Who inspired your musically?
SOS: I think the artists that inspired us most as Sound of Stereo are the pioneers of electro; I have vivid memories of seeing Digitalism playing in Cairo. Those were the first electronic tracks that got pretty much mainstream and led the way to what is here today. Also Boys Noize, Justice and obviously Daft Punk are huge inspirations as those were the first artists that got me into electronic music. Also is techno music from the 90s, the heavier, faster techno, which are more Vincent’s roots.
Autoerotique: Everyone currently! We usually say the early work of Groove Armada, Armand van Helden and Daft Punk. But there is so much more to it than that.
Tai: Wow, there are a lot to name so that’s hard. But I come from a hip hop background. Listening to a lot of Biggie and stuff. And then dance music wise I really always liked all my friends I worked with like Bart B More, d.i.m., Steve Aoki, Felix Da Houscat.
How would you describe your sound?
SOS: Fun, willful dance-floor orientated electronic music without being stuck up.
Tai: Jacking hard with a good twist of melodic breaks.
What are your musical guilty pleasures?
SOS: We both have ABBA as a common guilty pleasure. We also both love 80s music, your call to think if that’s guilty. Oh, and Get Ready! Look them up on YouTube.
If Bangkok was a song, what would it sound like?
SOS: Super busy, but with a lot of depth to it. It’s our first time visiting, so maybe it’s best to answer this question again after our visit? You know where to find us.
Tai: A phat tuk tuk bassline mixed with some spicy pad Thai percussions, blasted with massive white noise Sukhumvit traffic and a techno ping-pong sound.
Autoerotique: I imagine it would sound like the best pad Thai on earth!
What is your next project?
SOS: Our new EP called Volt ep is coming out Feb 20th, containing two tracks and two remixes by SCNTST and Transistor Cake. We also just finished two remixes for a Belgian band called Willow and a big EDM duo, which we cannot name yet. We are also working on something new and very, very exciting, which will be a big next step for us. More about that very soon!
Autoerotique: We have a remix for Steve Aoki coming out in a few weeks. We have a new single on Tiesto’s label Musical Freedom coming out in Feb. We also have a new three-track EP coming out on Dim Mak Records in Mar.
Tai: I have just finished my At The Disco EP which Steve Aoki will be released on the Feb 28 of on Dim Mak Records. The B-side is called Omnicrack which is a nice and hard track. And I just did the At The Disco DJ mixtape.
What is the best gig you’ve been to?
Autoerotique: I would have to say EDC Las Vegas or Tomorrowland.
Tai: I really enjoyed a big one in Taiwan for last New Year’s Eve. That was great!
What’s your favorite audience?
Autoerotique: One with super-high energy!!
Tai: Every audience that really soaks up the music in whatever way they do so.
Most inspirational person?
Autoerotique: Gandhi.
Tai: Anyone that thinks positively and helps out others... and doesn’t hate. Especially music-style-police-hate, ha ha. What a cool word I just made up there
What do you want to be remembered as?
Autoerotique: I think we’d like to be remembered as handsome, modest, generous people who grow better looking with each passing day.
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It’s been three years since your last album, what took you so long?
O: I’d say a lot of things have changed since our previous album. For the first two we were with Zyd Records, but by the time our contract ended, Tee, joined a Sanamluang Record’s project called Lazy Sunday for the song “Dee Yang Rai.” That led us to join the label [part of GMM Grammy] and it took time to make the album.
What else have you been doing?
O: Actually, we’ve done a lot of side projects: Moo, the bassist, still has a full-time job as a sales engineer, Eddy and I play as a backup band for lots of artists like Pod Moderndog, Bee Peerapat and Tor Saksit. But now, with the move to Sanamluang, we have to reset our priorities to our own band.
Are your worried the move to a bigger label will affect your musical style?
O: Not at all. Because before deciding to sign here, we and the record company came to an agreement. We feel secure they know our style and trust us to produce by ourselves. But the production process is very different than before. We have to deal with more people and the deadlines are fixed because if we’re late, the whole project will crash.
Tee: We now have a bigger production budget. Previously when we had a sound we wanted to add, like a violin we had to use a synthesizer. It helps us extend our musical capability.
How does the third album Jet’s evolve from the previous two?
O: It’s the balance. Our first album is more easy-listening with a touch of soul and funk. Our second album combined easy listening with a more fun sound. Now we feel we have grown up a lot, so we make a balance of those two but still keep the song’s positivity.
Eddy: This third album is like fulfilling a dream as a musician in that we have a bigger production value, with real instruments.
What can we expect from this upcoming concert?
O: This is the first time that we have our own concert. So we want to portray the band’s history through new arrangements of our old songs and also covers of songs we like.
Eddy: There’ll also be special guests, like NuNa Nuengthida who features on this album, and Nu Monthip who worked on our first album.
Tee: Our new single “Gaw Pai” was produced especially for this concert. The song is based on our experiences over the last seven years. We hope that it could inspire others to pursue their dream.
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Artist: Zero Hero Feat. Poomjit
Label: Lemon Factory
Zero Hero’s debut album Man Man is pure Thai rock n’ roll, and reminds us of the old band Sip Lor led by Hugo. After releasing the first promo single “Supan,” the fun continues with “Goodbye Bangkok,” which takes a sarcastic look at the craziness of life in Bangkok.
Artist: Paradox /Daydreamer 6.1
Label: Genie Records
After a five-year hiatus since their last release, the pop-rock outfit Paradox is back with their fifth studio album Daydreamer 6.1. As the name suggests, the overall mood and tone of this album will be soft and gentle love songs with smooth, acoustic guitars. Saying that; their third single “Honey Bee” is a fun, 60s-inspired sound that takes us back to hits “Balloon” and “Love.” Daydreamer 6.2 is set to follow soon.
Artist: Kor Notapol Srichomkwan
Label: Spicydisc
After releasing his first single “Prove Me Wrong” from the album The Workings of the Soul Part 02, Groove Rider’s bassist Kor Notapol Srichomkwan continues this vintage-pop project with “I Want to Tell You,” an easy-listening love song inspired by Paul McCartney’s “Silly Love Song.” Soft vocals, simple, attractive lyrics blend with brass and drums to create a toe-tapping tune.
Artist: Brown Flying
Label: Believe Record
The brand-new American rock-inspired group from Believe Records, launches their debut single entitled “Long (Lost).” The four-man band composed of Diew (vocal and guitar), Note (drums), Na (bass) and Pom (guitar) reminds us of the band Nickelback. The first single brings us hard drum and bass beats, while the lyrics and guitar have a suitably catchy hook.
Artist: Slur
Label: Smallroom
This final single from their third studio album Boong is about the passion that comes from flirting in a club. Slur sticks with their grungy style but add a lot of synthesized material, which works even if it is quite a shift from the first two albums. Perhaps a result of Pae Arak announcing he was quitting the band. Not to worry, if you’re in love with Slur the band, you’ll be happy to know they’re already working on a new album.
Artist: Tabasco
Label: Lemon Factory
The very Two Door Cinema Club-esque indie-punk band, Tabasco, delivers their third single from their debut album 1984 entitled “Chiang Mai.” The lyrics talk about bad weather and failed love in Bangkok, so they’re moving to Chiang Mai. Still if you ignore the lyrics, the guitar, bass and drums have a great arrangement, which could easily get you into the rock mode and craving for their live performance.
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You guys are on the road a lot. Have your travels influenced your music?
Yeah, we hear music from different places and incorporate it. Our song “Hippie Hippie Hoorah” was based on our travels in France, for example.
What is life on the road like?
It’s fun! We are like wimpy cowboys. Once we started a telephone hotline and had fans call us on the road—we gave amateur psychiatric help.
You’re known for your raucous shows and wild, on-stage antics. Have things ever turned nasty at a show?
Sometimes in self-defense, yeah, but always for entertainment and good fun in the end, however it may turn out.
What’s the craziest thing you or a member of the audience has done?
I got head-butted by an audience member, and one girl fingered herself onstage, but that’s not usually how it goes down.
How does the term “Flower Punk” define the band’s identity?
It means we are like satanic hippies.
Who inspires you musically?
Sroeng Santi, Amanaz, The Fugs, The Swamp Rats.
What’s playing on your iPod at the moment?
Halim El-Dabh, Luigi Russolo.
If you could tour—or even just jam—with anyone, who would it be?
I would jam with the country artist Bill Anderson.
What was the first album you ever bought as a kid?
Nevermind by Nirvana.
Is this your first time in Thailand and is there anything you’re especially hoping to catch while you’re here?
First one, yes. I want to try amazing street food and find old, rare Thai records on 45 and 78rpm.
What can we expect to see on stage?
High-energy, 60s-style punk.
Where else in the world are you looking forward to playing that you haven’t yet?
Iraq.
What’s next for you guys?
We play Coachella this summer in California, and we will then do some recording.
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How did you guys start out?
Noah's tape is the music created and produced by a single person, me, and played live by a full band composed of Tao Nuttakorn (Keyboardist), Tom Swasdikula (bassist) and Chris Pilara (guitarist and percussionist). We are all friends, and that's how we began to play together.
What inspires you musically?
I get my inspiration from things I observe around me. Sometimes from my own experience or sometimes just things happening to others that affect me. The music I make is what I like. Not having a label or any kind of artistic management gives you the freedom to only create what you like.
What else are you listening too apart from your own one?
Alternative bands like Radiohead, Portishead, Patrick Watson, Grizzly Bear, Get Well Soon, The Faint and also classical music and blues.
What is the most difficult thing about being a self-produced band? What’s the best part about it?
Doing everything on your own can be very difficult and a bit discouraging from time to time, but when you make something you're satisfied with, it's the best feeling, cause it's true to yourself.
You’ve been playing at some parties like the latest Popscene indie night, which is your favorite gig?
Lots of good moments. We played at Stone Free Festival in Saraburi. It was a great event organized by Panda Records in an amazing field surrounded by a cliff. The atmosphere there was just perfect and a bit magical. We had a great time.
How do you feel about opening for Black Lips?
Oh very excited.
Can we expect to see your full album soon?
Not full album but EP, yes, in mid- 2012.
Click here to catch up with their music and updates.
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How did the project come about?
I have worked with Orn since her first album Natural High with Bakery Music where I played a guitar solo in the song “Friend” and also joined her in concert. At the time I didn’t think of doing an official collaborative project like this as we have kind of different musical styles. But since I did a project with Prai (Independent singer and song writer) last year, I feel more open and that there are some other styles that are worth trying out. When Orn started doing her new album, I was thinking about her and talked to her about working together. Then a lot of melodies kept popping up in my head. That’s how we started.
What’s the concept of this album? Will it sound like Moderndog or Ornaree?
It’s a little bit hard to explain. I wanted to make it in Orn’s way, but I came up with a harder sound that’s more grungey. And since Orn also wanted to try something new, we kept pushing for another sound. Plus we have Ju, the drummer from Abuse the Youth, and Bird, guitarist from Desktop Error, joining in. So the sound of this album has the style of us all.
Was it similar to working with Prai?
The similarity of both projects is my musical style; and Bird also played guitar on the second album of Prai’s project. But the rest is different from the start: the music for Prai is more like a soundtrack, there’s a certain space between the music and the lyrics. The music is like a landscape, we leave some space to let the audience use their own imagination. But for Orn, the tracks are full of energy, with a hard sound, sophisticated melodies and just really fun live. Orn was there all along, since the music arrangements, so the music and lyrics go perfectly together.
What’s next for you?
I’d like to collaborate with a full orchestra, jazz style or even do a totally instrumental album. But at the moment I’m still busy with the band and the Orn and May-T project was just launched.
You also had a solo art exhibition last year.
Yes. Painting is another side-project of mine and my previous work was shown in Chiang Mai recently. Now I’m also working on a new exhibition.
What about Moderndog?
We haven’t come up with a proper plan for our next album yet. Plus we’re still busy touring. I think after our fifth album, Moderndog needs to change. So, it’s like we’re now searching for new inspiration and looking for new musical direction.
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This dinner and countdown party on a rooftop is inclusive of a 3-course set dinner, one welcome drink and entry to the countdown party with DJs spinning house. Reservations at 02-255-0638. Dec 31, 5pm. Rooftop, Le Fenix Hotel, 33/33 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-2550638/9. BTS Nana. B2,500.
Retro-themed New Year party from Maft Sai and his luk thoong tunes or hed to the bar room for the countdown from resident DJs Orawan and Knatz. Dec 31, 7pm. 26 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651-3537. BTS Nana. B1,000 (1 drink).
A rooftop party with hip hop DJs like Lom Soundstylist, Mick D, Honey G and Kimball Collins. Live band with Adam Sharpe (guitar), Damian (trumpet), Davinder (percussion), E-Roc (lead guitar), Mars (violin) and choreography from Forrest Mallard. Dec 31, 8pm. 323 Silom Rd., 02-231-1003. B600 (1 drink).
DJ 4Players spins retro funk and afro beats alongside the founder and organizer of the “Chino Latino” parties in Shanghai, DJ Elnomo. Dec 31, 9pm. 27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6330. B350 (1 drink).
The Altitude party is back in time to celebrate the upcoming 2012 with 4 rooftop dance floors plus 2 poolside venues welcoming 12 Bangkok big name DJs like Monton Jira, Saint Vincent, Kc, Orawan, Knatz, Azek and T-Bone. Dec 31, 8pm. 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-261-9000. MRT Sukhumvit. B800 (1 drink).
New Year celebration with free-flow-drinks, snacks and DJ Sunil Primalani spinning a mix of club tunes. Or pick the heartier buffet option for B2,900 per person. Dec 31, 8pm. 71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900, 02-661-5279. B1,500.
Count down party til dawn; acts include Sirajarock, The Busstop, The Standards, Tul Apartmentkhunpa and Mong. Dec 31, 9pm. RCA Block C, Rama 9 Rd., 081-304-6907. Free.
Two rooms: electro, club, techno and drum n’ bass by Djs Chrisking, Tique Le Soul, Psyga and Funkpheno; while in room 2 the Skins Party crew spins hip house, progressive and indie dance. Open bar from 9pm-2am. Get presale tickets for B500 at 084-112-0622. Dec 31, 9pm. Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd., 08-9497-8422. B700.
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Can’t live without: Cash, Chanel lipstick, cotton buds, tissue paper and a pack of cigarettes.
Favorite themed party: Dudesweet: Dragsweet.
Craziest outfit: A t-shirt and a pair of jeans and sandals.
If your music was a look: Miss & mash with a glimpse of sex.
Stupidest trend: Crocs!
Favorite place to shop: A vintage shop on the corner of Khaosan Rd. and Ratchadamneon Rd. and of course, net-a-porter.com
Style icon: Tilda Swinton.
Favorite brand: At the moment, I adore Dolce & Gabbana.
Catch him at: Club Culture, Cosmic Cafe and Bed Supperclub.
Favorite themed party: French Navy/Sailor Party.
Favorite themed party you’ve hosted: Neon Sporty Night.
Craziest outfit: A sexy tracksuit for Trasher’s Lady Gaga party.
Craziest outfit you’ve seen: Mr. Pacman at a Dragsweet party.
If your music was a look: Vintage preppy chic.
Stupidest trend: Wearing a vest, short skirt and high heels to a party. Why not be more creative?
Style icon: Karen O.
Favorite brand: None. Mum’s 80s. shoulder pad jackets, Grandma’s closet and vintage markets.
Catch her at: Club Soma parties (see updates at: www.facebook.com/clubsomaparty).
Can’t live without: People will roll their eyes at this but it’s got to be my sunnies!
Favorite themed party: Popscene’s 60s night, Backbeat.
Favorite themed party you’ve hosted: Backbeat, Popscene’s 60s night. You can’t beat some Northern Soul!
Craziest outfit: Too many to mention!
Craziest outfit you’ve seen: That would have to be at last weekend’s event, when we had a certain party goer think that his birthday suit was what we all needed to see.
If your music was a look: Smart!
Stupidest trend: Glasses without lenses.
Style icon: Steve Marriot (Small Faces era, of course).
Favorite fashion brand: John Smedley, Paul Smith and Fred Perry.
Catch him At: Popscene Indie Night (see updates at: www.facebook.com/thestandardstunes).
Favorite themed party: The Great Gatsby.
Favorite themed party you’ve hosted: Coyote Ugly.
Craziest outfit: Wrestler outfit.
Craziest outfit you’ve seen: See-through unitard.
If your music was a look: Ke$ha.
Stupidest trend: That big bow or some bird headband on girls’ heads. Ridiculous.
Style icon: Wes Anderson And The Gang.
Favorite place to shop: Siam.
Favorite brand: Topman.
Catch him at: Trasher party (see updates at: www.facebook.com/trasherbangkok).
Can’t live without: I can live without most things.
Favorite themed party: Boxer Bowtie Party in Davis, California.
Favorite themed party you’ve hosted: Boxer Bowtie Party in Davis, California.
Craziest outfit: Too many to describe. Evil Queen from Snow White? Aerobics instructor? Geisha? Zombie? Prostitute?
Craziest outfit you’ve seen: I’ve seen a lot of strange ones. I went to a party with Michel Gondry and he was dressed backwards. There was a wizard at a Suzan Barsch party in NYC at the Copa Cabana that I thought was pretty crazy looking as well.
If your music was a look: Formal Attire.... for some of the music I play. Mix N Match Couture for most of what I produce.
Stupidest trend: Planking.
Most inspirational style icon: Kraftwerk.
Favorite place to shop: The Internet.
Favorite brand: Elektron.
Catch him at: Resident DJ at Kacho Bar. 37/F Imperial Queens Park Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 22. 02-120-9000.
Item you can’t live without: None.
Favorite themed party: Dragsweet: Drag Me Across the Universe, the girly-alien gay themed party.
Favorite themed party you’ve hosted: The Great Gatsby, three years ago.
Craziest outfit: Ballet dress with small lights all over it.
Craziest outfit you’ve seen: Superman.
If your music was a look: Smart Casual.
Stupidest trend: K Pop.
Most inspirational style icon: Jean-Paul Belmondo in the 60s.
Favorite brand: Raf Simons.
Catch him at: Dudesweet party (see updates at: www.facebook.com/busypartyboy).
Khao San Rd.
Dolce & Gabbana. M/F, Siam Paragon. Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9770. BTS Siam.
www.net-a-poter.com
Wanglang Secondhand Market. Charansanitwongse Rd. Pier Siriraj, open daily 6am-7:30pm.
Topshop. G/F Centralworld. Ratchadamri Rd., 02-640-7000. BTS Chit Lom.
Paul Smith. 1/F, Siam Paragon. Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9770. BTS Siam.
Fred Perry. G/F Centralworld. Ratchadamri Rd., 02-640-7000. BTS Chit Lom.
Topshop/Topman. G/F Central World. Ratchadamri Rd., 02-640-7000. BTS Chit Lom.
Daiso. Siam Square 3 Rama 1 Rd., 02-654-6303. BTS Siam.
Be Trend. 3/F Siam Paragon. Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9770. BTS Siam.
Raf Simons. Grande Hyatt Erawan, 494 Ploenchit Rd. 02-250-7750. BTS Chit Lom.
Greyhound. 3/F Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1000. BTS Siam.
Siam on Third. 3/F Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1000. BTS Siam.
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What inspired the exhibition?
Myanmar has long been a closed society. That’s why the outside world doesn’t know if there is contemporary art in Myanmar or not. Some people think the art scene in Myanmar is still traditional. That’s not true. While we have a strong traditional art community, some artists are practicing contemporary art. But for those contemporary artists, the opportunity to exhibit their works outside the country is scarce.
What can we expect to see in this experimental showcase?
You can see how Myanmar’s artists practice contemporary art under scrutiny. It’s an introduction of Myanmar contemporary art to the world.
How has the the art scene in Burma evolved since the 90s?
In those days, less than five artists practiced contemporary art. But now we have around 20 contemporary artists in Myanmar whose works are becoming more conceptual and reflective with an experimental edge.
How is the new generation of Burmese artists different from the older generation?
Outburst, escapology and emotionalism are popular themes amongst the early generations of Myanmar artists. The younger generation has become more and more conceptual: calm, simple, concrete and interactive. This new generation emerged after 2000.
What is life like for progressive Burmese artists who live in Burma?
An artist’s life is the same everywhere—not very sustainable economically. They have to do other jobs. So far we haven’t got a strong market for contemporary art. Space is also an issue. There is no art museum in Myanmar, no art center or art space. But a few so-called art centers or art spaces have appeared over recent years.
You’ve done showcases in many countries. What distinguishes Burmese art?
In Myanmar, we don’t really have community-based art projects. Myanmar artists are more into general issues than handling specific issues like politics, or economy. One reason for not being focused on issues like politics is that there are risks, threats and insecurity—you can be arrested. You can’t even criticize society in some cases.
Can these art pieces be exhibited in Burma? Or do they face censorship from the authorities?
Some have already been shown inside Myanmar. These pieces talk about more than politics—there are many themes or subject matters in them. But you never know what the authorities will read into art pieces.
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