What's Spinning? The Sounds of Isan w/ Humanos Studios
Happy Lao New Year, dee pi mai! Thai 45's and groovy finds from Asia for your ears this week.
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of working with the fine folks at Humanos Studios, a creative agency based out of Seattle best known for filming incredible DJ sets with local curators. They’ve brought some of the best DJs in the city to their space, highlighting the breadth of musical talent throughout Seattle while sharing deep cuts and rare grooves through their Youtube channel. While live-stream DJ sets are dominated by the Boiler Room–style format, Humanos Studios brings something uniquely special to the table: vinyl-only sets and an emphasis on rare, soulful finds. Their sessions are intimate, intentional, and deeply rooted in musical storytelling.
I was absolutely stoked to be involved. For my set, I reached deep into my crate, pulling records that brought me back to last year’s travels —soundtracking moments of crate-digging in Bangkok, Seoul, Mexico City, the PNW and beyond.
As I combed through record stores in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, it felt like I was unearthing hidden treasures from my childhood. I held albums made by the very artists my parents used to play—records lost to time, memory, and migration. The journey was more than just a dig; it was a healing experience, a reconnection with sounds and stories long buried. I’ll have to write another post detailing the journey one of these days, until then lets get into the music. You can find a few highlights below. Be sure to watch the set linked above!
Thai 45’s - Luk Thung Funk and Disco Covers. Thai Spiritual Folk Rock (Thai phuea chiwit) for the New Year
Upon arriving in Bangkok, my partner and I began charting a route that would take us to as many shops as we could fit into 4 days. Through word of mouth, we found exactly the types of shops I’d been dreaming of—dusty, old, packed with originals, and run by a tight-lipped but warm shopkeeper who knew exactly where to point us for the deep cuts.
I’m not exactly an expert in Thai music - my father could tell you more about these records than I ever could. As I made my way to the bins, I asked my dad what I should be looking out for.
“Anything by The Impossibles” he says.
A pioneering Thai band from the 60’s - 70’s, The Impossibles were among the first Thai acts to cover English-language songs and blend western musical styles with Thai pop. I hold fond memories of my father playing this type of music growing up. Being a child of the diaspora, I lived in the sounds in-between these worlds. That notion alone was enough to inspire my search.
“Anything like The Impossibles?” I’d ask.
I picked up what I could carry—just enough to travel across 10 cities. These 45s, spanning the 60s to 80s, are sonic time-stamps that capture the frenzy that Western funk, disco, rock, and psych stirred across Southeast Asia. My parents often told me it was rock and roll that first made them dream of coming here.
I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for this music. Literally.
ดิ อิมพอสซิเบิ้ล - แพ้ผิวขาว (The Impossibles - Phae Phiw Khao)
The Impossibles’ were one of my dad’s favorite bands growing up. This song is a playful track that compares his lady love interest to food.
จันทร์ศิริ เด่นนภา - สำเตย ได้เหล้าแล้วลืมเมีย (Chansiri Dennapha - Samtoei Dai Lao Laew Luem Mia)
This song is about drinking
หัวทิ่มอ่าง - บปผา สายชล ขับร้อง (Bopha Saichon - Hua Thim Ang)
Another song about getting sloshed
The Royal Sprites - Ring My Bell
Phaendin - Five Precepts
A dope re-release by Thai label Baa Records. Phaendin (“Land”) was a coming-together of musicians from other prominent bands in the Thai phuea chiwit (“songs for life”) folk-song scene.
Shampoo - Pleang Plom Jom Sa
Obscure 70s Thai Disco bangers from the fine folks at Zudrangma. Beyond being a label and record shop that champions Thai music, they’re also a music venue that brings some of the country’s best acts to the stage. I had the honor of hosting an all night vinyl set with them back in December. It was a dream come true and I cannot wait to return.
National Geographic Society - LAOS
My partner found this for me. What a trip. Halfway through my Humanos Set, I transitioned to playing Isan folk music via this record. I’m looking for the video reel that comes with this, any leads?
ขับร้อง อรอุมา สิงห์ศิริ - แม่ค้าลำดำ (Onuma Singsiri - Mae Kha Som Tam)
A cult classic. One of my favorite songs ever about papaya salad lives in this album. Som tum is life.
Khun Narin Electric Phin Band
Apichat Pakwan - Esantronics
A set shaped by movement, memory, and tradition—created in celebration of Lao New Year. Blending the sounds from my experiences across Asia with field recordings and folk music from the Isan region in a mix that completely encapsulates the music that makes up my being. This was a beautiful experience, one that I’m honored to have been able to share with so many around the world. Thank you for listening.
