We, at BK, are always the first to bitch about the lack of support for local indie bands. But there’s a change taking place. Thanks to the internet and better portable devices, new talent no longer needs an agent to promote their music and can cut an album from the comfort of their bedrooms. The result? A growing number of underground bands getting signed to an increasing pool of (smaller) record labels. After years of listening to big acts whining about illegal downloads, it’s time to crank up the amps for those who have benefited from the Myspace revolution.
That’s not to say all is perfect. These kids (well, some aren’t really kids, anymore) still need a place to play and for people to hear them live. November’s going to be a good month—Fat Festival 8 and the Bangkok 100 Rock Festival—but it’s not always like that. And even if we still love the big indie names (yeah, oxymoronic, but that’s how it is) like Modern Dog, Apartment Khunpa, Flure, Slot Machine and Scrubb, we’re just as excited about the new faces. Here’s a shortlist of who you need to be watching out for in bars, clubs and festivals.
Abuse the Youth
Members: Mick (vocals/guitar), Toonz (bass), Ju (drums)
Sound: Metal rock laced with heart-pounding drums and strumming guitars. But don’t ask Abuse the Youth why they don’t sing in Thai. They’ve heard that question way too many times and you are likely to get a simple, “Why not?” “Some people sneer at us simply because our lyrics are in English,” sighs vocalist/songwriter Mick. “They even ask why we don’t love Thailand and our mother language. Oh, come on!” Despite the criticism, their language of choice proves to be a smart move as Abuse the Youth is now developing a fan base in Malaysia and Singapore. Their song “Electricity” should have you hooked, too.
Why you care: Despite being a three-piece band, Abuse the Youth deliver a solid and surprisingly tight performance. “I just transform into a completely different girl onstage,” laughs Ju, who used to be the backup drummer for Flure and Ornaree. “I am pretty quiet, so drumming is my way of communication.” The three have been playing in festivals both in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, including Baybeats 2008, Singapore’s annual alternative fest. They have also been nominated for the Best Group award in the regional Junk Sounds Award 2008 hosted by Singaporean music magazine Junk. (You can cast your vote for them at http://sites.junkonline.net/junksounds.)
Currently: Abuse the Youth have signed with indie label Mind the Gap and hope to release their debut album Underskin in January, next year. Meanwhile, catch them live at Bangkok 100 Rock Festival.
Website: www.myspace.com/abusetheyouth
Mahajamreon
Members: Snare (vocals), K (vocals/turntable), Pong (bass/synthesizer), Moo (keyboard), Tom (keyboard), Yong (percussion), Toe (drum)
Sound: Their first single “Mahasoy” is electro pop with an enthralling blend of thumping synthesized beats, real instruments and flowing ethereal vocals.
Why you care: Though the name Mahajamreon may not ring a bell, the seven members are all veteran musicians. Toe used to drum for Saturday Seiko, while Pong and Moo played for rockers like Peter Corp Dyrendal and Rang Orchestra. “It’s funny how individually we were total flops, but together we pretty much rock,” laughs Pong. Their debut track has only been out for a couple of months but thanks to their engaging live acts, Mahajamroen has been steadily gaining a solid fan base among night crawlers.
Currently: “Mahasoy” is featured on the Sanamluang Zine Vol.1 compilation.
soundbites
Why Mahajamreon?: It’s either that or Ramadrama, the first name we came up with.
Our biggest challenge: To fit seven of us and all the instruments on a small stage!
You should be our fan because… You’ll have a great time. We aren’t harmful and are melamine-free.
The Papers
Members: Chet (vocals/guitar), Stone (bass), Niti (keyboard, synthesizer)
Sound: “If Bangkok were an art piece, it would be the creative suicide of a fat dancer on a large white piece of canvas,” says 19-year-old vocalist Chet. Confused? We are, too! But hey, remember how fucked up you were when you were a teenager? Citing everything from philosophy, Thom Yorke and Elton John to The Dark Knight as influences, The Papers’ music is an exploration of the uncertainty of life through an intriguing mélange of alternative rock, electronic and acoustic. It’s a moody mixture that springs from Chet’s creative, and at times anguished, well of ideas. “I had a guitar and a solitary period in my life so it was natural to squeeze something out,” says the young frontman about his songwriting. “I can’t stand still with what’s in my head. I need to express it, otherwise it will end up rotting my mind.”
Why you care: If you are about to dismiss The Papers merely as Simple Plan wannabes, you’re missing out. The boys are much more than annoying, whining teens. Be it the eerie electronic/rock of “Dead/Ended” or the acoustic rendition “Uneasy,” The Papers’ beautiful brooding will slowly grow on you. Let’s hope they don’t grow up too quickly.
Currently: You can grab The Papers’ LP Dead/Ended Human at CD shops like DJ Siam, Nong Thaprachan and Gramophone (Siam Paragon). The boys will perform at the Bangkok 100 Rock Festival.
Website: www.myspace.com/thepapersofficial
soundbites
Never leave home without: A prepared heart.
When I am bored, I… Suck imported pickles.
Reading: Your mind for the first time, “Hello There.”
Favorite Bangkok sound: Mouths that never seem to shut up.
Close your eyes and listen to my music, you will see: A clown eating cheeseburgers on the back of a funny female giraffe.
Most annoying thing I have to encounter everyday: Bangkok’s pollution, I get nasty allergies. Man!
The thing I love/hate most about Bangkok: I love its political, social, and cultural fucked-up-ness. It can sometimes be quite twistedly inspirational. (I’m trying to be positive at certain times). And I hate how nobody does anything about that shit, to make anything better.
BrandNew Sunset
Members: Toon (vocals), Karn (guitar), Chai (guitar), Yuth (bass), Bloom (drums)
Sound: A mix of rock elements from emo to metal and hardcore are combined for a head-banging whiplash fest. But fret not, they won’t just bawl at you. The rockers are considerate enough to throw in catchy hooks that you can sing and bounce along to.
Why you care: Whenever BrandNew Sunset hits the stage, you are guaranteed a mad, hot and sweaty show. These guys have also worked the audiences into a lather in neighboring countries like Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia. The judges at Junk Sounds 2008 have selected BrandNew Sunset to be a Thai nominee to fight against regional bands for the Best Live Act category.
Currently: With their third album Falling Down released with Sony BMG, BrandNew Sunset have managed to leap from the underground scene to fledgling mainstream recognition.
Website: www.brandnewsunset.com, www.myspace.com/brandnewsunset
Tabasco
Members: Champ (vocals/guitar), Pong (drums), Bom (bass), Mon (guitar)
Sound: They describe their style as “hot, sexy and danceable rock” citing vodka and urban (night) life as their main muses. “Running Back to 1984” talks about “hip hop sounds, emo sounds, boring sounds, boring town” while “I Luv Vodka” is the catchy lovechild born out of Champ’s drunken nights.
Why you care: “Out of 70 million Thais, I know there are fewer than 1% who like us,” says Champ. “But if you are sick of the commercial music out there, we are different and we make sure you’ll spend the night on the dance floor.” Cocky? Maybe. But his tongue-in-cheek takes on Bangkok life with high-octane and infectious rock riffs, making Tabasco the new talent to watch. Or better yet, to boogie the night away to.
Currently: Tabasco have released Princess of Discofloor under Mind the Gap label. “I Luv Vodka” and “Stop It My Baby” are also included on the Sanamluang Zine Vol. 1 compilation.
Website: www.myspace.com/tabascoband
soundbites
Think “sexy,” think… Juicy lips. Tanned skin. Video clips…
The most annoying thing we have to encounter everyday: Protesters, traffic and dek wan.
The thing I love most about Bangkok: It’s a sleepless city and alcohol is easily accessible. Pretty girls are an added bonus.
On a night out: We usually hang out at The Tube or Shades of Retro.
Tabasco’s big no-no: Playing pubs. We don’t want to play covers night in night out. We would lose our fire and enthusiasm to make music.
The Caption
Members: Golf (vocals/lyrics), Ti (drums), Sone (guitar/producer)
Sound: Aptly named, this rock outfit uses music to give us captions to what’s inside their heads. Some might consider it a somber introspection, but vocalist/songwriter Golf prefers to call his lyrics “a realistic way to look at life.” The band is inspired by British rock bands like The Cure, The Smiths and Echo & the Bunnymen, so the influences that shine through are gloomy and poetic. The tunes veer from lilting melodies to raspy guitars and dynamic drums.
Why you care: Three years, five singles. These guys are hardcore perfectionists—and real experts in their field. Sone is a member of the Monotone Group and Rhythmatique and also a Seesan Award-winning producer. Ti is one of the most sought-after studio drummers who has played for almost everyone from Nop Pornchamni to Lipta. “We want to make everything the best we can. We don’t mind spending more time and money to polish our songs if the outcome is better” says Sone.
Currently: Their first EP, For Lack of a Better Word, is available at DJ Siam (see page 14) and the latest single, “Emotional Fusion,” is featured on Sanamluang Zine Vol. 1 compilation. Catch them live at the Bangkok 100 Rock Festival on Nov 29, 5pm.
Website: www.myspace.com/thecaptionrock
Yuri’s Nominee
Members: One-man band Peera Suk-A-Sa goes by the name Yuri’s Nominee.
Sound: From the outside, Yuri’s Nominee might seem low-key and demure, but when it comes to music, he offers volumes of bubblegum kitsch pop. And despite the Russian-inspired name (from Yuri Gagarin, the astronaut who was the first person to orbit the Earth), Yuri’s Nominee, in fact, draws inspirations from notable Shibuya-kei pop artists like Cornelius, Fantastic Plastic Machine and Towa Tei as well as Nintendo DS. “Close your eyes and listen to my music, you will see a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds and a UFO,” smiles the young artist.
Why you care: Filled with driving melodies and optimistic happy-go-lucky lyrics, his music is danceable and highly contagious. However, Yuri’s Nominee is currently only recognized among a niche fan base.
Currently: Following up his 2007 EP One Two Three, Yuri’s Nominee now has two new tracks, “All You Know” and “Sentimental,” featured in Kitsch Cat compilation album (www.kitschcat.com). But since he is a fulltime graphic designer at Smallroom, it takes him a while to come up with a new single, let alone a full album. “Being a musician, in a way, makes me enjoy music less because I tend to ‘study’ rather than ‘enjoy’ it,” says the artist. “But being Yuri’s Nominee also helps when I want a break from my work.”
Website: www.myspace.com/yurinomi, www.nohit-norun.com.
soundbites
Never leave home without: My eyeglasses, wallet and house key.
Favorite video games: Nekketsu Kunio-Kun, Mario Kart.
Favorite Bangkok sound: None. I like Bangkok quiet, especially during a long holiday when people head out of town.
Most annoying thing I have to encounter everyday: Phone calls when I am still in bed.
Best pickup line: Nothing seems to work so far…
If Bangkok were music, it would be: An experimental piece by a screwball musician who cuts and pastes many random styles of music together.
Bars with Good Live Music
BRICK BAR
265 Buddy Lodge Bldg., Khaosan Rd., 02-629-4477. Open daily 6pm-1am. www.brickbarkhaosan.com
Smack right in the middle of Khao San, this two-story tavern packs in ska and reggae devotees nightly. Put on your comfy shoes as you will be hopping and bopping throughout a night of ska-athon. If you want to secure a dancing space on Friday and Saturday nights, it’s wise to be there as early as 8pm. Check out the Teddy Ska Band (nightly 11:30pm onwards).
PARKING TOYS
Ramindra Soi 14, Kasetnawamind Rd., 02-907-2228. Open daily 6pm-2am. www.parkingtoys.com
Don’t be put off by its inconvenient location—this small bar might be located on the outskirts of Bangkok but Parking Toys is well worth your drive. It draws in diverse crowds from Fat Radio DJs to neighborhood music aficionados with eclectic musical styles ranging from electronic to rockabilly and jazz. You don’t have to worry about dressing up because no one here really cares.
THE ROCK PUB
Hollywood Street Bldg., Ratchathewi Rd., near BTS Ratchathewi, 02-251-9980, 086-977-0621. Open daily 6pm-1am. www.therockpub-bangkok.com
As its name suggests, this is a house of rock. Whether you are looking for heavy metal, modern rock, grunge, garage, The Rock Pub has it all on stage. Expect to rock and roll to head-banging tunes from Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Rolling Stones, Guns ‘N’ Roses and Nirvana, just to name a few.
SAXOPHONE
3/8 Phayathai Rd., near BTS Victory Monument, 02-245-3592. Open daily 6pm-2am. www.saxophonepub.com
Saxophone needs no introduction. This jazz and blues institution has been going strong for 22 years, treating music lovers to thrilling performances by A-lister musicians from T-Bone to Koh Mr. Saxman.
OVERTONE
29-70-72 RCA Zone D, Rama 9 Rd., 02-203-0423/-5, 02-641-4283. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-2am. www.prartmusic.com/overtone
Started by established guitarist Prart Aroonrungsi, Overtone aims to be a platform for aspiring artists and a hangout for fans of live music with a difference. Musical style? Blues, jazz, funk, rock, metal—you name it. On Sunday, there’s an open mic for new talents to perform.
Where to get your indie CDs
DJ Siam
Siam Square Soi 4, Rama 1 Rd., 02-251-2513 (but don’t bother calling). A tip: bring your cute sister and you might get discounts.
Gramophone
2/F, Room 205, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. 02-610-9565. Open daily 10am-10pm.
Jedi
2/F, The Mall Bangkapi, Lad Prao Rd., 02-734-1810. Open daily 10:30am-8:30pm.
Nong Taprachan
Tha Prachan Pier, Prachan Rd., 081-984-3345. Open daily 10am-7pm. www.nongtaprachan.com. You can also check out its new outlet at 1201/3 Sri Wara Town in Town Soi 2, Lad Prao Soi 94 (Panjamitr), near Baan Ton Sung restaurant, 02-949-0923. Open Mon-Sat 9am-8pm.
bk asks: Which member of the band would you date?
Rungrath, 27, sales manager
A singer. Probably because I like singing myself and I like standing up front, being the center of attention.
Noel, 29, sales director
A lead singer because a woman who can sing turns me on.
Nont, 20-something, strategic planner
A pianist. He should be good with his hands and fingers.
Surapa, 26, secretary
A singer. Even if you aren’t that good looking, if you can sing, you can be a dream guy for many girls. Take Toon Bodyslam.
Pakawan, 33, graphic designer
A drummer. It’s just amazing how he can work his hands and feet simultaneously. Plus, I find drums to be a macho instrument.
Watcharabhorn, 26, intern
A guitarist. I can’t be bothered to fight with the other girls for the lead singer.
Kritin, 32, account supervisor
A saxophonist is hot. He can melt me like chocolate when he blows…his sax.
Naerisa, 30, entrepreneur
A drummer. He has good rhythm.
