Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Prepare For Takeoff
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 12/07/2020
» As their name implies, Khruangbin ("airplane" in Thai) primarily drew inspiration from the musical heritage of Thailand, particularly during the glorious 60s-70s.
Hip-hop's fresh, new voice
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 26/01/2020
» The first time Thailand was bitten by the rap/hip-hop bug was way back in the mid-90s, when the then unknown Joey Boy introduced the sound and singlehandedly dominated the genre with a slew of hits ranging from Fun, Fun, Fun to Samakom Ta Chan Diew and Loy Talay. Despite being a playful, largely pop-oriented rapper, there's no denying that he was the one who paved the way for daring trailblazers like Fukking Hero, Buddha Bless and Thaitanium.
Portrait Of An Artist
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 06/10/2019
» "I just don't wanna be back in this place again/ I mean, I done cried a little/ Tried a little, failed a little/ I don't wanna do it again," Brittany Howard confesses on History Repeats, a funky opener to her solo debut Jaime. Built on acid jazz and neo-soul groove, the song bustles with the genre-blurring spirit of her former band Alabama Shakes and her own irreverent energy. Singing those words, Howard sounds empowered and energised like a weight has been lifted. "History repeats and we defeat ourselves/ Come on everybody, one more time again," before you know it, the song turns into an infectious anthem, leaving in its wake a glimpse into her self-discovery that would go on to define the rest of the album.
Small things considered
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 23/06/2019
» In much the same way that eyes are said to be the window to the soul, band names give us a glimpse into the collective personality lurking behind each group. And as far as Thai band names are concerned, they can range from prosaic (Solitude Is Bliss, My Life As Ali Thomas) and whimsical (Apartment Khunpa, Charblues, Gym and Swim) to absolutely outlandish (Big Ass, Calories Blah Blah). For Sakon Nakhon-based trio Junlaholaan, names represent a curious juxtaposition where two incongruous concepts (jun, micro, and holaan, enormous) coexist to convey a deeply philosophical message. Yes, we are but a tiny speck in the universe -- the band seems to be saying -- but at the same time, a butterfly in Brazil could also cause a tornado in Texas, couldn't it?
The light between oceans
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 16/12/2018
» From its origins as the solo project of guitarist Noppanan Panicharoen in 2006, Inspirative has steadily evolved into one of Thailand's most consistent post-rock bands. The line-up now boasts four additional members: bassist Amornthep Masawang, guitarist Pongpat Phaukwattana, drummer Sirichai Chanmanklakul and pianist/vocalist Wuttipong Huangpetch. The quintet established themselves on the Bangkok indie circuit through gigs at legendary indie nights like Dudesweet and Mind The Gap. This, naturally, led to the release of Floating Down Through The Clouds, their debut three-track EP whose title was inspired by the lyrics to Pink Floyd's 1983 prog-rock ballad, The Gunners Dream. This was followed by the equally stellar releases Mysteriously Awake and Memories Come Rushing Up To Meet Me Now.
It's all peachy
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 09/12/2018
» Apart from the show's male winner Rangsan "Songkran" Panyaruen, The Voice Thailand Season 2 gave us a handful of female vocalists who'd showed strong potential including Violette Wautier and Rapeeporn "Lukpeach" Tantragoon. The former, as you may well be aware, has just started self-releasing her own music to wide acclaim. Lukpeach, on the other hand, found herself snug under the wing of Malama Collective, a co-op record label founded by Bangkok-based indie-music streaming platform Fungjai.
More play, please
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 21/10/2018
» While a compilation of cover songs is not an earth-shattering concept by any stretch of the imagination, a good one does have the power to bridge the gap between eras and connect/re-connect generations of artists as well as listeners. Conceived in 2009 by the Thai media conglomerate GMM Grammy to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Play Project gave rock-leaning artists a chance to cover their favourite tunes in their own playful style. Its first edition saw the likes of Bodyslam, Potato, Clash and Paradox reinterpreting a range of Thai pop classics including Bird Thongchai's Sia Dai, Mai Charoenpura's Sia Jai Dai Yin Mai and Nantida Kaewbuasai's Lakorn Chaak Sud Tai.
The art of being
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 14/10/2018
» Having ditched her successful career as a young start-up CEO to pursue music independently, Peeralada Sukawat, mononymously known as Pyra, has a lot to prove both to herself and to her family, who'd rather she took up a 9-to-5 job. "It's more about self-actualisation. I want to see something I expect of myself happen. The more people tell me I can't, the more I want to do it," she asserted in her 2016 interview with the Bangkok Post's now-defunct Saturday supplement Muse, wherein she talked candidly about depression and her frayed relationship with her mother. The piece further illuminates her self-produced debut EP Stray, a stunning release that, while deservedly vouched for by Apple Music Thailand, somehow failed to woo a local radio station because "they couldn't figure out what category I fell into".
Get Bizzy
B Magazine, Chanun Poomsawai, Published on 23/09/2018
» In case you're unaware, the hip-hop scene in Thailand is blowing up right now. Underground talents are getting unprecedented exposure on mainstream TV reality shows The Rapper and Show Me The Money. All of this crazy hype can (and should) be credited to the Bangkok-based online community Rap Is Now, which has played an integral part in the re-emergence of the local hip-hop scene. Their infamous "battles", now in their fourth season, have bestowed upon us talents like UrboyTJ, Youngohm and Twopee Southside -- all of whom are currently basking in the glow of mainstream success.