Making tracks in the capital

Making tracks in the capital

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Converse Rubber Tracks is making its way around the world, and has finally reached Bangkok.

The Noir getting ready to record for 'Converse Rubber Tracks in Bangkok'.

The brand’s music initiative began with a state-of-the-art studio in Brooklyn, New York, where bands from around the world can record for free with experienced engineers and producers. Taking the musical experience a bit further afield, Converse has been staging pop-up studios everywhere from Paris to Mexico. In Bangkok, the pop-up studio took over Smallroom for recording sessions over one week.

"Converse Rubber Tracks in Bangkok" kicked off with an open call for unsigned bands with original compositions. Its goal is to give selected bands a chance to record in a professional studio with seasoned personnel who could also provide guidance and mentoring in the hopes that they would become successful musicians in the future.

In less than 10 days, more than 130 fresh new bands looking for a break submitted their original music online, but unfortunately only four made the cut due to space and time limitations. The bands were: The Noir, The Yellow Submarine, Jelly Rocket and New Mandarin. The Noir consists of five music students who are in love with alternative rock. “We really appreciate the opportunity to work in such a professional setting. We were really intimidated at first because we didn’t know what to expect, but once we got to the studio, we felt very welcome by Converse Rubber Tracks and Smallroom teams. It was such as fun experience full of laughs and smiles. It’s also great to meet other young bands, too. We’ve made a bunch of new, good friends,” said Suntisook Woranujkul, The Noir’s bassist.

Despite slowly garnering a reputation among hardcore music lovers and adoring fanboys, all-girl electronic rock band Jelly Rocket decided to participate in the project to gain first-hand experience, while experimental outfit New Mandarin tried out to see if their brand of “weird” pop would be able to thrive.

The Yellow Submarine, who started as a high school band, brings Brit rock to the table. “We now attend different universities, but we still find time to write music together. Being in the Converse Rubber Tracks studio was something completely new to us. I think we’ve learned a thing or two from it, and all the good lessons will stick with us for a long time,” said Anupat Tawinkij, The Yellow Submarine’s guitarist.

The four selected bands were fortunate to work with Bancha Teanrakrit, an award-winning producer (The Richman Toy, Greasy Cafe) and musician (Goose, Talkless), who headed the production team. “These kids are really determined to do the best they can do. They are very new and I think there’s a future for each of them if they continue to work hard,” he said.

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