This is how the pros do it

The 15 bands out of 583 that qualified for this year’s Coke Music Awards underwent a recent two-day workshop where they got some intensive training at Bangkok University Rangsit with coaches hired by the beverage brand.

Professional artists including 25 Minutes, Lipta and Mild shared their tricks for getting ready for a live show and Keng Panuwat, the former record producer who was behind the success of many Thai artists, offered tips on how to grab the judges’ attention. 

Young musician Pangko talked about finding fame on YouTube before signing an album deal.

The bands then strutted their stuff for a panel of judges featuring Keng Panuwat, Groove Riders bassist and founder Notapol “Kor” Srichomkwan, POP guitarist Montien “Tong” Kaewkamnerd, Silly Fools drummer Tortrakul “Tor” Baingern, keyboardist Jakkawal “Neung” Saothongyuttitum and Somkwan “Moy” Tunsompong from Believe Records.

The nine finalists – Dao Pluto, Jook-Kook-Jik-Ka-Dik, Lunatic, Go Bow, Castaway, Object in the Pants, Jikko-Gu-Bo-Band, NMK Superband and Electro Active – will perform for a crowd at Work Point Studio on September 21.

“The Coke Music Awards give us the opportunity to show off and to follow our dreams,” a member of Lunatic enthused. “I believe everybody who got this far has potential. I could see from the workshop that they’re all very good. These experiences drive us to work harder and do our best – not to win but to show what we’ve got.”

“We provide Thai teens with a stage for creative musical expression,” said Natha Boonprasit of Coca-Cola (Thailand). “Those 15 bands learned several techniques from Thailand’s top musicians and veteran gurus and took them into their live shows.

“The workshop today was another success we are proud of. We can see the musical power of the new generation. We hit the right note with our initiative to connect with teens musically.”

The winning band will bank Bt1 million and get to collaborate with Potato – and become the next Coke ambassadors.

“The power of music is amazing,” said Potato’s Patchai “Pup” Pakdeesusuk, who’s currently one of those ambassadors. “It was a special moment when we saw those kids give all they had. Not only do the Coke Music Awards offer them a new experience, it also has some of Thailand’s best in the music industry on hand to offer suggestions. It’s a rare experience you find nowhere else.”

 

 

Your choice

_ Vote your favourite band from September 19 to 21 on www.iCoke.co.th and www.Facebook.com/CocaCola.