Ki brings the coolest bands to Thailand.
In recent years, Bangkok has become a popular destination for many of the world’s best musical artists. For this we can thank a new generation of music fans working in concert promotion. With business management skills and a knowledge of the music scene, they have put Bangkok on the international music map.
One of the most successful of these promoters is Kiratra Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn (Ki). She is co-founder of the Bangkok-based company Have You Heard? Since it started in 2011, HYH has brought more than 100 top acts to the capital. The impressive list includes Phoenix, The Radio Dept., Blood Orange, Honne, Mac DeMarco, Of Montreal, Yo La Tengo, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and, most recently, Homeshake.
S Weekly caught up with Ki recently and asked her to share some of the music that inspired her to form Bangkok’s coolest concert promotion company.
REVERIE SOUND REVUE
Reverie Sound Revue (2003)
“I love this album for the perfect blend of sounds that it has. The singer’s voice fits beautifully with the groove of the songs. It has something that I haven’t found in any other album. The drumming is fast and the guitars are busy, but the overall sound is very pleasing. Even though there are many elements to the music, it doesn’t sound like they’re trying to do too much. Everything is just right.”
CORINNE BAILEY RAE
Corinne Bailey Rae (2006)
“I still remember how I fell in love with Corinne Bailey Rae as soon as I first heard ‘Put Your Records On.’ It took me about 10 seconds before I knew that she would be my all-time favourite artist. It was like a breath of fresh air. She’s probably inspired me more than any other artist. When I finally got hold of her album, I couldn’t stop listening to it for months. I love her voice and how she tells her stories through it. It’s just perfect.”
FEIST
The Reminder (2007)
“She’s such a powerful singer that when I listen to her, it feels as if she’s talking directly to me. The songs on this album have such deep, meaningful messages that they give me a sort of strength. Her voice can be both delicate and powerful. It’s mesmerising. I know that this album will stay with me until I get old.”
CAMERA OBSCURA
Underachievers Please Try Harder (2003)
“This is the album that I put on most often when I’m working or when I’m outside. The enchanting sounds help me go through a busy day more easily. The band plays a kind of breezy surf-pop, inspired by ‘60s girl groups. It’s a really refreshing sound that makes me feel more relaxed. I feel that it’s OK to go about my life at my own pace.”
CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG
Déjà Vu (1970)
“This is one of the earliest albums I remember. I grew up with it. My dad used to play it all the time so it has a nostalgic effect on me. Tracks like ‘Teach Your Children’ and ‘Our House’ really bring back happy childhood memories. I like to remind myself from time to time of how nice it was as a child to be so carefree. This album definitely does that for me.”
