Rapping to a reggae beat

THE RHYTHMIC beats of reggae and ska return to Haad Baan Amphur in Sattahip, Chon Buri province today as the 2016 edition of the Sunset Beach Festival gets underway.

“I’m often asked about the current state of reggae and ska music in Thailand,” says Burinthorn “Heng” Saelor, founder of Kodindy, the annual indie music festival, who is now working with Singha Corporation through his company Heavy Organiser, to make Sunset a success.

“I tell everyone that reggae and ska are always on my mind and that the sounds can be heard at pubs, restaurants and very occasionally at music festivals and even vintage cars shows. Sunset is like the centre for the genre.

“I don’t like to do the same things as the music mainstream but prefer creating something new. That’s why this festival is a meeting place for everyone who’s into reggae and ska.”

Sponsor Singha is delighted to support the gig.

“We often sponsor music festivals and other music-related events that are designed to help people to relax after work. We’re supporting Sunset because we think this genre has been missing from the musical festival circuit for too long,” says the 

 company’s Manoch Nuallaong.

This year’s theme is “Mon Rak Reggae Ska Bon Haad Sai” meaning “magical love in reggae ska on the beach” and participating bands include T-bone, Job Banjob, Zom Amara, Deep O Sea, Mocca Garden, Gold Red, Thai Dern Len, Srirajah Rockers, Walrus and Smiley Farmer as alter-rock band Lek Praow, pop artist Singto Numchok, and electronic band Miraculous.

Samai Niyom and Smiley Farmer performed brief sets at the recent press conference with Gold Red closing out the media event. 

The festival also features an exhibition of vintage cars, kite flying, an art market and a zone selling food and beverages.

 

COOL TUNES

- Tickets cost Bt900 and are available at all 7-Eleven branches and at the festival.

- Find our more at Facebook.com/sunsetbeachmusicfest.