Singer hopes to revitalise Lao music industry

Local pop singer Vorachith Intharaphithak, otherwise known as Sam, released his first album of pop and R&B songs in Vientiane last week, a labour of love that took two years to create.

The Lao artist, who previously studied in Australia , says he has been working hard to improve on local modern music to appeal to both local and foreign listeners.

“My first album, which is named simply “Sam”, has 13 songs in styles that I know are popular among young people in Laos ,” he said in an interview last week.

“I've spent two years working on this album, and it took time because I wanted each song to be perfect.”

He added that his songs were “100 percent original”, rather than just copies of songs released in other countries.

“I've really tried to develop my own style. I want Lao listeners, especially those who like pop and R&B, to listen to them and appreciate that I have done them in a Lao style,” he said.

The album has five tracks in English and eight in Lao, most of them about teenage love, based on his own experiences and those of his friends.

Fellow musician Alexandra Thidavanh Bounxouei was on hand at the interview to testify to Sam's complete absorption in his work.

“Sam is a gentle person and works with great patience,” she said. “When he mixes a song for me he will try to finish it before lunch or dinner, and if he hasn't finished it, he won't eat. That's how much attention he pays to his work.”

She said he had helped her with many of her songs, such as Anyamany Meuanglao (Jewel of Laos), which is now very popular on local TV and radio programmes.

Sam has also been on hand to help other local singers improve their techniques.

Sam studied audio engineering in Australia and believes he will be able to help improve the quality of the music currently on offer in Laos .

Sam is now immersing himself in modern Lao music and hopes to use his newly acquired skills to revitalise the industry, so that Lao music gains an international reputation.


By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes