As part of their final project for their master’s degree at the Faculty of Artists’ Film, Video and Photography at the University of the Creative Arts, London, twin sisters Wanweaw and Weawwan Hongvivatana took a one-month trip by train from London back to Bangkok, the result being their first full-length film. Wish Us Luck will screen at House RCA from Mar 7 onwards. See our interview next issue.
Fatherland
Veteran director Yuthlert Sippapak is back with a politically-fueled film touching on the issue of instability in Thailand’s three southern-most provinces as seen through the eyes of two soldiers deployed there. Unfortunately Fatherland’s opening had to be postponed from last year and we’re still waiting on an exact date of screening. The good news is Yuthlert recently told BK that the film will definitely hit cinemas this year.
Karaoke Girl
Joining Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit’s 36 at last year’s International Film Festival Rotterdam was the debut project of Visra Vichit-Vadakarn, Karaoke Girl. Half documentary, half fiction, the film was inspired by the real life of Sa, a sex worker who fled to Bangkok when she was 15. She also stars as herself. The production has since featured at the Berlin Film Festival and is expected to screen in Bangkok cinemas this year.
Tang Wong
Director Kongdej Jaturanrasamee follows up his first indie film, P-047, with another, Tang Wong, a comedy-drama that follows four high-school boys who, in praying that they achieve their dreams, promise to repay their good fortune by doing a Thai dance. As in P-047, Kongdej tackles the concept of personal identity but here the focus is also on belief. The film has already traveled to the Berlin International Film Festival and is expected to screen here later this year.
INTERVIEW Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit
What are you currently working on?
My second full-length film titled The Year of June, which is one of three films sponsored by the Biennale College Cinema in Venice. So next week (Feb 18) I have to go back to Venice to film it. The project is kind of rushed as it must premiere at this year’s Venice Film Festival in September and it should screen in Bangkok not long after. I also have another project with GTH. I’ve written three scripts for GTH already—Bangkok Traffic Love Story, Top Secret and the first story in 7-Something—but I will also direct this time. It’s not finalized yet but work on the production should start next year.
Despite international acclaim, 36 only got a limited screening in Bangkok. Why?
I knew from the start that 36 would not be a mainstream project and that it would be hard to find sponsors. So I started small-scale using my personal funds. The reason it got a limited screening was not only down to the theaters but my own doing. Screening a film in a big theater isn’t as simple as saying, “Hey I have this file, can you show it?” It can cost almost a hundred thousand baht. I didn’t have the money so I chose to screen it using a projector at BACC. The reception was great—it made me realize things can be done this way, too. This doesn’t mean that I’m turning my back on theaters. Once I got the money, I converted 36 to the system that House RCA can support. So that's why the film finally sceened at House in July.
What support does the Thai film industry need?
I believe the government should help fund directors, as they used too. It means a lot, seriously. Let’s say we want to produce one film that will cost B10 million. If it’s not a mainstream production, it might only get B4 million in revenue meaning the director loses B6 million. No one wants to take a risk like that, so people produce only films that are guaranteed to succeed—compromising their art. If we had support from the government—let’s say B5 million—the risk would be much smaller and more people would be willing to take it.
Who are they: Oyy Oranan (vocals) and Ned Anis (guitar) Label: Comet Records Listen:
What we say: When we wrapped our ears around last year’s cracking Compilation Vol. 1 album (with tracks from established acts like Casinotone and Lunar) from brand new independent music label Comet Records, the one track that really stood out was “Leaving by the Train” by Naked Astronaught. After some snooping around, we discovered they are actually a duo comprising former member of the post-rock band The Little Match Girl, Oyy Oranan, who decided to team up with a friend, Ned Anis, to explore their shared musical passions. They label themselves “post trip-hop;” we call them neatly mixed electronica blended with a slowand- steady rap line. But, yeah, “post trip-hop” is much catchier. Catch them next: Comet Records' first party will be on Mar 2, with performances from Naked Astronaught and their labelmates. Venue and time still TBA, get updates at tinyurl.com/bx28h5w and in BK+. Oyy Oranan and Ned Anis
On inspiration
"The imperfections of people and the imperfections of all things in the universe. Radiohead, Massive Attack, Neil Young, Bob Dylan. " On Bangkok's live music scene
"Well, I think it’s getting better— just very, very slowly. My advice is to always keep your ears open. You think you’re listening to a lot of music already, but there’re always way more to try. " Favorite live music venues in Bangkok
"Cosmic, Parking Toys, Brown Sugar, Sweet Jazz, Jazz Happens."
Mattnimare
Who are they: Pree “Wan” Asvaraksha (vocals and guitar), Kidakarn “Zung” Chatkawmanee (guitar), Jirakit “Ap” Taowti (bass), Boriboon “Baboon” Weerawong (drums) Label: Independent Listen: www.facebook.com/Mattnimare What we say: We’re surprised that this exciting four-piece haven’t been snapped up by a local label yet. They seem to have it all, from the energetic and larger-than-life drummer to the achingly hip bassist and the dashing front man, they certainly tick all the right PR boxes. But what really matters is that these guys can really play—no surprise, then, that they came out top of Popscene Live’s best of 2012 band competition. This group of pals from Mahidol University’s College of Music play in-your-face pysch-tinged rock that comes at you in huge waves, but behind the big noise there’s a lightness of touch and clear musicianship to their rare and intriguingly chosen covers and emotionally uplifting self-penned tunes that transcends most live acts in town. Oh, and lead singer Wan has one hell of a voice, making them a band you really need to catch in the flesh. What the experts say: "Mattnimare are a rarity among Bangkok bands. They don't have spiky hair, they don't wear fingerless gloves, they don't have a 30-minute set that comprises of depressing, self-indulgent drivel that they think we all want to listen to on a Friday night. They are raw, edgy, melodic and moody in the right places, are obviously inspired by real music and most importantly, they're just cool.” — Matt from indie-popsters The Standards. Catch them next: Mattnimare are busy at work on their debut album, which is set for release later this year. In the meantime, keep an eye on BK+ and their Facebook page for new gig announcements.
On their sound
Wan: "It’s the product of our experiences mixed with our feelings at any given time. We meet new things every other day that could influence us. Maybe we’ll change our style in 2-3 days, who knows? But 'rock' is the best descriptor." Worst gig
Wan: "One time there was not a single customer, so we had to play for the security guard and waiters." On Bangkok’s live music scene
Zung: "Style is a matter of choice. We can’t force people to like something. What we can do is offer more diversity, so that one day good sounds will be more accepted in the mainstream." AP: "For it to be improved, some people need to make a conscious choice between art and money." Favorite venue in Bangkok
Wan: "I love Parking Toys for the fun, friendly atmosphere that brings artists and the audience together." Zung: "Where ever there are hot girls!"
Withyouathome
Who are they: Hayato Imanishi (vocals/guitar/FX), Withit “Wit” Korprasertsi (drums/art), Rangsiwaht ”Job” Yamkasikorn (bass), Adam Horner (guitar) Label: Realising Media Listen:www.facebook.com/withyouathome; cyclamen.bandcamp.com What we say: This four-piece post-rock band, made up of musicians drawn from Japan and Ireland, as well as Thailand, takes its inspiration from the endless expanse of the universe—read genre heavyweights like Sigur Ros and Explosions in the Sky—as exemplified by a sound that is both loud and quiet, grandiose yet brimming with subtleties. Withyouathome started in July 2011 as the solo project of Hayato Imanishi. After a debut EP, Hayato started recruiting band members for live shows, and by Nov 2011 the current lineup was founded. Resolutely DIY in outlook, last year saw the band release their debut album Our Lives Are All Very Forgettable Events In The Universe and perform at Fat Festival 2012, as well as many other—mostly much smaller and more intimate—concerts. What the experts say:
"It’s a great day when an independent band can make it on their own. It doesn't matter what genre it is, what matters is that in these major label-dominated days, the DIY spirit is still very much alive in Thailand. This is a band working with these ideals in mind. These guys are only one of many bands that, whether or not you like their music, what they have proven from their growth as a band, as well as the increasing number of fans, is that the power is soon going to be back in our hands." — Put, owner of Harmonica Catch them next: Mar 9 at Harmonica and Mar 16 at Silpakorn University's annual Gift Festival.
Hayato Imanishi
On their sound
"Post-rock, a subgenre of rock music that uses the typical rock music instruments (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, etc.), but is more focused on the art of soundscaping than writing great riffs. It's often entirely instrumental, but we do have vocals on most tracks." On inspiration
"The universe, humanity and all the small things that happen in everyday life. We focus on both the world inside our body, and outside." Worst gig
"We all have different moments that we remember as the worst, but they all involve technical issues. We find it hard to be happy with our performances—we sometimes feel bad even if everyone says it was a great show." On Bangkok’s live music scene
"I spent over 10 years in the UK before here, and in comparison, Bangkok’s scene is still tiny. There is enormous potential though! Especially in the past year or so, we've seen some highly-motivated people take matters into their own hands, which is exactly what we need for a lively scene. "
BeforeChamp
Who are they: Kanun “Korn“ Veeranarong (ukulele), Piyawit “Champ“ Khuntasiri (violin) Label: Do Song Zeng Zeng Listen: www.facebook.com/Beforechamp What we say: Quirky multi-instrumentalists BeforeChamp seem to have been doing the rounds for a good while now, appearing as opening act for established stars (Greasy Cafe, Apartmentkhunpa), and making their mark thanks to a live show that’s part comedy routine, part vaudeville, but with the musical chops—and, most importantly, songs—to back it all up. Their intriguing spin on the whole sensitive ukulele crooner act, which incorporates looped beat-boxing and electric violin that veers from the serene to the screeching, marks the duo as one musical act to watch out for in 2013. What the experts say:
"BeforeChamp is a band with limitless imagination. What’s unique about them is that both use string instruments mixed with synthesizer to produce an amazing sound that, if you closed your eyes while catching them live, could well be coming from ten people, not just a duo. For me, Champ is a man with a dream and a determination to achieve, while Korn is driven to create imaginative music." — Kong Suvarnapradip, the man behind Cosmic Café, Moose and Sonic Catch them next: Currently the pair are at work producing a music program called Music Journey broadcast every Sat 12:30-1pm via Apple One Channel (True 77) where they perform live at local radio stations in various provinces around Thailand. Oh, and this message from Korn: "We want to tour around the world. Can someone be our sponsor?"
Kanun "Korn" Veeranarong
On their sound
"We love to call ourselves recycle(d) music. We want to create our own unique sounds." Worst gig
"Champ found out after the show that his fly was unzipped the whole time." On Bangkok’s live music scene
"We have a wide variety of venues that offer different styles of music for audiences to choose from, but it’s still hard to find places where bands can play whatever they want, musically rather than commercially. Most bands have to play what people expect to hear otherwise they won’t get hired. This is a difficult problem to fix. Bands who see music as a commercial thing will offer only what the mainstream like. We’re in the minority, if we want something new we have to find it ourselves. Thinking positively, I guess that’s the charm of the indie music scene."
Summer Dress
Who are they: Siwanut “Tent” Boonsripornchai (guitar and vocals), Sanpawit “Nat” Soikum (guitar), Pinyo “Pow” Maila-eaid (bass), Teeravut “Pam” Ittivut (drum), Panchalee “Pond” Jampangjan (keyboards) and Nopphon “Nui” Cheng (technician) Label: Panda Records Listen: www.facebook.com/summerdress What we say: As evidenced by their slot supporting hip New York rockers Beach Fossils late last year, where they looked very much at home on the vast stage of Moonstar, Summer Dress mesh indie street smarts with an incredibly accessible brand of guitar pop. Think summer-tinged anthems with cheesy yet charming lyrics about boys meeting girls—all very stylishly presented. Don’t believe us? Watch their cool video for the song “บรรเลง”(by rising director Tokin Teekanun), which sees the band setting up and playing at a variety of public places (and subsequently being asked to leave). What the experts say: “Their show is fascinating and full of life. It's raw, fresh and original, even though they don't have much experience in the industry. Plus they always do their best no matter how big their audience is.”—Tokin Teekanun, MV director and co-founder of The World May Never Know Catch Them Next: Summer Dress will play the Music & Art Fest at BACC #2 on Feb 16-17 alongside Stylish Nonsense, Greasy Cafe and more. There will also be stalls selling records, books, shirts and crafts.
Siwanut "Tent" Boonsripornchai
On their sound
"We don’t try to be anything in particular, but incorporate different elements from the different sounds we like. As for production, the idea is to be fresh and make our album like our diary—sometimes you’ll hear atmospheric sounds from when we were recording or even mistakes, but then who wants their diary to be filled with meadows and butterflies?" On Bangkok’s live music scene
"There’s definitely more live shows, more bands experimenting as well as more opportunities for independent artists. But this also means that we’re selling fewer records. " Best venue for live music
"Stone Free 1 and 2. It’s a music festival that’s really worth going to: the venue isn’t confined by walls, people can experience a new atmosphere or even come to sing on the stage. There isn’t much preparation and everything is improvised. Even if something goes wrong, everyone ends up laughing about it."
Chladni Chandi
Who are they: Chawalit “Yong” Saowapakpongchai (vocals and guitar), Sompop “Ben” Suwanwattanakul (bass) and Thanawut “Meng” Sriwatthanah (drums) Label: Panda Records
Listen: www.facebook.com/chladnichandi; www.deezer.com/en/album/6050651 What we say: Chladni Chandi have quickly built a reputation for their progressive psychedelic rock that incorporates Indian instruments, like the sitar, and poetic lyrics that espouse Buddhist beliefs. The three-piece’s debut album Tri is awash with vocals that imitate Buddhist chants blended with multi-layered percussion and guitars. A rich and enriching listening experience, regardless of any religious undertones. What the experts say: "Their sound is a mix of 60s-70s psychedelic rock with world instruments and religious aspects. Contemporary and experimental. The lyrics are really beautiful, cleverly using old and rare Thai words. The compositions are in the Thai traditional poem style but it feels modern. Musically, the band does what it likes and it’s interesting. It’s good Thai contemporary music for the ages.” — Pok Stylish Nonsense Catch them next: Feb 16 at Bukruk Street Art Festival.
On their sound
Ben: "Basically we like listening to old 60s-70s psychedelic stuff, so our music goes in that direction. That period saw many teenagers find inspiration in drugs and dressing colorfully." On inspiration
Yong: "I like the Beatles, especially when they turned to a psychedelic rock style incorporating Indian music and religious beliefs. I’m a Buddhist myself, so I found that inspirational. Plus, we got a chance to visit India. I started to bring the sitar in as an experiment—it brings another level of spirituality to our music." Ben: "We’re inspired by the basic cycle of life: birth, afterlife and rebirth. Or, love, greed, hatred and attachment." On Bangkok’s live music scene
Ben: "We recently played a show at Korat which was very impressive. It was a totally different vibe from Bangkok, where it’s mostly young people who attend shows. In Bangkok, the people who come to see you play just enjoy drinking, chatting and taking pictures, they don’t really absorb the music we play. There are very few who really pay attention to the music."
Artist: Katsue Label: Samutprakarn Sound
It’s been far too long between drinks for Katsue. Since releasing their debut album, And So It Goes, back in 2006, the electro duo—Joni Anwar and Jay Monton Jira—have been regulars behind the turntables at many clubs and parties in Bangkok, but there’s been no hint of new material. Until now. Thankfully, their comeback single “Cut and Run” rewards on all counts. The beat- and bass-heavy track has a much harder edge than previous offerings, but the melody, delivered by intertwining shared vocals, will quickly worm its way into your subconscious. A very welcome return.
Song: “Rong Tao Pha Bai”
Artist: Seal Pillow Label: Parinam Music
The members of this brand new band from Parinam Music—Chalerm (vocals and synth), Aron (guitar), Pakorn (bass), Makara (guitar) and Araya (drums)—say they have a “college pop sound.” And, sure enough, their debut single, “Rong Tao Pa Bai [Sneaker],” shows them to be highly enthusiastic students of pop-rock. OK, the influences are there for all to hear—classic post-punk guitars, hints of surf-rock and more than a passing resemblance to a recent Cults hit—but something so catchy can only pass with flying colors, in our books. (And it’s accompanied by a very simple yet affecting film clip.)
Song: “Hom Pa”
Artist: Yellow Fang Label: Independent
After first single “Unreal” spent four weeks atop the Fat 40 chart, and came in second in Fat Radio’s list of best songs for 2012, stylish female garage rock trio Yellow Fang return with another doozy to get you weak at the knees. Opening with some soft cooing and plaintive strumming followed by sweet lyrics that tell of a girl waiting for her lover’s return, the pace picks up around the two-minute mark and builds to a heart-racing crescendo.
Song: “Who am I”
Artist: Proud Kraturerk meets The Photo Sticker Machine Label: Independent
This breezy slice of pop-rock is the first offering from the Music Therapy project launched late last year by The Photo Sticker Machine, the solo electronic project of Vichaya Vatanasapt aka Nong T-Bone. The project invited Facebook fans to submit their self-produced songs for the chance to have them rearranged and presented to a wider audience. The first to receive this treatment, “Who Am I” is the work of Silpakorn University student Proud Kraturerk and the catchy track hints at bigger things to come.
Song: “Son [Hide]”
Artist: Mana Manee Piti Choojai Label: Independent
“Son [Hide]” first aired a few years ago as part of the soundtrack for the Faculty of Architecture at Kon Kaen University’s annual stage play. Now the band behind it, Mana Manee Piti Choojai, who have made something of a name for themselves with occasional gigs at Cosmic Café and Fat Festival appearances, have chosen to offer it up to the general public. Though relatively upbeat in sound, the song takes on quite a brooding edge thanks to lyrics about a girl who must hide her weaknesses deep inside, which are complemented by some nice piano tinkling late in the piece.
Song: “Brahma Brahma”
Artist: Chladni Chandi Label: Panda Records
Panda Records’ Chladni Chandi—comprising Chawalit “Yong” Saowapakpongchai (vocals and guitar), Sompop “Ben” Suwanwattanakul (bass) and Thanawut “Meng” Sriwatthanah (drums)—are known for their psychedelic rock that incorporates Indian instruments, like the sitar, and poetic lyrics that espouse Buddhist beliefs. This first single from their debut album Tri opens with something akin to a Buddhist prayer before layering on the percussion and guitars for stronger emotional resonance.