OFF The Track, often shortened to OTT, has quickly become a name that resonates in Kuala Lumpur’s indie circuit. What started as a small gathering inside an art studio has now evolved into a platform that brings together musicians and creatives who want something different from the usual concert format.
MFT spoke to Zekke, one of the key members behind OTT, to get a sneak peak on how the idea was born, the challenges they’ve faced and why the movement is not just another usual gig series.
Building something from the ground up
Zekke recalls how the journey began back in 2024, when he and his bandmates were preparing for a local festival. “After a year’s worth of preparation, the organiser suddenly slashed our budget two weeks before the event and told us to cut our bands out. The whole experience left us distraught,” he says.
“After years of tolerating mistreatment from organisers and not feeling properly appreciated, we decided to do our own thing. Not out of spite, but out of love for our community and the talent that KL has to offer.”
“The show centred around R&B, hip-hop and soul,” Zekke explains. “We quickly learned that the feelings we had toward the state of the industry were echoed by our community. From there, OTT took on a life of its own.”
The first show, held in 2024 at a shoplot home studio that had been turned into an art space, marked the beginning of the series. The momentum carried into subsequent editions, with 1.2 and 1.3 drawing larger crowds. By the time season two rolled around, OTT had already carved out its identity as a movement created by artists, for artists.
Why the scene needs OTT
When asked why something like OTT matters right now, Zekke doesn’t hesitate. “The message is simple. We give a f*ck about your art. Our people did not feel seen, and we did not feel as though anyone cared enough. The Malaysian creative scene all echo the same sentiment and we’re here to bridge the gap in the little ways we can.”
OTT shows are intentionally stripped down. With no big budgets or flashy production, the focus remains on the performers and their vision. “We don’t have big financial backing or access to top-tier equipment,” he admits. “I think that’s why people have gravitated toward us. Watching us do it makes people realise that “if eight kids can do it, I can do it too.”
Artists taking back the power
A recurring theme in Zekke’s answers is empowerment. OTT has become known for its no-frills, community-driven approach where the money follows the music, not the other way around. “The money goes where the power is, and the power is with the music, and the music is with the people,” he says. When it comes to selecting performers, the approach is equally simple.
“Anyone we feel has a creative vision that we resonate with, and who has the means to make it happen,” he shares. That openness has allowed OTT to showcase a wide range of styles, while maintaining the authenticity that fans have come to expect. Though OTT is often described as a platform, Zekke views it more as a meeting ground. “OTT is a platform, yes, but I want to use it to bring people who care together,” he says. The gatherings are designed to be collaborative, allowing musicians, visual artists and fans to connect in a way that feels organic.
“They can expect to meet fellow creatives of all disciplines, exchange ideas, and most importantly appreciate live music together.” That sense of community is also a direct response to the challenges many indie artists face. “There are a multitude of problems that indie artists in Malaysia go through. We want to start by showing that artists are more than a marketing asset. Caring for the creative vision can go a long way.”
Looking Ahead
Despite its growth, Zekke is cautious about defining what the future holds. For him, the focus is still on nurturing the roots of the movement. “Our only hope is that we give someone the courage to try something different. There is no place on earth like Malaysia, we just need to capture what we have here for the world to see. That’s our vision for OTT.” And that vision continues this October, as Off The Track returns with another lineup that puts the spotlight on KL’s indie talent.
This time at a hidden music event under a skateshop in the city, Flashmeow, Moghul Miz and Lunadira will be performing live. Show your support and be part of the community keeping indie music alive in KL. Off The Track has already proven that frustration can be turned into fuel for change. What began as a response to disillusionment has now become a reminder that music, at its core, belongs to the people. And for Zekke and his peers, that’s more than enough reason to keep pushing forward.
IG: offthetrack.wav
🎟️ Tickets: Early Bird RM45 | General RM65 | Walk-in RM5999
📍 Burrow Skateshop @ Semua House
📅 4 October 2025, 3–7PM
