Indie artists featured on Melon TrackZero are getting the chance to perform on major festival stages.
Independent musicians who gained recognition through Melon TrackZero now have the opportunity to take the stage at major music festivals—often seen as “dream stages” for artists—and further connect with music fans.
Melon, the music platform by Kakao Entertainment (co-CEOs Kwon Ki-soo and Jang Yun-joong), and the Kakao Creative Foundation have announced their continued support for independent music through the TrackZero project. This initiative will allow indie artists to perform at two prominent festivals: the DMZ Peace Train Music Festival and the Asian Pop Festival.
Launched in April 2022, Melon TrackZero is the only indie-focused activation project within Korea’s music platform industry. It shines a light on under-the-radar indie tracks while bridging the gap between music fans and independent artists. Each month, TrackZero curates in-depth playlists such as “Artist of the Month” and “New Song Recommendations,” and provides real-world opportunities through appearances on shows like Melon Station.
As festival season approaches, TrackZero will support indie artists with the chance to perform at two major events. From June 13 to 15, the DMZ Peace Train Music Festival will be held in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, and the Asian Pop Festival will take place at Paradise City in Incheon over two days starting June 21. Through this collaboration, Kakao Entertainment is working to promote musical diversity and offer audiences deeper, more meaningful music experiences.
The DMZ Peace Train Music Festival, held annually since 2018, is a one-of-a-kind global music festival located in Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)—the only region in the world symbolizing a nation’s division. This non-commercial festival celebrates peace, generational unity, and cultural integration through music. It features a diverse lineup spanning genres and generations, including legendary artists like Yoon Su-il, Lee Sang-eun, Han Young-ae, and Kim Hyun-chul, fostering harmony between age groups.
The Asian Pop Festival, which debuted last year, is a dedicated showcase for Asian musicians, highlighting the continent’s rich musical diversity. With cozy concert venues hosted in hotels and close proximity between stages, the festival was praised as one of the best immersive music experiences.
A Kakao Entertainment representative stated:
“Melon TrackZero, which has set new standards in music discovery with its ‘human warmth,’ will now help indie artists step onto festival stages. We’re committed to further promoting musical diversity and supporting the healthy growth of the music industry through close collaboration with major festivals.”
Additionally, the Kakao Creative Foundation—established by Kakao Entertainment to foster a healthy creative ecosystem—is certified by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. It offers a range of initiatives, including the Online Academy for Creators, specialized courses for emerging creators, a Creator Support Space, and collaborative events like Live Club Day with Melon to support indie band performances.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: Melon
