Hybridity and Cultural Transformation in Thailand by Bussakorn Binson Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

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1 Abstract Hybridity and Cultural Transformation in Thailand by Bussakorn Binson Chulalongkorn University, Thailand A hybrid is the combination of two or more different things aimed at achieving a particular objective or goal. In Thailand hybrid music is used as a tool to increase interest in its traditional music among younger audiences. An excellent example of this trend is typified by the band Ponglang Sa-On. This group incorporates a fusion of Isan folk instruments from northeastern Thailand with those from the West. This group is based on a traditional Ponglang ensemble, which consists of at least one Phin - (a Thai styled lute), the Ponglang - (a vertical xylophone), a Wot - (a round, multi-tube mouth organ, which is rotated at the mouth to change notes), one or more Khean(s) - (a long, multi-pipe mouth organ with a center fingering gourd), and one or more Glongs - (a pair of tall drums). This band uses a blend of traditional musical instruments and lutes modified with electronic pickups, western electric guitars as well as synthesizers to assist in making the band's sound attractive to the ears of modern youth. They also have replaced the Thai Glongs or tall drums with a Western style drum kit. Their style of dance ranges from pure traditional Northeastern Thai choreography to some selections heavily modernized with contemporary movements from the west. Additionally, in typical Thai comedic stand-up style, they blend the traditional with the modern in a humorous routine utilizing this east-west comparison in their commentary byline. With their wide production repertoire from Thai folk songs to current Thai and Western pop the Ponglang Sa-On ensemble is currently the most popular Isan band throughout Thailand. The band was started by a group of students at Ratchapat Kalasin University looking to meet their living expenses. Their life's were dramatically transformed into agents of cultural change when they won a local television contest and received a contract with a

2 large entertainment company. This hybrid band has since gone on to be named the best band an additional two more times. This paper details and discusses the transformation of Thai traditional music and dance on its path into modern Thai society as typified by the Ponglang Sa-On ensemble. Content A hybrid is the combination of two or more different things aimed at achieving a particular objective or goal. In Thailand hybrid music is used as a tool to increase interest in its traditional music among younger audiences. An excellent example of this trend is typified by the band Ponglang Sa-On. The name Ponglang Sa-On is an adaptation of a traditional Isan folk song called Ponglang. Moreover, Ponglang is the name the vertical xylophone that is the leading instrument of this type of ensemble which also goes by the same name. This instrument was conceived by master musician Parn from the Kalasin province. Later on his successor Ploeng Chairasamee played a very important role in popularizing the Ponglang ensemble through his voluminous ness compositions for it. With his dedication in teaching students how to play the Ponglang as well as his excellent skill in making them, he received the national artist award from Thailand's Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Consequently, Master Artist Ploeng has been an invited lecturer at many music institutions. One of his students named Aed who is now an alumni of the Dramatic Arts Collage of Karasin Province where Ploeng had been teaching for many years founded an Isan genre band named Ponglang Sa-On. Aed was in love with Isan folk music and they used to play in restaurants, market places, and in pubs abroad before the band was recognized nationwide. They became in vogue after appearing on a popular Thai television program called Tee Sib, which arranged a weekly music competition. The program's aim is to support talented amateur artists. Aed's Ponglang Sa-On ensemble won first prize which provided them the visibility to become famous

3 throughout Thailand. Shortly thereafter, they signed with the RS Entertainment Company and has been with them ever since. Musical Instruments This group incorporates a fusion of Isan folk instruments from northeastern Thailand with those from the West. It is based on a traditional Ponglang ensemble in which the main instruments consists of at least one Phin - (a Thai styled lute), the Ponglang - (a vertical xylophone), a Wot - (a round, multi-tube mouth organ, which is rotated at the lips to change notes), one or more Khean(s) - (a long, multi-pipe mouth organ with a center fingering gourd), and one or more Glongs - (a pair of tall drums). Pongland Sa On uses a blend of traditional musical instruments and lutes modified with electronic pickups, western electric guitars as well as synthesizers to assist in making the band's sound attractive to the ears of modern youth. They also have replaced the Thai Glongs or tall drums with a Western style drum kit. Performance Their style of dance ranges from pure traditional Northeastern Thai choreography to some selections heavily modernized with contemporary movements from the west. Additionally, in typical Thai comedic stand-up style, they blend the traditional with the modern in a humorous routine utilizing this east-west comparison in their commentary byline. With their wide production repertoire from Thai folk songs to current Thai and Western pop the Ponglang Sa-On ensemble is currently the most popular Isan band throughout Thailand. The Ponglang Sa-On ensemble consists of 22 members directed by Mr Sompong Kunaprathom and has produced a number of CDS as follows: Ponglang Sa-On The music Ponglang Sa-On The music 2 (2007) Ponglang Sa-On, Ponglang Sa- Eng (/2007) Ponglang Sa-On, 3 Sinlapin luk Kaow Neaw (2008)

4 Ponglang Sa-On, 4 Haow Jai Sabai Dee (2005) Ponglang Sa-On Description Musical Style Ponglang Sa-On presents a full range of diverse songs from the traditional Ponglang to modern Thai pop songs with Western riffs from a wide cross section as well. Hard rock to popular oldies are all brought in. The singing style of this band incorporates both traditional Isan songs known as Mohlam and a engaging blend of Thai pop and Western songs. Costumes The highlight of Ponglang Sa-On costumes for the men is to wear a traditional Thai sarong as a pleated Scottish kilt with white knee sox's and leather shoes with a Western Tank top, whereas the women are primarily attired in full traditional Isan dress. Stage & Lighting The stage of this band is complete with a full compliment of lights and sound equipment including movable platforms, scenery, pyrotechnics, lasers and strobes to make it an visual extravaganza for the audience. Audience Interaction Including spectators participation is one technique to more fully engage the audience. Additionally involving foreigners is a time honored tradition for the Thai people and enhances the juxtaposition of a Thai band performing Western rock riffs. Western Music Influence This Ponglang Sa-On band incorporates both Western music instruments such as electric guitars and plays influential rock songs from bands such as AC/DC and other popular and somewhat timeless melodies.

5 Western Dance Influence There are some scenes where the first pair of rebellious appearing non-traditional dancers invite or rather challenge the traditional dancers in a manner similar to a Western dance off competition. The first one begins rather demurely and then surprises everyone with some breaking loose moves. The second begins with some mime movements blended with semi-robotic moves. Then they come together in the end in self-congratulation stylized arm wave. The audience loves this form so much that the performers repeat this concept in other forms from time to time. Chinese Song & Staging In some parts of the concert they sing a Chinese song instead of the traditional Ponglang song. This includes movable stage platform to make it more engaging for the audience. Transformation of Tradition The Manora which is a mythical animal being half bird and half human female is changed from its traditional role in this group's version by trying to seduce the hunter instead of doing everything in it power to escape and run away from him. Thai Country Songs Thai country songs from the 1960's are popular and usually paired with performers dressed in clothes from that era. In this sample however much earlier costumes make an appearance. Influences of Japanese closplay, Western rock stars and even period tendril dresses paired with headbands or a top hat with a cut-away petticoat dress reminiscent of the 1920's flappers and vaudeville are also evident. Western Guitar Imitation (pseudo air guitar) This Pongland Sa-On has two electric guitars which are in the shape of the Pin or Thai Isan lutes. This allows them to be able to play more varieties of songs. A comedic segment has one scene where the front performer uses a fake Western guitar made out of fiberboard as the frontman for the real musician in the shadows with an electrified lute. This group

6 Showing Respect to Their Teacher Even though this band performs a variety of songs from all over the world they maintain a tradition of respect from their Isan culture in performing a Wai Kru ceremony to pay homage to their teacher. At the end of their concerts they invite Master Ploeng Chairassamee to come and play with them. Then afterwards they honor him with the presentation of one or more floral rings of blossoms known as Malai to show their respect to him and to thank him for his Ponglang knowledge. Discussion Nowadays, hybrid music can be found all over the globe because humans have accepted, adopted, and otherwise incorporated other cultures into the blend they call their own. However as long as the resulting mixture of cultures in music and dance retains traceable origins and the reasons why they have done it is clear this is the best opportunity for artistic creativity to flourish and engage the audience. This is especially important for younger generation as such traceable origins serve to answer their inquiries and educate them about Thai cultural traditions. Ponglang Sa-On is one good example that shows how traditional music is currently recognized throughout Thailand and abroad with its incorporation of global influences while retaining its Thai cultural roots.