How did the band’s current line-up come together?
Seph: After my former bassist and drummer left the band, I got to know Toon from the Siam Bass website. I’d known of Art’s great drumming ability for a long time as I saw him playing at a blues bar in Chiang Mai. So, after Art was recognized as part of the Project Rock Dream Team by TPBS, he came to produce an album in Bangkok and I asked him to join Spoonfulz. I knew Tok from my time on the Love Is record label, so when I moved over to Smallroom Records I convinced him to climb aboard too.
Do you feel like you’ve been through a lot?
Seph: Things come easy to some bands, who find fame thanks to being well-off. We started with nothing. In the six years that I’ve been doing this, I’ve seen a lot of hardship. At times we didn’t have enough money to pay for a bus fare so we had to walk with our instruments.
How does it feel to be getting some proper recognition?
Seph: We’ve been serious musically for a long time, and it feels great to be getting more gigs—but that also means more stress. We’ve been spending more of our time in the Smallroom studio than at home lately Art: I feel like we’re getting a better sense of direction, so hopefully we’ll be able to fully realize our potential.
Tok: It’s a real eye-opener. We’re working hard and we’re always tired, but once we finish our album maybe things will return to normal.
What are your thoughts on the domestic music scene?
Seph: Music is like fashion, ever-changing. People may be into a style now because everyone else is, but we can’t predict the future. I feel like, compared to the 60s or 80s, nowadays is just one big mish-mash of styles. Everything seems so fleeting.
Tok: For example, ska was popular for a while but that’s now passed. Then people got into jazz or rock, really adopting the look as well as the sound. Right now, the ukulele is still totally in vogue, but who knows how long that will last.
Which artist, past or present, would you most like to perform with?
Seph: Jimi Hendrix. That man is genius beyond words. Yes, he may have got addicted to drugs or whatever but his music still stands out today long after his death.
Art: Led Zeppelin because I really admire their drummer, John Bonham. The man is a hero to many drummers worldwide.
Tok: I’d have to say Prai Patomporn (Lao rocker). As a kid, I idolized him. He inspired me to be a musical performer. As for English music, I love Blur.
Toon: For me, Tower of Power (an American R&B-based horn section and band).
