Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Thailand also has a thriving teen-pop industry - sometimes referred to as T-pop -
centred on artists chosen for their good looks, which often means they are half-Thai, half-
fa·ràng
and sport English names. Thailand's king of pop is Thongchai 'Bird' McIntyre
(also known as Pi Bird). His first album came out in 1986 and he has followed up with an
album almost every year since. With Madonna's staying power coupled with a nice-guy
persona, he is very popular with Thais in their 30s and 40s.
The current crop of pop stars are imitating the signature dance moves of Korean pop
stars (Japan pop, or J-pop, is out). The most curious of them all is Apple Girl Band (as in
Apple products): they use Apple apps to make music. Endorphine is a feel-good band led
by sweet-faced Da with almost a decade's worth of hits.
The 1990s gave birth to an alternative pop scene - known as 'indie' - pioneered by the
independent record label Bakery Music. During indie's heyday, Modern Dog, composed
of four Chulalongkorn University graduates, orchestrated the generation's musical coming
of age. Another indie fixture was Loso (from 'low society' as opposed to 'hi-so' or social-
ites), which updated Carabao's affinity for Thai folk melodies and rhythms. But the past
decade has moved these bands into classic rock status and Bakery Music was bought by a
conglomerate.
The alt scene lives in a variety of forms - lounge pop, garage rock and electronica. Tat-
too Colour hailing from Khon Kaen managed to score several hits from a small indie la-
bel. The female trio Yellow Fang has a following for its once-a-year single releases. The
revived disco sound of Groove Riders has brought down the tempo but upped the funky
factor. Their hit 'Disco' was a wedding-song staple.
HIPSTER CRAZE: SIAMESE SOUL
Pop music from the 1960s and '70s has gained an international cult following thanks to overseas collectors
Sublime Frequencies. Compilations from the era include
Siamese Soul: Thai Pop Spectacular
, which includes
groovy tunes crowded with horns and funky beats. The track 'E-Saew Tam Benha Huajai' inspired the music for
My Morning Jacket's song 'Holding on to Black Metal'.
Dance & Theatre
Thailand's high arts have been in decline since the palace transitioned from a cloistered
community. Some of the endangered art forms have been salvaged and revived for the
