Apichat Pakwan – Esantronics

Double Vinyl in Gatefold Sleeve.

esantronics [‘isɑntrɔnɪks] 1 hybrid music style equally composed of traditional and contemporary music originating in the Northeast region of Thailand, also known as Esan, and electronic sounds and music genres originating in Western cultures 2 Debut album of Dutch-Thai group Apichat Pakwan released in 2019

The creation of this album started with an unusual passion for and interest in the music of Laos & Esan by Dutch composer/producer Olivier Schreuder. While studying this music in the city of Khon Kaen in the region of Esan in Northeast-Thailand he met a group of young and very talented musicians with whom he started playing and recording a mix of the traditional music with local instruments like the kaen (a mouthorgan), phin (stringinstrument), pi phu thai (flute), a wide range of percusssion and analog and digital electronics. All on a bassheavy foundation of dubbed-out hiphop beats that evolved to a new music they call themselves ‘esantronics’.

Since their start in 2016 their unique mix of Esan folkmusic and electronic music lead to many memorable and unique liveshows across Asia and Europe. Unique because the group performs with an alternating group of musicians, and allows for plenty of improvisation on stage. Originally starting as an instrumental ensemble, they found a new, even more personal path by joining forces with their dear friend singer/composer Anusara ‘Bee’ Deechaichana with whom they composed the new songs on this album.

The recording of this album was done in between live performing in Asia and Europe with whoever they were playing with at the moment, resulting in a diverse album regarding playing styles, instruments, vocal and electronic sounds, and compositions.

The album is the fourth release of the group but their first full album on Dutch label Animist Records.