Tent has a new project
Nowadays, it’s difficult for musicians to have a successful career just playing music. Many have to find other work to make enough money. This is especially true if they want to do their own thing and not follow the strict rules of the major labels.
Summer Dress frontman Siwanut Boonsripornchai (Tent) wants to create a new music community. Through his synth-pop project Game of Sounds, he has played with many talented acts who have not been able to release their own music. So Tent set up Tomato Love Records, a new label for like-minded people to get together and share their love of indie music.
S Weekly recently caught up with 30-year-old Tent to talk all about his new band and music label.
Can you tell us how Game of Sounds started?
Tent: At first, it was a solo project. I discovered artists like Boards of Canada, Air and Aphex Twin and developed an interest in synthesisers and electronic music. We don’t do that kind of stuff in Summer Dress, so I decided to do it by myself. Eventually, that became Game of Sounds.
How did the project evolve into a full band?
Tent: I put some songs up on YouTube. Then I was invited to play as a supporting act for Canadian band Homeshake when they came to Bangkok earlier this year. I decided to recruit band members because I couldn’t play the songs live on my own. Now, the full line-up is bassist Parkpume Charoenviriya (Not), guitarist Thanawat Domrongsiri (X), drummer Thanapol Anantakrittayathorn (Arm) and singer Thidarat Singsuwan (Bell).
What are the musical inspirations for Game of Sounds?
Tent: The songs come about very organically. At first, I just experiment with my synthesiser and drum machine until I come up with something cool. Then I work on my ideas with the rest of the band. Our drummer Arm knows a lot about soul and hip-hop, so that’s been a big influence.
Can you tell us about the new single “Durian”?
Tent: It’s a metaphor. The fruit has strong thorny skin but it’s soft inside. Many people try to hide their problems or weaknesses by looking or acting tough.
What differences are there in the way you write songs for Summer Dress and Game of Sounds?
Tent: Summer Dress is a guitar-based rock band. We work together in the studio to develop the songs. For Game of Sounds, I play and record most of the parts at home by myself. The rest of the guys add their ideas later.
More and more bands are going for an electronic sound. Is rock ‘n’ roll dying?
Tent: I don’t think so. Synthesisers are just another tool for making music. If rock ‘n’ roll is in your heart, it’ll come out, no matter what instrument you play. People are just finding new ways to create music.
Why did you decide to start Tomato Love Records?
Tent: My friends and I wanted to find out more about the music business and how it works. We also wanted to create a scene where people can come together to share ideas about music. We want to provide an alternative to the major labels. With social media, it’s easier than ever to promote music.
What kind of bands do you have at Tomato Love Records?
Tent: There are six bands on the label - Game of Sounds, IT.Project, Waltz, Gorn Clw, Supergoods and Flower Dog. Most are synth-pop, but we don’t actually care much about styles and genres. It just has to be original - something that’s new to the Thai music scene. We’re dedicated to releasing fresh sounds for our listeners.
