Traditional Laos Folk Music You Need to Know
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Traditional Laos Folk Music is an important part of the country’s heritage. If you are planning a trip to Laos, it is worth taking the time to learn about the music and the instruments used. This will help you appreciate the performances you see and make the most of your experience.
Traditional Laos Folk Music
Laos has a long history of folk music, which has been passed down through the generations. The music is an important part of the country’s culture and heritage. Laos folk music is known for its beautiful melodies and intricate rhythms. It is often used to tell stories and express emotions.
Origins of Traditional Laos Folk Music
Traditional Laos music is strongly influenced by the music of its neighbors, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In addition, Laos has many ethnic groups with their own unique musical traditions. The oldest and best-known type of traditional music in Laos is lam while the most popular form of folk music is mor lam.
Lam is a form of narrative singing that dates back to the 16th century when it was brought to Laos from Thailand. Lam tells stories of love, loss, heroism, and other topics using a distinctive rhythm and melody. The lyrics are often improvised. Lam ensembles typically include a singer, a phin player, and a khene player.
Mor lam is a more recent form of folk music that originated in the 19th century among the Lao-speaking people of Isan (northeastern Thailand). Mor lam songs are typically about love and loss, but they can also be about other topics such as social commentary and politics. Mor lam ensembles usually include a singer, two khongs (double-reed instruments), and a pi (a type of lute).
Since the 1970s, traditional Laos music has undergone something of a revival as younger musicians have begun to rediscover and reinterpret old songs. In addition, traditional music has been increasingly used in film, television, and advertising.
Traditional Laos Folk Music Instruments
The traditional music of Laos is characterized by its relaxed, dreamy melodies and solemn tones. The music often features a mix of both vocal and instrumental performances, with the latter being particularly prevalent in the country’s many folk traditions.
There are a number of traditional Laos folk music instruments that are commonly used in performances, including the khene (a bamboo mouth organ), the pi (a type of lute), and the khong wong lek (a kind of percussion instrument). The music of Laos often features a strong rhythmic element, courtesy of these and other traditional instruments.
Contemporary Laos Folk Music
Laos has a long and proud tradition of folk music, which has been passed down from generation to generation. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for this type of music, with a new generation of musicians bringing their own spin to the sound. If you’re looking to get acquainted with Laos folk music, here are some of the most popular contemporary artists you should know about.
Contemporary Laos Folk Music Artists
In recent years, a growing number of contemporary Laos folk music artists have been gaining attention both inside and outside the country. Here are some of the most popular contemporary Laos folk music artists:
1. Bambou Stems (ບາມບູ້ ເຊັມ)
Formed in 2009, Bambou Stems is a Laotian-Japanese music group that combines traditional Laotian musical instruments with contemporary electronic sounds. Their music has been featured in several international film and television productions, including the Japanese film “Unforgiven” (2009) and the American television series “NCIS: Los Angeles” (2010).
2. Noy Thrupkaew (นอย ทรุพแก้ว)
Noy Thrupkaew is a Laotian singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for her unique blend of traditional Laotian folk music and modern pop sensibilities. Her debut album, “Noy Thrupkaew” (2011), was a critical and commercial success, winning several prestigious awards in Laos and abroad.
3. Khim Williams (คิม วิลเลี่ย)
Khim Williams is a Laotian multi-instrumentalist who is known for his innovative approach to Laotian traditional music. His solo album, “The Sunset Album” (2012), won widespread acclaim for its fusion of traditional Laotian instrumentation with modern electronic production techniques.
4. Soukaina Kellali (سوكينا كلالي)
Soukaina Kellali is a Moroccan-born singer-songwriter who draws inspiration from her artisan father’s work as a woodcarver. Her debut album, “Soukaina Kellali” (2013), was praised for its beautiful fusion of traditional Moroccan music with contemporary pop and rock influences.
5. Siamese Club (سياميس كلوب)
Siamese Club is an Thai indie rock band that formed in 2010. The band’s members hail from all over Thailand, and their sound reflects their diverse influences, ranging from Thai pop to Western indie rock. Their debut album, “แίνης” (“Tin”), was released to critical acclaim in 2013.
Contemporary Laos Folk Music Styles
Laos has a rich tradition of folk music that has been passed down through the generations. There are many different types of music, ranging from traditional ballads to modern pop songs.
One of the most popular genres of contemporary Laos folk music is called “mor lam”. This style of music originates from the Isan region of Thailand, and is characterized by its fast tempo and upbeat melodies. Mor lam songs are often about love, loss, or yearning for home.
Another popular genre is “luk thung”, which means “children’s song” in Thai. This type of music is softer and slower than mor lam, and often tells stories or teaches lessons to children. Luk thung songs are also about love, but they are more likely to be about unrequited love or heartbreak.
Finally, there is “sai ngam” which means “black song” in Thai. This type of music is similar to Western blues music, and often talks about the struggles of everyday life. Sai ngam songs are usually sad or melancholy, but they can also be uplifting or funny.
