The Best of Laos Folk Music

Check out our latest blog post featuring the best of Laos folk music. From the traditional to the contemporary, this is a must-listen for music lovers!

Lao Folk Music

Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The Lao people have a rich culture and heritage, and music is an integral part of it. Laos folk music is unique and has a special place in the hearts of the Lao people.

Origins

Lao folk music has its origins in the music of the Lao people, who are the ethnic majority of Laos (and Thailand, northeast Burma, northwest Vietnam and southwest China). The Lao language is tonal, and Lao music often makes use of a pentatonic scale. As with other Asian countries, instruments used in traditional Lao music include both string and percussion instruments. String instruments include the khene (a bamboo mouth organ), the phin (a two or three stringed lute played with a pick) and the khong wong lek (a barrel-shaped drum). Traditional percussion instruments include drums of various sizes and shapes, as well as bells, gongs and cymbals.

Characteristics

Lao folk music is characterized by its simplicity, using only a few instruments to produce the desired melodic effect. The most common Laos Folk instruments are the flute (tiao), fiddle (khimer), and drums (skor). Lao music often employs complex rhythms which reflect the simple everyday life of the people who play it.

Lao folk music is usually performed for entertainment at religious or cultural events. It is also used as a form of communication, to share stories and history. Laos folk music has remained mostly unchanged over the years, despite Laos’ modernization and globalization.

The Best of Lao Folk Music

Lao folk music is a genre of music from the Lao people of Laos. It is similar to the folk music of Thailand and Cambodia. Lao folk music is traditionally performed by families or groups of musicians. Lao folk music is used for ceremonies and festivals.

The Mor lam

The Mor lam is a traditional Lao music genre originating in the Isan region of Laos and northeast Thailand. It is characterized by a fast tempo and lively rhythms, and often features improvised vocals. The music is often played with traditional instruments such as the khene (a Lao mouth organ), the pi sadaw (a Lao lute), and the khlui (a Lao flute).

Mor lam has its roots in the music of the Isan people, who are ethnically related to the Lao. The genre began to gain popularity in Laos in the 19th century, when it was adopted by the Lao royal court. In the 20th century, mor lam became increasingly popular among all classes of Lao society. The music was also exported to Thailand, where it gained popularity among both Thai and Isan people.

Mor lam is typically performed at festivals, ceremonies, and social gatherings. It is also sometimes used as background music in films and television shows set in Laos or Thailand.

The Lamvong

The Lamvong is a traditional Laotian dance that originated in the city of Luang Prabang. The dance is performed by couples who hold each other’s hands and circle around in a large circle. The Lamvong is often performed at festivals and celebratory occasions.

The Khap

The Khap is a type of Lao traditional music that features a solo singer accompanied by a bamboo xylophone. The music is often upbeat and lively, and is often used for dancing.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this collection of the best of Laos folk music! Folk music is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and helps to keep alive the traditions of the past. If you have any more suggestions for our list, please let us know in the comments below!