Margins United is a collective born out of Eastern Margins to champion East and South-East Asian culture in electronic music. The collective aims to elevate and celebrate alternative and underrepresented voices from the Asian diaspora, using music as a platform to challenge the lack of diversity in the industry. Over time, Margins United has built a vibrant community, collaborating with artists and creators to provide spaces where East and South-East Asian culture can thrive and be celebrated. UNCLE has partnered with Margins United using posters to spread the word of their upcoming event at EartH in Hackney, which promises a diverse lineup celebrating everything the collective stands for.
With their unique events, Margins United brings together people from all walks of life to experience alternative Asian culture through music, art, and creative expression. Their mission is to offer representation for marginalised communities, particularly within the realms of electronic music, by curating lineups that showcase emerging and established talent from within their community. Their events have become a place for both celebration and connection, building a sense of unity among artists and audiences alike.
Dive into their interview, where they effortlessly explore these key topics with clarity and conviction. Margins United knows exactly what they stand for and why. Don’t miss their event this week, or follow them to stay updated on future happenings.
HOW DID THE MARGINS UNITED COLLECTIVE COME TO BE?
Eastern Margins started in 2018 as a way to drive forward representation of East & South-East Asian culture in electronic music.
WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE PURPOSE OF THE COLLECTIVE?
To elevate and celebrate Alternative Culture from the Margins of East & South-East Asia and its diaspora.
WHAT INSPIRED THE NAME ‘MARGINS UNITED’?
We’re all fighting our own battles — for identity, for representation, for creative fulfillment. We’re stronger united.
WHAT WAS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE NIGHT’S CONCEPTION?
When the smoke clears and the light goes on in the rave at 4 AM, to see faces like yours looking back at you.
HOW WAS THE LINEUP DECIDED?
This is our community that we’ve been with forever. We have artists that joined us for our first-ever shows, and we’ve grown together.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE NIGHT?
As with the collective — to elevate and celebrate Alternative Asian Culture.
HOW CAN WE BE MINDFUL IN A SPACE LIKE THIS?
Don’t think, feel. The Margins is for everyone!
TELL US MORE ABOUT THE ARTWORK.
The flyers are a physical manifestation of taking up space. Literally plastering up our culture over the streets & walls of London, in the loudest way possible. They’re designed by our good friends, Cha Chaan Teng (check them out! @888.cct on Instagram).
HOW IS THE COLLECTIVE TIED TO THE CITY OF LONDON?
London has one of the richest tapestries of musical multiculturalism in the world. We’re excited to be a thread in that, and are endlessly inspired by the energy, intensity, and urgency of the city. Pressure makes diamonds.
WHAT EVENTS HAVE BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE AND WHY?
The most memorable event is always the next one.
WHY EARTH HACKNEY AS THE VENUE?
Where else are you going to hear Hyper Bubblegum Grunge Month rock in a converted art deco cinema?
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MARGINS UNITED?
We want to take the concept everywhere. Margins United is about togetherness, unification. How about this experience, but taking it back to the Barangays of DJ Love’s native Davao City?
