Connecting to Thainess on the Bridge of Audiences’ Experiences in Western Music, A Case Study of Thai Contemporary Music
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Abstract
The traditional characteristics of Thai music have declined since World War II; meanwhile Western music has become key components for the development of Thai music. The rearrangement of Thai music in accordance with Western music theory and culture enables it to be more contemporary to young audiences who are acquainted with Western harmony, vocal style, and musical instruments. Music of this style is entitled ‘Thai contemporary music’.
From the audiences’ perspective and experiences, Western music is the carrier of Thainess. To decode Thainess in musical signs and symbols, audiences need to have experiences in Thai culture, understand Thai social values and be acquainted with water instinct and simple lifestyle. The interviewees note that melody, melisma, accent in singing and playing music, and wording and composition are signs of Thainess, whereas mildness and simplicity in musical sound are symbols of Thainess, associated with water instinct and simple lifestyle. Therefore, listening to Thai contemporary music shapes the audiences’ perception on the existence of Thainess and its alignment with globalization.
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Interviewees:
Apaivong, C. Architecture and owner of P&A Develop. 9 October 2015.
Apaivong, S. Owner of P&A Develop. 9 October 2015.
Bunnag, C. Retired in Bangkok. 18 July 2016.
Bunnag. K. Lecturer at Chulalongkorn University. 18 July 2016.
Changsri, K. Lecturer at Thammasat University. 16 June 2016.
Chitsopa, C. Student at Silpakorn University. 22 July 2016.
Magayathorn, P. Adjunct lecturer in Bangkok. 6 October 2015.
Noiwongklang, P. Legal officer in Bangkok. 21 November 2015.
Phohphuech, B. Analyst at PTT Plc. 11 September 2016.
Poomsap, A. Programme host and owner of Big Think. 14 July 2016.
Poopipat, A. Lecturer at Thammasat University. 10 March 2016.
Pornkawin, C. Legal officer at State Audit Office. 13 October 2015.
Pruekpongsawalee, M. Reitred in Nakhon Pathom. 2 June 2016.
Ratchatamukayanan, P. Physician at Siriraj Hospital. 22 July 2016.
Sawangjai, P. Lecturer at Petchaburi Rajabhat University. 23 July 2016.
Simavara, K. Office worker in Bangkok. 17 October 2015.
Sinekiem, R. Adjunct lecturer and business owner in Bangkok. 19 July 2016.
Tabcharoen, S. Statistician in Bangkok. 13 October 2015.
Thongpoon, P. Student at Thammasat University. 23 July 2016.
Truadmoraka, J. Adjunct lecturer and business owner in Bangkok. 22 March 2016.