Music for His Majesty

IN THE first few days following the passing of His Majesty the King, some of the country’s best-known songwriters shared their grief and memories of the Monarch through song.
We reported on some of these in last Saturday’s feature and today we again devote space to musicians of various genres who have also chosen to express their emotions through music.
Several of this week’s releases are group recordings. 
For Trai “Boy” Bhumirat’s “Bot Pleng Khong Phor” (“Song for Father”), Burin Boonvisut, Anchalee “Pu” Chongkhadikij, Peerapat “Be” Thanewong, Pisanu “Boy” Nimsakul, Rangsan “Songkran” Panyaruan, Tachaya “Keng” Prathumwan, Paibulkiat “Pan” Khiewkaew, Billy Ogan, Anusorn “Yong Armchair” Maneethed, Songsit “Kob” Rungnophakunsri, Isara “Tom” Kitnitchee, Kanyarat “Lula” Tiyapornchai, Tul Witoonkiat, Bodin “Pae Mild” Charoenraj and Chonnakan “Atom” Ratanaudom joined Central Group executive Pichai Chirathiwat and Nok Air boss Patee Sarasin gathered at Workpoint Studio for an emotional tribute to His Majesty.
“This song was written last year but not released. The original title was ‘Bot Pleng Haeng Khwam Suk’ meaning ‘a song of happiness’ and was inspired by the warmth and happiness Thais feel when they hear the King’s songs. While the title has changed, the sentiment remains the same – that no matter where we are, we will always hear these songs in our hearts,” says Boy Trai.
“I’m proud to take part in this project,” says Burin, who is also executive producer. “I spent two days phoning friends and artists asking them to join the recording. And I was delighted when both Patee and Pichai came on board too.”
Former rocker Pu Anchalee agrees. “I’m so proud to do this for the King,” she says. “I believe that this song represents all the love Thai people have for our father.”
“It’s so hard to put our feelings into words and to sing a song that isn’t celebrating the King’s birthday,” adds Be Peerapat. “But we have done our best.”
Thai PBS’s studio on Viphavadi-Rangsit Road was the venue chosen for the special project, “Thai Indie Sing for the King”, which saw several musicians gather to record “Pleng Khong Phor” (“Father’s Song”) written by Prawit “Keng” Saelor, younger brother of Kodindy indie festival founder Burinthorn, as well as HM the King’s composition “Chata Cheewit” (“HM Blues”). The project commemorates the King’s music genius and his work for his people throughout his 70- years reign.
Among the big names lending their voices to the recording were Thierry Mekwattana, Lek Praew, Noom T-Bone, Po Yokee Playboy, Sukanya Miguel, Wassakorn Dechsutham of Kluaythai, Lon Tea for Three, Tum Sakalaxy, Ek & Joke Deep ‘o Sea, B-King, Jessica Coconut Sunday, Johnnifer The Voice 3, Sunday Drive, Southern Boys Thai Rockabilly, Aum The Windows, Jane Foxys Dance Crew, Dorothy Band, Ex’s and Oh’s, Pop Falling in Between, Thai Dern Len, Mocca Garden, Buffalo Project, and Ant Teddy Ska.
And there have also been smaller though no less meaningful tributes. Rockers Big Ass joined up with Atiwara “Toon” Kongmalai of Bodyslam, Methee Arun of Labanoon and Vietrio for “Look Khor Sanya” (“I Promise”). 
“I wasn’t sure at first whether I would be able to write a song for the King,” admits Kachorndej “Kob” Promraksa, the rock band’s songwriter and drummer. But, after going to pay my respects to the King at the Grand Palace, the inspiration came. I asked myself how we should carry on with our lives so that the King feels happy. And the answer is through love and unity. Then I persuaded Toon and Methee to join the recording along with other artists from GMM Grammy.” 
Veteran singer-songwriter and founder of record label Music Bugs, Thaneth Warakulnukroh has released “13 Tula Nueng Toom Tong” (“October 13 at 7pm”). 
“The music video of this song opens with the sound of a ticking clock that represents the void Thai people felt at hearing the announcement of the passing of His Majesty the King on that day, October 13,” he tells XP. 
For his part, pop singer Thanakrit “Wan” Panichwid joined with Akira “Wanchai” Wongseng under the name the Wan brothers and old-school musician Chawin “Jugg” Jitsomboon for “Wan Thi Phor Mai Yoo” (“A Day without You, Dad”).
“The title of this song refers to the great loss felt by all Thai people. I wrote this song from my heart in the hope that all Thais will follow in the King’s footsteps and work together to take care of our country. The final verse expresses this well by saying, ‘Let me be good soil for the King to keep walking forever’,” Thanakrit explains, adding that Napassorn “New The Star” Phuthornjai shows her drawing abilities in the music video.
Nattawut “Golf” Srimork and Suveera “Q Flure” Boonrod got together for “Palang Saeng Arthit” (“Powerful Sunshine”).
“I mention the King’s seven virtues – chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness and humility – in this song. My message is that we shouldn’t give up. The King was like the sun spreading over the country, his light a symbol of the goodness of life, and his power encouraging everybody to keep on going,” he says. 
Thuwachit “Ap” Wilaiolarn, former member of The Positive and now signed with RS Public subsidiary Garden Music, wrote “Salai” (“Crumble”).
“I wrote this song on October 13 after hearing the announcement of the passing of the King and feeling so sad. I read a lot of messages on the social media and thought the word ‘salai’ best summed up how Thai people were feeling. After that, I picked up my guitar and started writing,” he says. 
Last but far from least is Retrospect’s “Khid Thueng Phor” (“Miss You, Dad”), which moves away from their signature heavy rock to a softer piano sound. “The music video shows scenes of Thai people mourning the King as well as footage of several violent events then ends with the King’s works for his people. I would like everybody to follow the King’s guidance and do good in his name,” Chanattha “Nappa” Saisila explains.