where they quickly became a cult favourite for those craving something different. With roots in post-rock, progressive, and ambient music, the band has spent years crafting their own brand of sonic escapism — one that hits you in the gut and stays in your head long after the amps are turned off.

A band that speaks without words
In a scene dominated by vocal-driven acts, Space Bird lets their instruments do the talking — and trust us, they’ve got a lot to say. “Music isn’t just about lyrics,” says Chary (Giacherie Tipik), the band’s leader. “We want to create something that people can feel in their bones, something that transports them.”

And transport they do. Whether it’s through the pulsating rhythms of their early gigs at Kuching Punk House, the ethereal atmospheres they conjured at Vibes of Tribes Vol.3 (2024), or the sheer intensity of their set supporting Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (2023), Space Bird has built a live reputation on moments that feel almost otherworldly.

They’ve played every kind of stage imaginable — from underground punk shows to major indie festivals like City ROARS! Festival (2020) and Crazy Rich Borneo (2024). Virtual showcases? Done that. Their set at Indayog (2020) reached listeners across borders, proving that even through a screen, their music could connect.

The road to Tokyo
Now, Space Bird is stepping onto their biggest stage yet. Music Bridge Tokyo 2025 is no small deal — it’s a launchpad for some of Asia’s most exciting independent acts, bringing together artistes, industry heads, and audiences hungry for fresh sounds. For Space Bird, it’s more than just a gig. It’s a gateway.

“We’ve always had a deep respect for the Japanese music scene,” says Chary. “A lot of our influences — post-rock, experimental rock, even some progressive elements — are huge over there. To be able to bring our sound to that space is surreal.”

And they’re not going in empty-handed. The band is currently cooking up new material, set to drop in the lead-up to their Tokyo debut. Word on the street is there’s a Japan-focused collaboration in the works, one that blends Sarawakian textures with Tokyo’s intricate sonic architecture. If that sounds ambitious — it is. But for a band that’s always aimed beyond the stratosphere, it makes perfect sense.

So what’s next?
For Space Bird, Tokyo is just the beginning. With new music, new audiences, and a growing international presence, they’re poised to take their sound further than ever before. Whether you’ve been riding with them since the early days of Malam Rojak II (2019) or you’re just discovering them now, one thing’s clear: this is a band on the rise.

Stay tuned, because Space Bird isn’t just playing shows — they’re building a movement. If you haven’t heard Space Bird yet — trust us, you will.

Follow their journey:
Email: spacebirdband@gmail.com
Phone: +60165754030 (Chary)
Social Media: @spacebirdofficial