The Founders · Brothers in Music · EST. 2014
Michael & Nicholas
Thomas Philip
Owner, Founder & Second Founder · DrumAsia Live
Growing up in a music-loving home with deeply supportive parents, brothers Michael and Nicholas Thomas Philip forged an unbreakable partnership around a single conviction: that music is an expression of the human soul, and that Malaysian musicians should never have to compromise their practice experience because of affordability.
From their childhood days jamming in a soundproofed attic to building Desa Sri Hartamas' premier rehearsal hub and live performance hall, DrumAsia was built by musicians, for musicians.
The origin story
DrumAsia's story began at home. Nicholas started drumming at age 6, while Michael began on the bass guitar at age 9 before quickly progressing to the electric guitar. To support their passion, their parents built them a home practice room. Before long, the brothers added more amps and speakers — until the noise became too loud for the neighborhood.
Seeing their dedication, their parents renovated the entire top floor of the family house into a fully soundproofed studio, outfitting it with pro amplifiers and lighting. Nicholas' fascination with audio technology took off immediately: by age 12, he began supplying sound and lighting equipment to his school for live musical events. As his reputation grew, sound gear was constantly being moved in and out of the family home for shows across town.
Together with school friends, Michael and Nicholas formed their own band, carting their own equipment to various gigs. Through this journey, the brothers experienced firsthand how expensive it was for independent musicians to own equipment, and how difficult it was to find affordable rehearsal studios that didn't compromise on acoustic quality.
In 2014, when a commercial unit became available near their father's office in Desa Sri Hartamas, the family took the leap. Co-founded by Michael Thomas Philip (Owner & Founder) and Nicholas Thomas Philip (Second Founder & Head Sound Engineer) and co-funded by their parents, Drum Asia Studio opened its doors to the public. Today, Nicholas leads the sound engineering and technician crew, while Michael leads the studio and champions the indie community — giving Malaysian artists a home where they can truly thrive.
The 3Ps motto
“Studios are supposed to enhance your practice experience, not compromise it!”
Play.
Flagship backline — Tama and Pearl drum kits, Marshall and Ampeg stacks, and Shure microphones — maintained meticulously so every musician sounds their best from the first downbeat.
Practise.
Stage rehearsal access. When no concert is booked, the live performance hall doubles as a second rehearsal space so bands can practise on a real stage with stage monitors at jamming rates.
Perform.
A dedicated live venue with professional PA, lighting, and an engineer crew led by Head Sound Engineer Nicholas — from album launches and comedy to indie showcases.
The timeline
- 2006–2008
Childhood Jamming & Soundproof Attic
Nicholas begins drumming at age 6; Michael learns bass at 9 and progresses to electric guitar. When rehearsals get too loud, supportive parents renovate the house's top floor into a soundproofed studio with amps and lighting.
- 2012
Nicholas' Early Sound Venture
By age 12, Nicholas begins supplying sound and lighting gear to his school and local live events, building up clients, reputation, and stage equipment.
- 2014
Drum Asia Studio Doors Open
Outgrowing the home attic, Michael (Owner & Founder) and Nicholas (Second Founder) co-found Drum Asia Studio in Desa Sri Hartamas, co-funded by their parents, with enough pro gear to open to the public.
- 2016–2018
Live Stage Performance Hall Expansion
Expanding under the motto 'Play, Practise and Perform', the studio adds a performance hall for album launches and live gigs, doubling as stage rehearsal space.
- 2019
In-House Showcases: Playlist & Unchartered
DrumAsia establishes its signature monthly showcase platforms — Playlist and Unchartered — alongside monthly open mic nights to spotlight budding independent artists.
- 2020–2021
Pandemic Relief & Virtual Stages
Free live-streamed concerts, virtual open mics, and direct artist donation streams run during lockdowns to keep Malaysian musicians connected with audiences.
- Today
Desa Sri Hartamas Flagship Hub
A vibrant multi-room music institution housing Studio Ori, Live Stage, and Lagenda — fully equipped with Tama, Pearl, Marshall, and Shure backline.
Digital Studio Beat Stream
Every rehearsal room, stage monitor, and acoustic baffle at DrumAsia is calibrated under Head Sound Engineer Nicholas Thomas Philip to ensure authentic frequency response and pure analog stage punch.
The Drum Asia family
At Drum Asia, every service we offer is fueled by a shared commitment: to deliver the best in sound and lighting experiences. Behind every successful show, session, and event is a passionate team dedicated to precision, creativity, and excellence.
Julian Carlos
Live Production & Events Lead
Mustafa Kamal
Live Venue & Operations Manager
Harresh
Media & Digital Presence
Electrification through music
Bringing light to over 50 homes in rural Sabah.
Drum Asia participated in a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative alongside Malaysian rock band Estranged and Kuala Lumpur law firm Thomas Philip & Associates, in support of NGO Lightup Borneo.
The project, ‘Jelajah Misi Elektrik Borneo’, aimed to equip rural interior communities in Sabah and Sarawak with micro-hydro power plants. Drum Asia provided full technical production and live audio support across 8 tour concerts to spread awareness and raise crucial funds.
For the scene & community
In-House Signature Showcases
Beyond rehearsal space, DrumAsia created dedicated live platforms under the Playlist and Uncharted brands, running rotational showcases alongside our regular Open Mic Nights and Drum Asia Live Sessions to give budding artists their moment in the spotlight.
Supporting Malaysian Musicians
During pandemic lockdowns, DrumAsia ran free live streams allowing artists to perform from home with direct audience donation channels. Over the years, the venue has been trusted by grassroots indies, international icons, and major partners — including Warner Music Malaysia, Daughtry, Extreme, Estranged, TV3, and Shopee.
A note from the founders
Founders' Dispatch · Desa Sri Hartamas
“When we started, we just wanted a room we could afford to play in. Everything else — the live stage, the performance hall, the backline, the sound engineering crew — came from the exact same question: what would make it easier for a band in Malaysia to actually play, practise, and perform?
Musicians shouldn't have to compromise their sound because of cost. Come in. Bring your band. If you're stuck on gear, sound, or staging, ask us — that's what we're here for.”
Come and see the place.
The rooms sound better in person than in any photo.