Cambodia Rocks
Everything has to start from somewhere. Inspired by news sources claiming that recent Michael Learns to Rock gig was the first ever western rock band to perform in Cambodia I've decided to make a page dedicated to rock bands, events and culture here. Forget karaoke Cambodia, let's rock and roll!
I'll start the heavy subject lightly with some information about the only bands and bars I know are rocking in Phnom Penh. Please, if you know anything about the subject, I'd be more than happy to get your contribution by mail to mr.khmerang (at) khmerang (dot) com. For those about to... I salute you!
Bands - Original Material
Betty Ford and the GT Falcons
In their own words:
Imagine Dick Dale's tour bus crashed into a beaten up '67 Chevy farm pickup driven by the Replacements on their way to a High School Prom, where the Runaways were just about to take the stage...
In my words: energic punk rock that makes you forget you are in Cambodia. Half American, half Australian, 75% male, 25% female, 110% rocking. Formed early 2006 by former members of US bands including The Squabs, Swashbuckler, and Phnom Penh's The I Love You.
A 30sec live video clip available at http://www.archive.org/download/bfordgtfalcons_snows01/bfordgtfalcons_snows.MPG. Cheers, Jinja!
Bum N' Draze
The pioneering Finnish jungle metal band, founded in Phnom Penh in January 2003. Widely known for their spectacular live performances enhanced with pyrotechics and the death defying Dare-dops.
Right now on an earned break after heavy touring around Cambodia, though there's going to be a comeback gig celebrating the success of the hit single Big Dick Dilemma.
More info can be found at khmer440.
Nüts
So far played once at the Peace Café after 2 productive rehearsals produced half an hour of original material, including an underground hit If Mekong Was Whiskey. Linked to Bum 'n' Draze, Dzouns the man is abusing the drums in both ensembles.
The I Love You Band
Primitive Soul corrected me on nowadays inactive "I Love You" and sent me 10 facts:
- They were not a cover band - 100% original material - apart from one stolen riff in one part of one song, but that was kinda ironic so it doesn't count.
- They started life as the the Hun Sensations (sic)
- They used to also be known as Soaring Eagle, but only by their fans as the band hated it. The fans knew that and some even refer to them as the Eagle to this day.
- They played raucous drunken gigs at Rock bar, Rubies, FCC, and house parties to raucous drunken punters
- They imploded after an onstage argument during their reunion gig at rubies. they were pretty drunk, things got said, shit happens.
- They once killed a man.
- They recorded an album of material right here in Cambodia, but it has never been officially released. those that have heard it call it the great lost rock record of cambodia.
- They never ever did encores.
- They made a hella racket but man did they have tunes as well.
- One of these facts isnt entirely true.
Please visit Unauthorized Unofficial The I Love You Band Fan Page for few photos.
The Sub-Students
A bunch of khmer students playing some kind of rock tunes? At least they've had some gigs booked with the GT Falcons and the name sounds kinda punkish. Actually not even sure if they play covers or originals? I need information!
Vealsre - La Rizière
Update: According to my sources they've changed their name now and are called Teuk M'teh e.g Khmer for Chili Sauce.
Half Cambodian, half French group playing folkish tunes in Khmer and in French. Two full length cd's released so far (or actually 2 doubles: both cd's have the songs two times, in Khmer and in French), both available at least at CD World in Phnom Penh. Or you could try sending them a mail: vealsre [at] yahoo [dot] com.
Check also this video for their song Tricheur.
Bands - Cover Tunes
The Taxi Guys
Mythical dude and friends playing rock n' roll classics. Mythical Dude has more info about the group, for example a list of songs they play.
Bands - Abroad
Dengue Fever
Re-arrangements of 60's Cambodia garage rock songs and their own psychedelic musical journeys.
Check www.denguefevermusic.com
The Khmer Fusion Project
Group of western musicians combining Khmer traditional music (and instruments) with fusion jazz.
Check www.khmerfusion.com
Bars
Rory's Irish Pub
#33, St.178 (next to FCC)Should have live music every now and then
Memphis Pub
#3, St.118Live blues and rock every night of the week (?)
Peace Pub aka. Peace Café
#126, St.136, near NorodomOccasional live bands and artists, great atmosphere.
Zeppelin Café / Rock Bar
#86, St.86, next to Phnom Penh HotelExcellent vinyl collection = good music. Live music every now and then.