The year was 1993. Thailand was buzzing with grunge and Britpop. Local independent musicians broke away from major labels' formulaic, conveyor belt music, and started to experiment with alternative rock sounds.
Then Kidnappers came along, and they released Salaang to everyone's surprise, for this was pure electronic pop, ignoring the strong rock tides that were engulfing Thailand.
Pakawat Wiwitaya (guitars, synthesizers, bass), Traithep Wongpaiboon (synthesizers, sound design, programming) and Kejmanee Wattanasin nee Pichaironarongsongkram were such a novelty that not many seemed to understand them. But they'd done enough to be recognised as Thai electronic music luminaries.
"Back then, not a lot of people understood what we were doing, and they hated the way Kejmanee sounded. But over 20 years have now passed, and there's still some sort of appreciation for our first album, which we're quite happy about," said Pakawat.
The group disappeared for a decade, and resurfaced with the album Set and two new members — Jamorn Vathakanon and Monthip Lipisunthorn. They replaced Kejmanee, who found fame as an actress and had a high profile romance with superstar Jetrin Wattanasin. Set created another buzz, and showcased Kidnappers' avant garde take and relentless determination to stick to their brand of melodic, slightly haunting electronic pop, with female vocals floating back and forth.
And now with a new lead singer Disaya Koragotchamas on board, Kidnappers have released their first new single in 12 years. Sway is testament to why they have been hailed as among the most innovative artists the Thai music industry has ever produced. Just like their back catalogue, Sway sounds timeless, fresh and exciting.
"We're not sure when a full length album will be out as now everyone seems to be doing singles instead. But all our singles are interconnected somehow, like telling the same flow of a story but with different moods and tones," said Pakawat.
It may come as a surprise to some fans that Kidnappers have decided to return to the limelight, but those who witnessed their live DJ set at Tempo two years ago knew what was coming as they showcased three new songs.
"Yeah, because of Tempo, we felt like it was about time to pick up our music again. The reception was good, and everyone was happy. We were very encouraged, so we decided to take time out from work to really concentrate on making new music," said Pakawat.
"After our second album, we wanted to make another one, but during that time we started a sound production company, and we became swamped with work. So we couldn't find time to do it. Then every time we felt we were ready, our singers sort of quit because they couldn't wait anymore. They had to get on with their professional and personal lives. But they really want to sing for us again. Maybe, we can do something with them in the near future."
Pakawat and Traithep's sound production company is one of the most respected around, especially among big advertising agencies and movie houses. Still, it's not difficult for them to separate artistic music and commercial work.
"For production work, we have clients. We have to win them over. We have to negotiate what they want, and what we want. There are a lot of conditions when we work with clients who have demands. But with our own music, we do what we want. It's a good release," said Traithep.
"But it's a good thing to be working commercially as it forces us to keep up-to-date with everything that is going on in the music world. So we're not out of the loop," said Pakawat. It took Pakawat and Kidnappers almost two years to find a new frontwoman. They searched high and low for that special girl who would understand their music, and they finally found her when one of their staff introduced them to Disaya. At that point, Disaya was already famous among the younger generation with her appearances on TV shows and on the pages of magazines, but no one knew that she was also keen on music.
"I was very nervous when I first met them," she said. "They didn't ask me to sing right away, but we spent a lot of time talking. They wanted to know my lifestyle, musical tastes and opinions on different matters. Then I didn't hear from them for a couple of months until they finally contacted me to practice on this new track.
"When we first started working together, it was nerve wrecking. I was quite tense, but it was very easy getting along with them. They are very kind and gentle. It's not hard for me to get to know them, and feel that I belong."
Kidnappers will perform their first live show at Cat to the Future, and they're bringing a full production crew with extra musicians and visuals. Besides releasing more music, they are also hoping they'll be instrumental in expanding the electronic music scene in Thailand. They're considering a full blown electronic music festival among other things.
"It's very easy to make music these days with the internet and fast technology. So now everything really relies on ideas.
"I hope the scene will continue to grow, and we hope to push it further and further," said Traithep.
