Tell us a little about what you do.
 I'm a mobile app and web developer, currently freelancing here in Bangkok. This gives me time to work on a few personal projects, so I started Live Music Tonight this February. Ever since I was a teenager I've loved computers, tech and the internet and I've been fascinated with how people can harness the power of the internet to make amazing things happen. I really believe in Live Music Tonight, perhaps more than any of my previous projects.
 
So in once sentence, what are you hoping to achieve with this project?
 Well it's hard to put in one sentence, but the goal of Live Music Tonight is to help people discover their local music scene and a platform to for bands to reach an amazing audience that is usually difficult to reach. 
 
How can what you are doing help others?
 I think that currently the live music scene here faces a few difficulties, the biggest of which is having a large audience to reach out to when promoting events and content. Our goal is to gather an audience of live music lovers, an audience so big that when we promote events and content to them, it has an big impact, helping events and bands have success.
 
How can others in the Bangkok music scenes help?
 Small indie bands have between 500-10,000 fans, and often this isn't enough to make events and albums a success. I believe that if bands and individuals in the scene promote Live Music Tonight, over time we will collect the audiences of these bands and individuals in Bangkok into one large audience, and this large audience will eventually benefit those who promoted us. If we have an audience of 100,000 people, we can then help those with audiences of 500-10,000 have more success. My vision is for Live Music Tonight to become a marketing engine for the music scene here, and my hope is that it can especially help small indie bands who don't have as much support as the big players.
 
What is the hardest thing you need to do to make this a success?
 It's difficult to say as there are a lot of roadblocks. Currently it's just me running things so audience building is tough because I'm running things on my own budget, and editorial can be tough as well as it can take a lot of time. The biggest challenge I can think of currently is the Thai factor, as I really would like the website to be bilingual but that will be difficult to make happen. But ultimately I don't think anything is impossible and while I find these things to be challenges, I think it's possible, it just takes time and planning.
 
 What’s the best way to get in contact with you.
 You can check us out online, I respond to all messaging channels:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/livemusictonightbangkok
Website - http://bkk.livemusictonight.co
Email - abnerolivieri@gmail.com

Tell us a little about what you do. 
​I worked in bars and venues throughout my university life and whilst I was travelling, which gave me experiences that led to a passion for both music communities and nightlife hospitality. 
After 2 years back in Bangkok I've decided to team up with my partner, Fon and offer a new location for local talents to promote themselves and get themselves heard, along with offering a place to hang out with a friendly vibe and some delicious craft beers (as I fucking love beer). 
I've decided to name it Speakerbox because I feel it fits the image we're aiming for. Its located at the train market on Ratchadaphisek, which is a cool up and coming nightlife spot with great vibes that I would recommend to all. 
 
So in one sentence, what are you hoping to achieve with this project?
 I am hoping to give the beautiful people of Bangkok a new place to hang out, listen to good live music, make new friends, drink at an affordable price and be happy.
 
 What is the hardest thing you need to do to make this a success?
 Getting the word out, it’s an absolute mission. There are a lot of people that don't know that need to know.
 
How can what you are doing help others?
 For music acts I'll help get their sounds heard. The train market is a popular hangout. People that go there appreciate commitment and talent, which every serious live act will have.
The dude that I'm renting the space from at the train market owns a bunch of the bars there and is enthusiastic about attracting talents as it would be a perfect fit for the demographics that you see wandering the train market. Hopefully it will be a catalyst to attract more people that haven't been before too.
 
 How can others in the Bangkok music scenes help?
 Attend and enjoy the atmosphere. Bring your friends. Tell your friends. Play a show. Promote and share the events. 
 
What’s the best way to get in contact with you?
 I'll be there pretty much all the time, so come see me. Message the Speakerbox Facebook page or add me personally on Facebook and get in touch. I welcome you with open arms.

Tell us a little about what you do.
I'm Tom a teacher, musician and Business owner here in Bangkok and have been based on the eastern outskirts since I arrived 8 years ago.
 
So in one sentence, what are you hoping to achieve with this project?
 Bar 21 is the local hangout on RCA for quality live music; acoustic (singer-songwriters) acts, DJ's and bands of all genre's mix to create a space to collaborate and inspire.
 
What is the hardest thing you need to do to make this a success?
 The hardest thing is to get a good reputation within a relatively short space of time, with the required patience too.
 
 How can what you are doing help others?
 We are giving a space to players, without maybe experience or a big fan-base to get that much needed break. We are trying to give bands, artists and DJ's a chance to show their worth and to reach out to the local community.
 
 How can others in the Bangkok music scenes help?
The aim is to put on local artists, young and old, professional or amateur and create interesting events that are dynamic but have clear concepts and agenda's.
In essence we're trying to reach out and give a helping hand whilst also running events for
 
The community can help each other with these events by talking about what they feel is working, why its working and what can we all do better to maximize the experience for all concerned.
The bottom line for us, is that it should be fun, if its not fun then we're doing something wrong. So far though its been a giggle at the very least thankfully.
 
What’s the best way to get in contact with you?
 The best way to get in contact with me is to whatsapp (ThomasMurkey) or come to Bar21 RCA and have a beer or one of our amazing burgers.

Check out http://bkk.livemusictonight.co to see weekly music events!

- JWS

Joe Delaney, a permanent fixture on Bangkok’s art and music scene has been developing the profile of the city’s arts for years. We catch up with him to reflect on his past achievements and what he has in store for the future.
 
Hey Joe, what made you decide to come to Bangkok?
 As a long term resident (Artist & Musician) in Thailand , based on the Islands for numerous years, I had many part time flings with the City and moving here permanently was only a matter of time , though I'll always consider myself an island lad. The islands are mainly set up for tourism and that defines the general art and music scene there, lots of cover bands and copy paintings, everybody playing and painting the same olde shite, ear and eye candy. I was part of an Abstract Art Group that set up some decent shows, but it was a tad formal, flowers, ribbons and long speeches, Bangkok ironically was a breath of fresh air
 
You did some interesting painting jobs, what was that like for an artist to paint a night club?
Painting the Club (Sukhumvit Soi 11, the old Q Bar) was a great project, I was initially hired to do some renovation which then developed into putting my own ideas into the mix. 3 or 4 months later I’d pretty much painted the entire club by hand, some days painting for 15 hours. I loved the solitude and atmosphere of that environment, as well as seeing people’s response to the surroundings once the project was completed.

 A few years ago art galleries and shows seemed really popular. Is this trend dying a little? What is the future of art going to be like in Bangkok?
 I think with any scene there’s always ebbs and flows. Losing key art spaces such as TOOT YUNG & V64 does have an effect  but the future is bright. TOOT YUNG for now works as a mobile gallery doing amazing shows in varied locations. We have very exciting new galleries such as YenakArt Villa, Gallery VER and TARS, Charoen Krung is still growing and attracting artists to the area thanks to BRIDGE & Soi Sauce Factory amongst others, and the city's steadfast galleries , WHITESPACE & 100 TONSON are extremely well run and organised spaces that will continue to help developed the City’s art scene long into the future ,

You’ve always seemed to be actively building up the profiles of venues. Tell us briefly about some of your current projects and how they relate to art/music scenes.
One current project is WHITELINE GALLERY AND BAR. When I first met the owners of the building they were very interested in using the space as an outlet for Creativity and giving something back to the CITY, and as anyone who's has visited the venue will know, the potential is huge. Almost a year into the project we have hosted some memorable shows such as, DUDESWEET,  YOMOFO, BREW REVOLUTION  etc., and the surroundings are evolving organically along the way. The Space is still work in progress but that is part of the charm. I am currently planning some exciting music Mini Festivals  and also working with other promoters such as BRUTAL SOUTH (you should check them out) bringing in some serious international and Local acts to the venue. I'm also in the early stages of curating a Group Art show "Art Is Not Entertainment'' SAT 25 JUNE 2016. This show seeks to look at function of Art and its relationship to its environment, in this case an Entertainment Venue/Galley/Bar. The Venue also transforms into a club, with parties from Duck & Noodle, RAS BK and a host of other event organisers and promoters. If anyone about Silom Soi 8 over Songkran come along and get ''SOAKED AGAIN'' with us. 

​Not only are you a supporter of the Bangkok music scene, but you have some bizarre music projects also. Can you tell us about them?
 '' WOOF WOOF !"
 I wont say too much about this one just yet, but it’s as Visual as it is Sonic lots of fun and tension if done right before Bangkok. I was stuck on conveyer belt of playing formula songs on stage for years  that was my bread and butter. Not that I didn't have the 'CRAIC ' But it’s almost the opposite of how I’d play drums at home.

My project with WOOT ROOT seems a more naturalistic approach to music and far less bizarre and restricted and is more of a true expression of how the music feels at that precise moment. KOTA (who plays in the project) allows me the time and space to sit nicely on a groove as well as tear it up when necessary. We do plan a rehearsal one day and have made plans to record our first album ''CHEW CHOO'' on VOMIT RECORDS (another project) in the very near future.

WHO ARE WE ?
I've always wanted to play in a band with two drummers and Tommy, Iman and myself came up with this idea sat on some steps in an art gallery but am actually going to cheat on this and use Dave Crimaldi description of the outfit:  ''This improvisational post rock jam band fuses organic percussion with a droning electronic soundscape. If Francis Coppolla did a sequel to Apocalypse Now, he could probably get these guys for the score. Definitely some cyberpunk feel to the music - think Blade Runner.'' It's all about listening and respecting each other’s space and working with the acoustics but the Rubber Chicken steals the show ,
 
WOMBAT 
 Although we bang out covers in this outfit, it’s more of a jam from my point of view. Danny Duncombe bangs out songs and I try a different variation of the same hip hop groove underneath while balancing a beer on my head .

The Bangkok Music scene....Do you think it is possible one to have the city recognised as a centre of music in Asia? What can we do to help this a reality?
 I’d like to go on a rant but I’ll try and resist the temptation. It's tough just trying to get people to support your own venue let alone build up the scene as a whole. But collaboration is the key and it has to start from ground level. Promoters need to co–promote. Venues need to work with each other. Venues and bands need to listen and support each other more. Bands need to promote more and go to watch more shows. We should ask the handful of Bangkok Musicians that really work hard at promoting and often tour around South East Asia about the different approach these places have to sound and equipment.
 
Our city is behind unfortunately but I’m confident in the very near future Bangkok will have some very cool, great sounding, well thought out, mid-sized venues that cater for all Musical expression and attract the attention of oversea promoters, bands, press, etc. What band touring South East Asia wouldn't want to stop off for a night or two in BKK, also Fanzines. I want to walk in a venue and pick up something that tells me what’s really going on, maybe a printed version/gig guide of Rock Philosopher or Live Music Tonight Bangkok, I am sure the venues would sponsor it. The art community has Bangkok Art Map (BAM) for example. Why do clubber's get to go to after parties? If there's 3 great gig's going off on the same night, why can't we all hook up somewhere after, and set up a late gig or have a late night jam, GOLDEN WINGNUT, again collaboration, lets get it on!  
 
Some of my favourite festivals in Bangkok have been Charge and Change and Recharge, both held at Brownstone Studios, On Nut. Do you have any other festival plans this year?
 Yes it be rude not to do another RECHARGE this year. I am actually in talks with Rathapol limthongchai (Tim) Brownstone about a couple of shows and RhuBarb & CusTard are in  the process of setting up a mini festival that celebrates local & international Craft Beer, BKK Food Trucks and our vibrant music scene. The date will be set soon. RECHARGE will follow  its Familiar format of celebrating the city's FOOD, ART & MUSIC Culture and will be held around the busy festival season Mid NOVEMBER. And also ''SUGAR BELLY''(Beach Party) at WHITELINE is also one to watch out for.

Joe's next event FOLLY is March 31, 2016 at Fork & Cork at Silom Soi 4 with musical guests YAAN, Matthew Fischer, Eico, and Kota. It's also his birthday. For more information click here. ​

Describe your sound in one sentence
On this planet but in another dimension. 
 
So you are a musician duo. How did you meet? Are you two dating?
 We met outside of a bar in Beijing called Dada which is famous for eclectic DJ sets, cocktails that get you really saucy, and people hooking for one night stands. However we didn't do that: we were introduced by a mutual friend because Susu wanted to make a band. She had actually seen the then one man band version of GUIGUISUISUI play a few weeks before but didn't recongnise Guigui without his 'warpaint'. We met up for coffee a few days after and really hit in off. That was about one and a half years ago. We'll be getting married this year.
 
So Susu can play guitar right? Is it intimidating to think that she might out-guitar you on stage one day?
Nope, not all. She's picked up the guitar really quickly and I love how she approaches the instrument. If she does upstage me that would be awesome, because if GGSS hinged solely on me being a guitar hero that'd be a pretty weak sauce band in my opinion. Also when she plays guitar it gives me the freedom to just sing or play harmonica or make some Gameboy noise which is a nice break.

This is your first experience to Bangkok as a band. What are you most looking forward to?
Susu has been before as a tourist so now she wants to go and find out about the underground music of Bangkok,in her words she wants "something to happen". Guigui is looking forward to watching some new bands play and meeting friends, old and new.
 
The zombie face paint is pretty cool. Are you a misfits/Danzig fan or just like makeup?
When I first started doing the 'warpaint' it was very Misfits influenced, there used to be a bunch of Misfits numbers in the one man band set. The last full GGSS album 'Write Me A Death Letter' has a definite Misfits influence in the sound. However it's developed over time into separate thing. First of all it's transformative, people are not just watching two people on a stage. They are are watching two beings from another world. It's transformative for me as well: once the make up is on I switch into a different gear, even if I'm feeling down or really sick I get a rush of adrenaline and I'm ready to go on stage. I change how I move, how I hold myself, how I speak. The make up first appeared almost three years ago and there hasn't been a show without it since, and it's expanded with different masks and personas, different movements within the show.  

Simply put, sometimes it's boring to be yourself so why not try being somebody or something else for a change?

What is your best tour experience?
All of them. From the first one in 2013 which was a handful of dates in China, South Korea and Japan to this one around China and Thailand with the love of my life. I'm at one of my happiest moments when I'm on the road honing my craft. Some memorable moments that stick out: noise bombing on the street in East Java, Indonesia (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUgxGVustvU); getting deported from Indonesia on arrival for not having enough pages in my passport; playing with Hu Si Di Dai (https://soundcloud.com/hsdd/hsdd) in Ipoh, Malaysia to one of most awesome crowds I've ever witnessed;  almost setting fire to a DIY venue in Osaka, Japan; playing for a bunch of metal heads tripping on acid in a dingy warehouse in Levin, New Zealand; sitting in teepee in the somewhere in the Carpathian mountains in Poland making shamanic noise around a roaring fire. Playing with Pairs, God Bows To Math, Blackie from the Hard Ons, playing with my dad...yeah, too many to mention right here...I've written zines about my travels and at some point I'll sit down and put them into a book. 
 
What is the scene in China like?
Susu says the Chinese scene is always developing. She says Beijing is more international so you can meet more different people with different opinions and sounds. China in general is more international so more than before Chinese people can learn about and get into trends happening elsewhere in the world. This makes her want to go out and experience more scenes elsewhere.  Then again there's never been a really popular Chinese rock band making an impact internationally. There's a lot of Chinese influence around the world today (eg. art, film, business, techbology) but not really any Chinese rock and roll band influencing people in other countries compared to foreign bands influencing Chinese kids. Chinese rock bands mostly influence Chinese people, there's not many kids in North America or Europe picking up a guitar because they heard a Chinese rock band. A band like Nirvana would be the opposite, because they've influenced people all over the world.

Guigui says China is too big and he understand too little to even attempt to answer that question.

Do you ever have to worry about restrictions on your art from government forces?
Yes. Susu doesn't want to say anything more on that as she's Chinese. I will say that you can get away with certain things and certain things you cannot, it's a matter of treading softly around the great dragon. Also what may have been OK five years ago might not be OK today, the situation is changing a lot recently.   
 
What is it like being a Westerner in China? Is it easy to fit in and be accepted?
 I have a lot of time to do things that make me happy. I have the option to not listen to the things people are saying when they honestly don't interest me in the slightest, like I can just tune it out. I don't like it when sitting on a bus and I have listen to people's mundane conversations. I can sit in my house and read with my cat curled up in my lap and not worry about paying the rent. I don't really fit in at home in the UK so I'm not worried about fitting in anywhere, I just try my best to fit in with myself.
 
What is your favourite Star Wars character and why?
Susu likes R2D2 because it is cute and pure. I like Obi Wan Kenobi because he's got some deep Zen vibes and rad skills with the lightsaber. 
 
Why should people come to your shows in Bangkok/Chiang Mai this February?
Because they can be part of the constantly shifting bizarro story that is GUIGUISUISUI. Whether you love it or hate it's a show you'll probably remember for quite a while. ​

Friday 5th of February @ JAM, Bangkok
w/ Plastic Section, Voodoo Ward and Lowfat
https://www.facebook.com/events/559634357528406/

Saturday 6th of February @ Bar21, RCA (Old Cosmic Cafe)
w/ Jinta, The Sangsom Massacre, Voodoo Ward and John Will Sail
https://www.facebook.com/events/535674536608406/

They play one in Chiang Mai also
https://www.facebook.com/wedidntlandonthemoonsince1987chiangmai/
Itchy Bands crew

Band FB
https://www.facebook.com/Guiguisuisui

(guiguisuisui means sneaky)