For adult ears only

Proving that it’s not only the youngsters that can light up Thailand’s concert venues, a team of songwriters and producers from entertainment giant GMM Grammy is taking to the stage next weekend in a show that promises to delight the more mature music fan. 

Nang Len, as the band calls itself, features Kamonsak Soontanont, Phonthep Suvannaboon, Piti Limcharoen , Sarawut Ritnant, Isarapong Chumsai Na Ayudhya, Keraksuk Yuvahong, Therdthai Tongnark, Seksit fukiatisuthi, and Pornthep Suwanaboon. The names may not be too familiar but all are respected songwriters, composers and arrangers with more than a century of collective experience.

“We got together almost four years ago at a time when Thailand was facing a crisis in its music business mainly because of the changes in the way people consumed music. They no longer bought CDs but instead used their smart phones and computers as listening devices,” says Kamonsak Soontanont, the composer of more than 300 songs including Thongchai McIntyre’s “Lao Soo Kan Fang”, Tai Tanawut’s “Chai Loei” and Budokan’s “Khor Hai Muean Derm”. 

“Because we work as producers and songwriters, we were hurt more by this change than the artists. In the past, we earned record royalties on a percentage basis. But the copyright system in this country is such that collection of royalties is something of a joke. When our songs are used commercially, it’s almost impossible to pick up the copyright payment.

“The copyright collection overseas seems to work well and I know that if I lived abroad, my songbook could be a legacy for my kids. It doesn’t work that way here. I’ve worked my whole life as a songwriter and have little to show for it. By contrast, my friends who have worked as general managers, director generals and army general are financially secure,” says the 60-year-old lyricist who earned his bachelor’s in business administration from an American college.

Finances not withstanding, Kamonsak is quick to add that he and his bandmates are not out to make a living from playing music. 

“We’re all still working at Grammy,” he says.

Like the rest of the band, Kamonsak is looking forward to next Saturday’s gig. 

Right now, the nine hit makers are busy rehearsing and putting the final touches to the set list for “The Makers: Dokmai Nai Thi Lub Ta”. They’ve also recently released their first album, a self-titled CD featuring 22 new songs including two instrumental tracks. Both the concert and the album are being sponsored by major local sugar manufacturer Wangkanai Sugar.

“We chose the name Nang Len because we felt it described an acoustic outfit that sat down to play while also implying a living room where people set down to relax. We’re all pretty relaxed guys so the name kind of suits our characters,” he explains.

“I wouldn’t say we’re a ‘retro’ band as we certainly don’t play the same old sounds of the past, says Kamonsak. “In the past, we’ve tended to tailor our songs to match the characters of the artists we are writing for. With Nang Len, our lyrics reflect what we think. 

“With Grammy, we’re also expected to take part in marketing but with our own songs, we are free of that burden. We write for the adult listener because when you think about it, just about every song played on the radio these days focuses on love, broken hearts and teenage angst.

“We think of our songs as art. We use the lyrics as paint to create the pictures we want to portray. By its very nature, art reflects the era in which it was created. People 100 years from now will think we were obsessed with love.”

Kamonsakl adds that Nang Len doesn’t embrace “phuea cheewit” or songs-for-life but “phleng cheewit”, meaning they focus more on life. 

“For example, ‘Jai Khon’ is about the unreliability of the human mind. ‘Ok Hak Hai Man Thay Thay Noi’ is about life and love. ‘Sai Lom’ [“Wind”] depicts the cheerful and mournful sides to day and night while ‘Sing Thi Pen Kap Sing Thi Hen’ is about the big differences that exist between what we see and what is really out there. ‘Love The Earth’ talks about how the world loses its balance in the aftermath of an earthquake and tsunami. 

“‘Rak Khon Khi Luem’ [‘Forgetful Man’] is a bitingly sarcastic number about a politician who makes promises while campaign but doesn’t follow through when he reaches power. That’s what Nang Len is all about,” he explains.

The concert is divided into three parts: “Songs to Remember”, “The Real Makers” and “The New Makers” and features a remarkable range of guest artists, among them Paibulkiert Khiewkaew, Charas Fuangarom, Thee Chaiyadej, Jirasak Panpoom, Sumet and  the Pang, the Sincharoen Brothers, Lanna Commins, Tul Waitoonkiat, Superbaker, Sqweez Animal, 25 Hours, Wattana weerayawattana and Gene Kasidit.

 

Life’s music

_ “The Makers Concert: Dokmai Nai Thi Lub Ta” is 7pm next Saturday at CentralLive on the eighth floor of CentralWorld.

_ Tickets are Bt500. Call (02) 262 3456 or visit www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

_ Proceeds will benefit the Playing for Change Thailand’s Khlong Toei Music Programme.