The charm of Aluna, the Princess of Pop Lao

Lao commitment to his craft music artists date back thousands of years. A popular story reflects the spirit of devotion that the best musicians have experienced the creation of many traditions and unique styles. According to legend, a traditional instrument called Lao khene was invented by a woman trying to imitate the sound of birds garawek he had heard, while on a day hike.

On reaching his village began to experiment with different designs for your instrument, using plucked and bowed strings and various other materials before finally settling on a type bamboo flute. The woman brought the new instrument with the king, who, after listening to his game, curtly replied that it was "fair." Modify the instrument, played again and again asked the king if he was happy. "Tia kaen dae nee" he said, which means "this time was better."

The same approach continued to find the type of sound can be heard today in the hypnotic music of Aluna, the princess of pop in Laos .

Creative impulse

Thavonsouk Aluna is a pop singer whose musical style contemporary Lao is based on techniques old and often includes Lao traditional instruments. In what she calls his "new sound" that can even begin to include khene.

"I started with normal pop songs. You learn on the fly and I have changed my outlook on writing songs as well as how to make music and melodies," Aluna said of his creative process. "contemporary ideas came into my soul and mix traditional sounds in my music a lot these days, but I'm not satisfied with the result. I'm still looking for the new sound. It could take a year or forever … I do not know, but it is exciting to me. "

Humility Aluna – she is also the general manager of the hotel business from his family in Vang Vieng – unusual for a musician of his stature, but his tireless has paid off since it began to create music again in 2002. To date he has appeared in U.S. cities Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles and has toured Japan, China, Malaysia and all Southeast Asia. Their self-titled album "Aluna" (2005) and "Aluna Part II" (2008) produced many number one singles on radio charts regional and success "bork HouSuek Khaum" earned him the award for Best Pop Song in the first annual Lao Music Awards in July 2008. Even The Today Show recognized this artist 29 years of age, as one of the quintessential talent of the growing Laos pop music scene.

New Sounds

Contemporary music culture in Laos has emerged from a long history of political instability and a complex mix of cultural influences. Although romantic songs and ballads have always been popular in Laos, Western music was first introduced in the 1920s during the French colonial period, affecting a new generation of singers and composers Lao. Then, after the country's long civil war and the 1975 Communist takeover, patriotic songs and hymns dominated the charts.

Since 2000, however, when the government began to relax the rules of country music, record companies of Lao have been eager to promote singers who appeal to a younger audience. Today, pop music is booming and local artists heard in the Lao radio along with other U.S. foreign singers and Thailand.

Aluna is at the forefront of home grown talent by changing the Lao music scene. Her songs incorporate Morlum loop and other traditional Lao music – in particular the fast catchy – and often include unique rhythms and traditional instruments. His lyrics focus on themes of love, but also delves into topics such as environment, social classes and many other sensitive issues.

The artist is currently learning the khene (A bamboo in harmony with many keys) and traditional Lao flute, not to mention the practice of Lao opera style, which requires a lot of energy and the ability to play with how a project the voice.

Shane

While the style is contemporary Aluna many musical influences, traditional music of Laos plays an important part in creating that sound: "We, the new generation, he never forgot the roots of our music, "he said.

Born and raised in Laos, Aluna was surrounded by music from an early age and always loved sing. "People often ask are my musical idols, and I respond:" They are my mom and dad. "In fact, they are the ones who opened my world of music. During my childhood, I often heard my father singing with his guitar, my mother sings in her spare time. They loved to play songs created by the legends the years 60 and 70 as Elvis, Cliff Richards, The Beatles and The Carpenters, among many others. These early experiences were so cool. Occasionally, I have some of those old and sing songs with me. Some people are surprised by my knowledge of old songs. "

Aluna When I was young, there were always instruments around the house in which they could practice. (His father was. Musician) In just five years old, took his first instrument – the guitar.

"At that age, was much bigger than my body and too large for me to maintain, so I held in my lap and played. I was always curious about how musical instruments produce sounds and how sounds are converted into different keys and notes. The guitar, keyboard and harmonica is my favorite. Blank canvas of my mind, I have tried differentiate sounds, keys and notes using only my senses. "I have not studied music, however, and never had any training because it was too expensive. "My childhood experience with music was so beautiful and peaceful that I knew that I always want to be near her. Although he had been surrounded by music from an early age, I had never thought about becoming a professional singer – that dream never existed. "

Changes in life

Meanwhile, Aluna excelled in his studies and received a scholarship to study abroad at a university in Australia. He graduated with a degree in administration company and returned to Laos to work in Thavonsouk Resort, the family business in Vang Vieng. However, something was missing and wanted for the next adventure of her life. Thus, during the low season, took three months off work to travel to Europe. "That trip changed my life, "the singer of matter-of-factly.

On arriving in Paris on the morning of June 21, 2002, Aluna realize that was a festival in progress. "I heard the music along the road, and saw people spontaneously go out and play music. They sang about everything with their guitars, saxophones, trumpets, harmonicas and accordions. They were everywhere – on roads, the Metro and in almost every corner that happened. I was so happy to be in this incredible atmosphere. I felt like I was brought back to something familiar, but also something I was missing for some time. It was great to hear music again. "

That event was the French Fête de la Musique (Music Festival), which offered Aluna the opportunity to see performances by musicians such as Lenny Kravitz, Sheryl Crow, REM, Bryan Adams and many other legendary artists.

"It was so inspiring! "Recalled the singer." I was about to celebrate my birthday a few days and I was really witnessing this event was one of the most precious gifts ever … I tuned in silence and listening, and at that moment, I felt like a lightning bolt struck me. It was at that moment that my dream was born. I said to myself same: 'Yes, why not create music? Why not sing? ""

Since then, Aluna has gone from strength to strength and encourages others to follow your heart. "There are many ways to achieve their dreams and real passions," he said. "Free your mind and look deeply in his heart, because sometimes the ideas do not come immediately. Part of the trip is to develop and grow by following your passion. "

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WORLD POP MUSIC Sylvie Vartan La Maritza.