Bangkok's Bear-Garden bares all
Stardom be damned, this under-the-radar singing sweetheart continues to make quirky pop tunes that have attracted followers worldwide
Bear-Garden recently released her latest single, "The Follower," and is expected to launch a new album this year.Bear-Garden is a made-up phrase used to describe a “pretty messy room," says Somsiri “June” Sangkaew, who records her experimental pop shenanigans under the moniker. While the name of Panda Records’ quirky star may be unfamiliar to many, Bear-Garden has been making deliciously off-beat pop tunes for almost a decade.
“I think I’m quite different from other people,” says June, 33. “I didn’t plan how my music should be. I just kept writing songs and did whatever I thought sounded good. It was like making my own little experiments. I found it very enjoyable, so after my first solo album, I just kept making music on my own.”
As part of the girl-group trio Subnai, June released two albums on Sony Bec-Tero in the 1990s before getting into bed with indie trendsetters Panda Records to release the 2001 album "I Am a Gardener," the first of four Bear-Garden LPs.
“After Subnai broke up, I wanted to continue making music,” she says. “I was thinking of forming a new band, but it seemed like everybody else was working full time or too busy with their lives. It was quite difficult to arrange band rehearsals, so I decided to start making music by myself.”
Over the years, Bear-Garden’s music has attracted a steady following of dedicated fans drawn to the sweet, plucky niche that June has carved for herself despite being dubbed a “twee pop act” by the All Music Guide.
“I don't exactly know their ideas, but some fans say that my music makes them happy and warm,” says June. “I think my listeners are mostly Thais, especially girls. I also have a big fan base in Japan and some fans in Europe.”
Despite promoting her unique brand of pop music and playing most of the instruments on her songs, fame and fortune still seem some way off for June, who has a full-time job as a graphic designer.
“It would be nice if I could be as famous as Tata Young and still make the music I’m doing today,” says June, adding that she enjoys playing games and shopping at second-hand markets in her spare time. “Then I wouldn’t need to earn a living with a day job and I could just play music every day. But life isn’t easy like a movie, so I’m pretty happy with what I’ve got these days."
“I used to party a lot more before, but in the past couple of years I bought pet dogs and started the full-time job. I spend more time at home rather than just going out to see friends all the time.”
Though June has a productive few years behind her, her musical creativity was hampered by back problems in 2009 which hindered her ability to record and perform.
“I just realized that sitting for a long time is dangerous. That interrupted me and my work and music,” she says. “This year was kind of a mess so I finished only one single and we have been arranging for the Bear-Garden live show. I plan to play many live shows [in 2010].”
Bear-Garden’s latest single, The Follower, was recently released with the promise of a new album to come some time this year, but whether 2010 will usher in pop stardom or be another year spent bubbling excitedly beneath the surface, June plans to keep on doing it Bear-Garden-style no matter what.
“I hope to do all of the things I love to fulfill myself, running my life with consciousness and sharing good things with others. I just wanna be a good friend.”
Find out more about what makes Bear-Garden special at her YouTube channel or visit the Panda Records website for more info.
“I think I’m quite different from other people,” says June, 33. “I didn’t plan how my music should be. I just kept writing songs and did whatever I thought sounded good. It was like making my own little experiments. I found it very enjoyable, so after my first solo album, I just kept making music on my own.”
As part of the girl-group trio Subnai, June released two albums on Sony Bec-Tero in the 1990s before getting into bed with indie trendsetters Panda Records to release the 2001 album "I Am a Gardener," the first of four Bear-Garden LPs.
“After Subnai broke up, I wanted to continue making music,” she says. “I was thinking of forming a new band, but it seemed like everybody else was working full time or too busy with their lives. It was quite difficult to arrange band rehearsals, so I decided to start making music by myself.”
Over the years, Bear-Garden’s music has attracted a steady following of dedicated fans drawn to the sweet, plucky niche that June has carved for herself despite being dubbed a “twee pop act” by the All Music Guide.
“I don't exactly know their ideas, but some fans say that my music makes them happy and warm,” says June. “I think my listeners are mostly Thais, especially girls. I also have a big fan base in Japan and some fans in Europe.”
Bear-Garden has released four LPs under the Panda Records label.
“It would be nice if I could be as famous as Tata Young and still make the music I’m doing today,” says June, adding that she enjoys playing games and shopping at second-hand markets in her spare time. “Then I wouldn’t need to earn a living with a day job and I could just play music every day. But life isn’t easy like a movie, so I’m pretty happy with what I’ve got these days."
“I used to party a lot more before, but in the past couple of years I bought pet dogs and started the full-time job. I spend more time at home rather than just going out to see friends all the time.”
Though June has a productive few years behind her, her musical creativity was hampered by back problems in 2009 which hindered her ability to record and perform.
“I just realized that sitting for a long time is dangerous. That interrupted me and my work and music,” she says. “This year was kind of a mess so I finished only one single and we have been arranging for the Bear-Garden live show. I plan to play many live shows [in 2010].”
Bear-Garden’s latest single, The Follower, was recently released with the promise of a new album to come some time this year, but whether 2010 will usher in pop stardom or be another year spent bubbling excitedly beneath the surface, June plans to keep on doing it Bear-Garden-style no matter what.
“I hope to do all of the things I love to fulfill myself, running my life with consciousness and sharing good things with others. I just wanna be a good friend.”
Find out more about what makes Bear-Garden special at her YouTube channel or visit the Panda Records website for more info.
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