From lab to label

Published on October 30, 2007

Five members of five metal bands are featured on ‘Science of Scream’.

It started as an underground metal gathering and has grown into a music label. But Screamlab Records isn't limiting itself to audio cuts: the independent studio is also turning a new page in Thai metal history by attempting to boost the popularity of the genre through its own music videos.

Screamlab the gathering was conceived in 2002 when five metal bands - Sweet Mullet, Bikini, Retrospect, Housetrap and Sleeping Sheep - met by chance at a music festival on Silom Road and became fast friends.

"The name is derived from scream and laboratory," says Bikini's guitarist Chatree "Byrd" Phoosathong. "We think of our music as laboratory work that is tested by audience response."

All five bands have done well for themselves, with Retrospect and Sweet Mullet being signed by GMM Grammy subsidiary, Genie Records, Housetrap and Bikini landing recording deals with Music Bugs, and Sleeping Sheep going to an indie label.

"A couple of years ago, we were chatting and it dawned on me that with all the new metal bands coming on to the scene these days, we should launch our own record label," explains Byrd.

Last year, the Bikini guitarist discussed the potential for the business with Zukrit "Zum" Sripaoraya, guitarist with popular rock band Clash.

"Underground music today has to be different from in the past; it needs a wider fan base and greater musical choices. We have to offer an alternative. When fans listen to metal, we want them to think of Screamlab," says Byrd.

"We're mature, have plenty of musical knowledge and lots of experience in the recording studio."

The metal label is certainly not lacking in credibility. Retrospect is currently Genie's hottest metal band with solid album sales and a tight tour schedule.

But with digital downloads increasingly popular and a stagnant economy, launching a new label seems a daunting challenge.

"Of course, it's a risk but we're delighted to have metal fans' faith," he says. "Our slogan is freedom, honesty and extremeness."

Screamlab's objective, Zukrit explains, is to improve the quality and sound of recordings and help develop the underground metal circle.

"We're also paying attention to image. There's no denying these days that image-making is almost as important as the quality of the music," adds the Clash guitarist. "Most underground bands come up with their self-produced and self-distributed albums, which are sadly lacking in attractive CD packaging and good sound."

"But the underground metal circle is changing because many metal bands are developing a better quality of sound," adds Byrd.

Image-making is also part of the reason why Screamlab is focusing on music videos, a promotion tool not normally used to promote the genre.

"I think that videos will help the audience understand more about a song, as well as developing the metal circle. However, they are very expensive to make," he says.

"It's a risk but it's definitely one worth taking, agrees Zukrit.

"I used to be fascinated by my foreign guitar heroes and loved watching them on video. After that, I looked for their CDs. Music is given priority but videos are also important."

To prove the point, Screamlab Records's debut release "Science of Scream", a double CD featuring 10 new songs from five new bands - Annalynn, She Burns, Eternity Box, Emptyglass Mean Nothing, and Me Myself & I - comes with a DVD featuring five music videos plus

behind-the-scenes footage.

Eternity Box's vocalist Yongyut Limsuebchua is pleased with the result. "Our songs ['Memory Still Reminds' and 'Rain of Blood'] are about love and death, philosophically comparing the two," he explains.

Annalynn's singer, Nathaphon Jutathaveewan, describes the lyrics of "Seconds of a Thousand Lies" and "Dead Message in the Darkest Black'" as exploring attitudes, lifestyles, decision-making and feelings.

For She Burns, guitarist Saharat "Jam" Balankura says: "The first song 'Abigails' is about an imaginary woman who has influence over the way people think, while 'Falling Memory vs Empty Words', which was written by our vocalist, is about the thought process."

According to Ittiporn "Joe" Suwannawong, vocalist with Me Myself & I, "Deadgirl Walking" tells the story of a rape victim who attempts suicide, and "Vanish" is about a woman who wakes one morning covered in cuts and bruises.

Last but not least, Narongpon "Mon" Kespratoom, drummer of Emptyglass Means Nothing, says "Round 1 Fight" sounds like a boxing match while "Throw Away" is about losing out in love.

As for "Science of Scream", Byrd, who doubled as producer for the album, explains:

"It means shouting out thoughts with rhythm - both the words and melody. The shouting passes through the processes of thinking, practising and exercising. It isn't easy to sing when you're shouting. It is like a science."

While Screamlab Records may be an independent label, it's sticking to mainstream business codes, and having all its artists sign one-year contracts.

"It's for our own safety. There was always a chance that one or more of the bands would sell their masters independently once they'd finished recording. If they'd done that, I wouldn't have survived," says Byrd.

"At first I thought of making a contract for a project - say an album - but there were concerns that the band would spend too much time making the album," adds Zukrit.

"Science of Scream" is being promoted on cable stations MTV and Channel [V] Thailand and on airwaves Next FM, Fat Radio and Seed FM.

Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul

 The Nation