Wengie
Vijat Mohindra (@vijatm)
As coronavirus concerns have forced more music experiences move online, the need to innovate with unique live-stream experiences have become all the more important. Cue YouTube and one of the platform’s biggest stars Wengie to deliver FutureCon that looks to combine the worlds of music and anime to make a new kind of must-tune-in event.
Coming to the Wengie Music YouTube channel later this month, the first-ever FutureCon brings together musicians and DJs showing their love for anime, cosplay and gaming culture all in the name of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month.
From Asian-pop performers from different industries like K-pop, EDM and J-pop, to a discussion with advocates in the mental-health space as well as an amateur cosplay contest, FutureCon looks to live up to its name as a actual convention with multiple live offerings to help it stand out among other live streams.
“I’m thrilled to host this event that has never been done before at a time when the world needs laughter and hope,” Wengie says in a statement. “We’ve assembled some great talent who appreciates anime, cosplay, and gaming. For those who love dance music and A-pop as much as I do, we have some special performances planned that you’ve never seen before. More importantly, we will talk about a topic that is close to me which is mental health. I really hope the fans of all these genres will come together to have a fun time and be inspired.”
FutureCon is produced by ASIAN AGENTS’s Danny Lee, a manager for Wengie among other talents, who says the event aims to bring different digital communities together with major partners on board.
“We wanted to create a safe place where fans from multiple interest categories can come together and celebrate their favorite aspects of these growing digital cultures,” he says. “We’ve rarely seen organizations at this caliber partnered together before. It’s great to see global culture coming together to close out a significant social impact month during a global crisis.”
FutureCon co-producer and global music talent agent at APA Cory Riskin, who reps anime-gaming brand Senpai Squad and several DJs on the lineup, adds, “We’re excited to feature unique talent from all over the world for a monumental night of incredible programming. Our vision is to be at the forefront of these massive intersecting communities and bring the best of each category together.”
The talent involved with FutureCon also echo their excitement for the event’s mission.
Michelle Phan, one of YouTube’s most recognizable faces who will join Wengie for a mental-health talk alongside singer-songwriter mxmtoon, comedian/actor Ryan Higa and comic artist ZHC, says, “I love that Wengie is bridging anime gaming and music together, they make me happy and having it all together is a dream come true.”
As well, rising K-pop boy band A.C.E say the festival offers a unique experience for them to connect with fans while they’re unable to tour.
“We’re happy to be involved with a global, online event especially during these times,” the band says. “We really wanted to see our fans and meet new ones, but since touring is not currently possible this is great. We hope everybody can enjoy our music and art from the safety of their homes until we can tour again. Hope all the anime, cosplay, gaming and music fans don’t get too discouraged with the situation we have. Please enjoy this unique festival with us!”
See the full lineup and more details of FutureCon below. Tune into the Wengie Music YouTube channel on Wednesday, May 27 at 6PM PDT.
FutureCon lineup poster
Courtesy of Asian Agent / YouTube Music
