Khruangbin: How A Houston Trio Brought Thai Funk To The Masses

[@Soulr]

I was fortunate enough to do an in-person interview with Khruangbin. You can watch that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHmvlJeXjpmVaaM

[@chimainwere7306]

I think it's high time a lot of you white guys stopped trying your best to give everything a "white face". Khruangbin without a doubt is influenced by Thai music but there's a lot of West African and Sahara sounds in their songs. So don't just caption this "Thai Funk". This particular song your video opened with go compare it with the song "Tarhartazed by Mdou Moctar" and tell me if you clearly do not hear the influence of the music in this track. Nonsense!!

[@chimainwere7306]

And oh lest I forget, there are videos on the Internet where Mark had clearly mentioned the West African influences, alongside the Eastern Influences, in their songs. How convenient of you to have made this video to portray just what you want people to hear.

[@itheuserfirst3186]

@@chimainwere7306 Oh, shut up. Stop being insecure.

[@MwaelG]

I just saw them in Paris. 12/08/2019 at Bataclan. It was their last show of 2019. They rocked so hard that we demanded an Encore and they obliged with 3 songs. At the end we gave them such a warm ovation that Laura teared up. It was the best fucking night of my life. What made it more awesome is that my phone's camera was broken, I was alone as all my friends cancelled because of the transport strike. But it still was one of the best experiences of my life and I'll never forget it. I was too broke to buy beer, didn't smoke any weed for the first time going to a concert. I was completely sober, yet I was fucking transported back to how I felt listening to their music on Acid. Any of you reading this, you have to go to their concerts if you get a chance.

[@jhavajoe3792]

Wow! The Universe smiled on you that evening. Good post.

[@Calmerthanyouare17]

Yasssssssss!!!!

[@FourEyedTiger]

No phone. No booze. Solo show. Great way to enjoy Khruangbin!

[@ivangotyokes]

I've been obsessed with them since I first heard them. Incredible.

[@eoincollins1883]

Just literally heard them for the first time yesterday. Brilliant.

[@jlover1573]

me too, its been two years

[@belleisleguy]

I feel you! I discovered them by accident two years ago and have been obsessed ever since!

[@donnadizucchero]

Same here.. I'm Russian, big on classical jazz since I was 12 or so.

[@BenJammin77]

Been a hard rock and heavy metal fan for most of my life, but i listen to these guy's when I want to chill, each one of them is very talented.

[@NothingBetterToWatch]

Mark is the realest for teaching Laura bass and basically giving her a new path in life. Very rare.

[@werepat]

David Byrne taught Tina Weymouth bass for the Talking Heads. I think her first show, at CBGB's, was a few hours after her first time picking up the bass (and having no other musical experience whatsoever).

[@DammitBobby]

Fuck ya jojos

[@carnagedogg4294]

He wanted to bone her.

[@toddapplegate]

She still should not feel confident with her bass playing. I prefer listening to their music without watching their super cheesey and painful to watch gimmicks on stage.

[@larryscheller2476]

Guido if Mark was a realest he would have found someone who already knew how to play. Get real !

[@dlma84]

I play them when I Uber. Have put a lot of folks onto them

[@worldvzn5473]

dlma84 same but lyft lol

[@twilliams5596]

I put an Uber driver on to them😊

[@Brandoni513]

I did too.

[@lifemusic1980]

🤘🔥

[@dzg3313]

thank u for spreading the gospel

[@imakemusique]

it is beautiful when you make a friendship with someone who enables you to flourish. It seems Marks had a specific gift and was able to see that in others, such as his two friends Laura and Donald.

[@brandhark7935]

There was such a need for this band in this universe.

[@sbingham1979]

I just adore this band. This is a fine video - I watch everything I can about Kruangbin, and the way they comport themselves during interviews only increases my admiration for them, as they appear to be so warm, generous, without pretentiousness, and just doing a great service in sharing their take on music as a way to bring different cultures together in a better understanding of our common humanity: much needed right now. Plus their music is just so damn good. Thank you for making this video.

[@petrochemicals4u]

Same here...couldn't have put it better myself.

[@reggaedublover]

So true. Thank you for articulating my same thoughts!

[@sbingham1979]

@@reggaedublover Thank you, kindred spirit!

[@adolfoaguirre6503]

Same

[@darthbane8]

Seeing as she was a teacher makes me love them more. Her statement “even though I loved teaching, I hated the job” is so true.

[@natewatson6962]

mark seems like one of those people who bring the absolute best out of the people that he hangs around. Love it

[@garythomas4431]

Khruangbin definitely massages the serotonin. I found them quite accidentally on a piece of old newspaper packing. Being a guitarist for over four decades, and seeing a picture of a dude hugging a strat and a female bassist and a brother playing drums, I was like, I gotta check this out. Khruangbin really touches the inner parts of our primitive mind where Music is amazing and soothing. And this trio are damn good musicians. I've been learning Mark's guitar parts. I'm an old hard rock fusion dude, and I will say this is some challenging, fun, beautiful music. So refreshing. Thank you Khruangbin. The world does shine upon us when your music floats in the air.

[@jakecolon6030]

I remember when I first discovered Kruangbin at the end of a long school day on a Friday, junior year. I had a computer lab class, and I had decided that day I was gonna skip the classwork and do it for homework and just find some music on KZbin to listen to with my headphones. Just about everything was blocked, except for a song called August 10 by Kruangbin, which I gave a listen. Was so zenned out and relaxed by it I fell asleep right there in class. Went home later and dug the song out of my history. Very worth it.

[@dukeneukem4747]

That's what happened to me after discovering john mayers continuum

[@kosmikmusa]

I found this band today. What a way to start year 2020.

[@SeñorHisoka]

How's it going so far ?

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

Boy are you gonna be surprised how the year went.

[@Kernowking101]

Oh boy, you must have been so optimistic about the year ahead. I hope Khruangbin got you through it ok.

[@sitrep2418]

Comment did not age right

[@robertbenedit3677]

Welcome to the revolution

[@vicpalacio1044]

Jake, with every video you make you become for me a stronger source of really authentic new music to listen to. Thank you and keep going, you have a good thing going on with these channel and your videos

[@michaelmacdonell4834]

Jake, you have my utmost thanks. I'm an old, awkward, ex-drummer (too ill to play) and I have encountered seriously good music. This is the cherry, and the icing, and the spices, and all the dried fruit, for the cake. Thank you.

[@Lanearndt]

It's really awesome to hear how genuine they are and also how actually cheery they are considering they look so deadpan when they play! Laura's smile light's up the universe more than all the stars combined and comes to her face surprisingly easily!!

[@davidxante7913]

you are a simp, but i agree with you

[@ohmyafy]

Khruangbin is the kinda music you didn’t know you needed in your life but once you hear it, you don’t think you can live without it

[@PvdBMr]

The Tarantino flavor is so enormous on this band. The most easy listening and skilful sound. Lovely

[@markhouston2255]

I’ve been producing & directing for over 15 years. This crew is the most original to date. Keep up the stellar work.

[@drgeetchadha]

Mark is indeed a gifted musician. So nice to see this salt of the earth band's beginnings. I hope they achieve whatever they want in life.

[@willbailey5656]

This is a fantastic look into what Khruangbin is gifting people of all nations. Excellent work! I didn't want the video to end.

[@23fss]

never met to listen khruangbin untill today but these guys saved my life. it's a cure, it makes me feel alive and i cry almost everytime, thats actually an emotionally repairment. i live in Romania and one day i will listen them live.

[@tammylee2015]

I'm so happy that the three of you met, stayed together then got together to start the band, The world is better for it. Thank you with love.

[@heeeresjohnny7503]

she looks like a character out of a Tarantino flick...

[@camtron]

I think anyone in that wig would look like a character in a Tarantino flick.

[@heeeresjohnny7503]

@@camtron Your right. I just put one on my pet dog, and she looks like a character from a Quentin flick...

[@YTSparty]

I wonder if those are wigs? They look like it.

[@camtron]

@@YTSparty definitely wigs

[@agirlhasnoname1422]

They all look like they came out of a Tarantino movie!!

[@flakeyjay]

I just saw their show last night in San Antonio at the Tobin and they blew it up!!! Stage presence achieved!

[@bh4261]

The atmosphere of this lil doc is absolutely soothing

[@zamoragera13]

My brother showed me this band about a year ago. Can't stop listening to them.

[@AbrahamCloud]

Good stuff !! Glad I found you guys.

[@rodzilla47]

"Listening to Khruangbin is like traveling back in time to foreign lands." Oh, like Korat, Thailand where I lived for a year in 1967-1968!

[@wanlopchutipong2883]

6 years before I was born there! Nice to know you, sir!

[@antman2826]

I’m so glad this band exists. I’m really happy for them. I’ve only just caught on to them. Laura Lee is genuinely an amazing bassist. So groovy and in the pocket and really interesting bass lines. And it’s sooooo gorgeous to watch her play when she grooves away and sways her hips. Haha! I dig it.

[@red19dh]

I'm from Houston and I had never heard of this band. I'm so lucky i did now.

[@Bessmaster2000]

I love these guys (and gal), painted the whole interior of my house on their tunes. Going to see them in August in Port Townsend.

[@Brandoni513]

Been listening to them for a couple of years. Great for driving or working. A jewel for sure!

[@scottbangoarce4836]

One of the reasons for their appeal, for me, is the absolute QUALITY of the SOUND of their instruments. Very few bands take such care to make such a simple approach sound so clean and deep, starting with the sound of the instruments themselves, especially the drums. They make it look so easy and it's NOT.

[@gtberg]

Their simplicity of instruments and arrangement is a breath of fresh air. I haven't been this excited to discover a new band in a long time.

[@shadowcreek3021]

This is quite inspirational. I am also musician from Houston. To me Houston music scene seemed pretty much non existing few years ago. Now we are bringing Houston music to the next level! :)

[@jt9800]

"This stuff was sooo cold." Yep, he's from Houston.

[@Altron1992]

I live in Texas and never heard of this group till now. Thank you, I will be jamming all day during self quarentine.

[@darrenleslie981]

Thanks for this great video. I just got introduced to them when Texas Sun popped up randomly on my Spotify. Like you, I cannot get enough of their amazing music :-)

[@TzadikTheManic]

What a massive discovery they are ~ I’m in desperate need of reasons to keep going these days & this aural brilliance is certainly one for my mental list

[@dreamgirrll]

❤️❤️⭐️🌕

[@lynettebeckles9842]

I just discovered this group while at t-mobile paying my bill. The representative was playing their music and I asked for the name. I did not regret it, they are great!

[@tommymarkasovic4082]

Jake, your videos are sensational. Thank you for providing vivid stories that keep the viewer intrigued and informed. Cheers!

[@michaelmount9497]

Bro your taste in music is almost exactly the same as mine it’s uncanny. Keep making vids you have such an acute ear for good music and I appreciate it endlessly.

[@natemcoms]

This is by far one of the greatest bands I've seen live

[@tathianahernandez6490]

I saw them live in Miami during a really confusing and hard time of my life. Seeing them was truly a turning point in my life. I listened to just them for weeks on end. Their music brought me so much purpose! I will love them forever.

[@ZacO8965]

I wouldn’t have found Khruangbin if it weren’t for an Uber passenger. Thank you, man. I forget your name but I’ve been listening religiously and these guys have helped me float thru shifts.

[@indianfyre]

Love Khruangbin! So chill and fun

[@wilfredgon64]

OMG..OMG..OMG..I came across this band by pure accident on youtube about a year ago and these AMAZING musicians instantly blew me away!!!!!! This is the most original music that I have ever heard in my life. Thank you so so much for this awsome content. Well I gotta go and smoke my weed and groove to my new favorite band. Notice I'm not trying to type or pronounce their name? Gotta practice first, it's my way of showing them respect.

[@wjl3299]

such incredibly fond memories of when i discovered this group ... two days ago

[@crosscountrycrusader]

I haven't been so into researching a band in a while! I know what you mean ..

[@stephaniemoura9325]

I first heard Khruangbin in a very very difficult moment of my life, I was in the path to get better but it’s was a very difficult time mentally, those guys helped me get through that. And I listen to it basically everyday. When I listen to their music I feel understood. I feel like the feelings I can’t express are translated in their music. At that time, listening to their music game me comfort and it still does. ❤ I watched them live in Paris 04/04/2022 and it was fucking amazing.

[@LauSaili]

Best review of Khruangbin, so far. Thank you so much

[@vincentkc48]

Wow! Such a organic band! No wonder why they sound so unique. All such a great chemistry accompanied by soothing soothing sounds. I actually first heard of them about 3 months ago through jay Electronica latest album he uses the “A Hymn” beat and when I first heard it I was immediately hooked. Especially in these times you need bands like this ❤️ thanks for this.

[@aroe3896]

thanks for the primer on Khruangbin. A coworker turned me on to this band. I didn't realize they were 100% instrumental but did know their influences were international. I'll start giving them more listens. I wonder how their music compares to the best instrumental music of the modern era of country and rock and roll.

[@Dems-fk8sh]

"Khruangbin should be on your daily shuffling" -- yeah man, yeah.

[@steverito]

What a great story, thanks for sharing! Loved hearing the origin story, what a beautiful beginning.

[@youniverse6841]

I was introduced to them a couple of days ago and I'm super thankful! I love them so much because of their songs have this familiar sound that reminds me of my dad. My dad loved traditional thai music and they have a bit of that here and there. It's such a nostalgic sound yet modern. They are literally amazing!

[@bronxkies]

First and foremost brother, you’re inspiring. I like your videos, whether I like the artists or not, and your curated Spotify playlists is such a thoughtful and warm detail added to the stories you’re weaving together. Well done! I honestly can’t remember if you or my brother put me onto them, but I’m appreciative I’ve found them. I enjoy their music. Though, what resonates with me is Laura Lee’s story. I’m a music teacher, and while I’ve played music all of my life and daydreamed about being a musician, I’ve always struggled with labeling myself as such. I’m in grad school for music and music education and my primary instrument is piano. When I arrived upon my last semester, I realized I didn’t want my time in grad school to go by without learning a secondary instrument, but I realized I missed the deadline to sign up for lessons. So, I bought a bass and taught myself by playing along to C Jam Blues by Duke Ellington. Then, I started playing “She Wants to Move” by N.E.R.D and anything else that tickled my fancy lol. Now, I play mostly to record into a DAW and make music on occasion. My musical background is much like a very rustic pie: rough edges, no precise measurements per se but some technique, but as long as it tastes good and keeps you coming back for more, it doesn’t matter lol. I haven’t always been comfortable with not knowing as much as I ought to about music, but I’m encouraged by Laura to keep on keepin’ on.

[@lordshitshorts8510]

Yeah I can't stop listening and letting people kno about this group

[@travisbickle5221]

The way this band make you feel is why everyone listens to music, truly phenomenal. I am from Scotland and i hope to see them one day 👍

[@chubba4ever]

I’m blown away. Absolutely fantastic video man. You managed to thoroughly encapsulate a band I love in a small amount of time and extremely eloquently. It was musically insightful and I’m just super impressed with your process and format. Immediate subscribe, and I’m shocked you don’t have more views. I’ll spread the word. Thank you. Suggestion: Vulfpeck (they have a great story and a different sound as well)

[@dayenereis7510]

The first time I heard the band was when I just arrived at Popload Festival, in November 2019 in São Paulo - BR... I arrived early at the festival and as soon as I stepped on the grass I walked being guided by a captivating sound, when I approached the stage I saw them playing, and I couldn't help but fall in love instantly... since then I have been a disciple of the band and I introduce them to several people who fall in love too!

[@yazcheese]

Love these videos and so glad I came across this channel. One suggestion: I know you usually say it verbally, but it would be helpful if you had a little visual sign that stated which song of the artist was being played at any given moment. Thank you for making thoughtful, enriching, and well-researched content!

[@rickysuazo8827]

I discovered them live a couple of years ago. They were opening for Chicano Batman. Honestly my initial reaction was laughing about Marks hair. But as soon they started playing it was (for me) jaw dropping. I fell in love with their music that night and I been listening to them almost everyday since I discover them. And seen them live again this past November. I hope they continue to get bigger and make more music !

[@judisfuse]

Khruangbin is definatly my favorite modern band. First time I heard their sound on the Corona TV add, I fell in love and I rushed to shazam it.I'm a fan since then. Thank you for this exellent review.

[@VincentvDaal]

Loved the video and your comments.

[@SeanHarrison67]

This is an excellent profile of Khrungbin and its members. Thank you for making such an informative and interesting mini-documentary. I love sharing this band with other folks, and then dropping the "they're from Houston, TX" note, glad to have more details on that scoop.

[@ronalddavidleindecker3358]

They have made quite an impact on me. Thank you Jake for introducing them accurately and tastefully.

[@honkchisel]

Thank you for the background on such a great band

[@tanya4631]

Please do another interview with Khruangbin! This is great

[@donovanburchell4192]

About a year ago, I stumbled on the Mordechai album randomly and I instantly liked the sound, but I didn't listen close enough or all the way through, at the time. Then, about 2 weeks ago, I finally heard the Connaissais de Face track. I don't think I'll ever be the same. I mean HOOKED!... and I didn't even know how beautiful was the face behind the base, at the time. Been collecting every single song I can find over the past week or so and listening to them everyday since. Telling my friends, my coworkers, my mom. With THIS video here, I think I've entered a new realm of obsession. I should be asleep. I go to work in about 5 hours and the weather is supposed to be climbing up into the triple digits. But I still hear them echoing in my head.

[@Arghyrou123]

My fav band from 2019. I’ve had them on repeat for ages now. This video is cool as hell.

[@karrrmapoliceee]

This was a great video! Thanks for preparing and sharing!

[@josennyluna6367]

Jake your content is amazing! How do you not have more subscribers

[@willmoulton5957]

good job jake you have covered almost everyone of my favourite bands

[@KabobHope]

Thanks. I randomly clicked on this suggestion and now I have a great band to explore. They're sound awesome.

[@flowers0fpeace]

H-town in the house!!! This group has an awesome sound. It moves my soul ♥️♥️

[@greglarry11]

Thanks for the video! This band is wonderful and unique.

[@pdelman10]

I love Khruangbin. They are such a chill and groovy vibe.

[@austin7591]

This video just made me love them even more. Thank you for the fantastic video. I'm looking forward to hearing the collections on spotify as well.

[@ettoremariani4365]

What a nice explanation of the essence of the music. We all love Khruangbin for the simplicity and effectiveness on our mode

[@RangKlos]

found them a couple years ago and to me they're the best group possibly formed in today's musical environment

[@RegnaSaturna]

Discovered them 3 days ago. Haven't stop listening since.

[@gtiguy727]

Khruangbin is my life sound track...listen to them daily...sometimes all day. Nice smooth mellow vibe. Thank you for what you do.

[@38bass]

This band is freaking amazing. I literally discovered them last week and Laura is my newest favourite bassist. 🤘🏼 These songs are just the best. ♥️

[@Motoccino]

I found them last weekend when I took my daughter on a motorcycle late night ride in Bangalore India. We sat down in a starbucks in Jayanagar 9th block and while she had her hot chocolate and me my green tea, this song came on. I was so hooked and captivated by "one to remember" that I shazam'd it and have been hooked ever since, devouring up all information and interviews about this most amazing peaceful band, and voila, the magic of youtube's algo threw up 2 other bands of similar ilk - shinshape, Glass beams etc....

[@geoffmurphy1631]

Thank you for the background. I was sending my buddy with Netflix links to Tiny Desk Concert and telling him to get these guys on a project before they get too big. I suppose I am too late.

[@brooklynsbest9992]

Such chill music, so beautiful.

[@joekirklin]

I’ve been turned on to these cats for about a year, and I still absolutely love them. Funny enough, besides the tiny desk concert, I hear them all the time on NPR musical interludes.

[@jerryjerg406]

cool interview and video!! Thank you for posting

[@SwimDeeep]

So awesome someone made this about them! Great band.

[@FountainOfYoot]

I’ve been listening to them pretty much daily for 3 years. I love their story as much as their music. ❤️

[@francismagnusson378]

their new album is such a banger i love it so much!!!! they're such an amazing band! thanks for this!

[@JeiShian]

Thank you so much for introducing them to me!

[@marshalmcdonald7476]

They are just so good. No pretentions, totally sincere.

[@stevenbenitez1851]

Go see them live if you ever get the chance, its an unbelievable experience

[@ohmyafy]

I’d love to but coronavirus

[@ashutoshzade5480]

Well done Khruangbin ! Music needs no bar of any language. Wish you the best !!

[@gilliansemple3589]

Thank you for doing this video. Well done! I just discovered them yesterday and have been obsessed with their sound and funkiness - wigs and all. Love them! Mark sounds like he's playing guitar but with a mad mandolin strum. Amazing! Laura Lee grooves spirited by DJ's beats.

[@gabegutierrez30]

Great editing and narration man’

[@valking9204]

bro your vids have inspired me so much. thanks for sharing

[@ale69420]

Bro imagine one day your math teacher joins a band and becomes a badass rockstar and bass player. damn