Coming full circle

With today's Thai youngsters enjoying such a thriving indie scene, it's hard to believe that 15 years ago, music in the Kingdom was divided between mainstream pop, rock and look thung (country folk).

That all changed in 1994 with the advent of independent record company Bakery Music and the emergence of bands like Moderndog, who pioneered their own brand of alternative rock.

Three short years later, Thailand's economy collapsed, causing a major fissure in the indie spirit.

"Alternative music sounded fresh, raw and powerful," recalls Burinthorn Hallor, a music lover and a keen follower of the alternative trend. "Most of indie bands at that time had their own frame of reference. I remember Moderndog's members wearing sarongs on stage. They felt free to do what they wanted."

Now Burinthorn, or Heng as he prefers to be called, is bringing those raw sounds back to life in a two-day music festival, which he's aptly dubbed "Alternative Thai".

The event takes place this weekend at Bangkok Hall, Suan Lum Night Bazaar, and runs from 2pm to midnight.

It's also being held under the "clean concert" banner, with support from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, so there's no smoking and no alcohol.

Heng has fond memories of the mid-'90s. "I was just an ordinary teenager trying to find something new," he says. "I remember going to Manote Puttan's 'Banthoengkhadee' festival on my own as my friends preferred football or playing games at home."

"But I didn't have the money to pay for a ticket so I'd sneak out before the concerts came to an end."

These days, Heng has a little more cash to spare and is a regular at festivals such as "DNA", "89 Pirate Rock" and the annual Fat Fest.

Several of the Kingdom's best-known alternative bands are taking part in this weekend's festivities.

Saturday concerts open with sets by Slot Machine, Street Funk Rollers and Arai Ja, who'll be followed by Siam Secret Service, Lollipop, Keng Pai Rong Rien, Boxer, Cheepchanok, Pong Pong, Sick Child, Student Ugly, Yokee Playboy, Sukanya Miguel, Smile Buffalo and Paradox.

On Sunday, it's the turn of Playground, Er, Nursery Sound, Tannatonn, Jinx, Audy, Ie, Flure, Ornaree, Crub, The Must, Blackhead, and Pang Nakarin.

Unfortunately, pioneers Moderndog aren't on the list of artists, although they will appear on VTR.

"Moderndog will be in Japan for Fuji Rock," Heng explains.

"Tar of Barbie is also busy, but Phi Kongdej of 4 Tao Ther has promised to come if he gets back from another engagement in time.

"This year has been amazing as so many of the original alternative bands have made a comeback and released new albums. They include Sukanya, Audy, Sick Child, Nursery Sound, Pong Pong, Keng Pai Rong Rien and Orn-aree. It's like we've come a full circle."

Heng, who also has organised a 100-band, five-stage festival on Phra Arthit Road and the Code Indy concerts, knows he's likely to lose money on this festival.

"Only one sponsor has come on board since December," he admits.

"But I don't allow business to interfere with what I want to do, it would change the tone of the event. I'll be using live ad boxes, which will be hung on both sides of the stage, so it looks like likay."

He's also been criticised for keeping the ticket prices too low. Admission to the festival costs Bt500 for two days and Bt300 for one day. Tickets are available at Thaiticketmajor. com.

Again, Heng is unrepentant.

"I think the prices are reasonable," he says firmly.

Does he think the comebacks of these alternative bands will make an impact on today's scene?

"Absolutely. I think we've forgotten that these artists once took the local scene by storm. They should still be part of today's music society," he says.

Part of the proceeds will go towards a fund to build a learning centre at Ban Doi Phi Loo, Amphur Pai, Mae Hong Son.

Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul

The Nation