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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@natewatson6962]

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

[@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!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@kosmikmusa]

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

[@diazdiomedes9102]

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

[@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.

[@PvdBMr]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@oi1e319]

Bro I’m a Thai guy and ngl he kinda nailed the luktung-ish sound which is weird cause people here got influences from the west but damn to me luktung is the genre I don’t really take seriously because it’s usually old timey tune by old people but now I regret not listening to it so now I’ll value my culture more even though it’s kinda late 🙁😫😂 ต้องไปฟังลูกทุ่งละพี่น้องเอ๊ย5555

[@nicholassgouros8612]

You might be interested to know that some commentators on KZbin find their music an act of cultural appropriation, inappropriate at best, racist at worst. As a Thai guy what’s your take on that? As you said the East got it from the West who got it from the Middle East and Africa...and around and around we go.

[@kamiebu4433]

I don’t find anything inappropriate he’s just using some techniques picking up a bit of everything from many genres I love it

[@oi1e319]

Well I’m not trying to harm anyone or being mean but I think it’s just cool and appropriate because you’re right that the influences is a circle since we take influences from everything we know haha Well from my point of view I don’t really think it’s inappropriate because it’s not that crazy noticeable except you might heard it before Also like he blends a lot of his taste into it so it’s not completely luktung but I find it okay to do that at least that’s me anyway since he still credits the luktung genre maybe someday us Thai can jam luktung with “Farang” or foreigners like you all 😆🤷‍♂️

[@randomcurrypuff6237]

​@@nicholassgouros8612 bruh...cultural appropriation? Seriously? I'm Thai and I really appreciate them for bringing old Thai style to the west. Thai funk back in the late 60s and early 70s took a lot of influence from the west anyway, because the American used Thailand as the main base outside Vietnam we took a lot of the electric guitar stuff from American R&R bars. Thai funk had some kind of small fanbase in the west previously, many of them were Vietnam War-era veterans. Listening to Khruangbin brings some familiarity to my ears but they are not exactly a replica of Thai music. So I really love that they are interested in old Thai music and spreading that hype to the world!

[@mtthewmusic]

bruh maeng len dee gwar kon thai eek 5555

[@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

[@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.

[@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]

❤️❤️⭐️🌕

[@jt9800]

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

[@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.

[@zamoragera13]

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

[@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.

[@lordshitshorts8510]

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

[@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.

[@flakeyjay]

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

[@stevenbenitez1851]

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

[@ohmyafy]

I’d love to but coronavirus

[@markhouston2255]

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

[@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 ..

[@Brandoni513]

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

[@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.

[@Dems-fk8sh]

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

[@RangKlos]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 :-)

[@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! :)

[@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.

[@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.

[@red19dh]

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

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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.

[@bh4261]

The atmosphere of this lil doc is absolutely soothing

[@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!

[@natemcoms]

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

[@tommymarkasovic4082]

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

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@colossusofrhodes1282]

She’s really cute, and like how she’s dancing while booming the bass

[@indianfyre]

Love Khruangbin! So chill and fun

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@henriks5008]

Laura Lee!! Say no more... !! She is a bass-playing goddess!! Wish i could meet her some time, just to say hi once. And then go stand all starstruck in a corner watching her being all goddess-like and divine. Her appearance is very attractive i must say. MELT!!

[@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)

[@LauSaili]

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

[@mrc2662]

Just discovered this band. Amazing musicians. And Laura is utterly mesmerising as a stage performer. Effortlessly, deeply sensual.

[@unwinsis]

If you like this band, you might also like another instrumental band from the 80's and 90's called Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet.

[@Posit_Zero_Blue]

Holy shit. I haven't heard that band mentioned in AGES!

[@jsaavedr1]

They performed the theme to the show Kids in the Hall.

[@unwinsis]

J A I haven't thought about them in years, until I heard this band. Totally different style, but something about the tone and rhythm is reminiscent

[@unwinsis]

Jose Saavedra I loved that show! So many great skits and characters

[@madmac66]

Good call

[@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....

[@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.

[@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.

[@bjulianaleo3025]

Houston has alot of Great musicians... I know, I used to work with some of the best 20 years ago.

[@ale69420]

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

[@timeye7684]

Pretty awesome that they played in worship groups. There’s definitely a lot of talented worship musicians that’ll never be heard of

[@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.

[@FountainOfYoot]

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

[@Arghyrou123]

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

[@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.

[@willmoulton5957]

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

[@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.

[@flowers0fpeace]

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

[@VincentvDaal]

Loved the video and your comments.

[@steverito]

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

[@jhavajoe3792]

Geez. For a gal just picking up the bass to join the band, I'm impressed. I love the concept of their music. Mark listens hard.

[@josennyluna6367]

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

[@ronalddavidleindecker3358]

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

[@KabobHope]

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

[@timfowkes]

I just saw your Mac Miller video last week and left a couple comments about how a few things you said were 100% how I felt about them too, literally. Now I see this... and right off the bat, we're on the same page again. I'm from Houston and found these guys a few years ago, I'm a hip hop head through and through but these guys have been my favorite band for at least a year. Seeing them in November!

[@russell2449]

Love, love, LOVE Khruangbin!!! It's hard to pigeonhole their music into a single genre, but it is so chill, and does sound like it's from a different time - Mark is a great guitarist, oh yeah and it doesn't hurt that Laura is sooooooooo hot, I fall in love every time she smiles ;?D

[@moodist1er]

They're a trio? This is the first thumbnail I've seen of three of them, usually it's just the Ringo twins in the pics.

[@honkchisel]

Thank you for the background on such a great band

[@gtiguy727]

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

[@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

[@tonesthegrey6452]

Well there's something you don't hear frequently: Two members of a successful three piece band saying "He's such a good band mate" about the third. These guys are really starting to grow on me.

[@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.

[@RegnaSaturna]

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

[@opielee847]

I play bass and the band im in have been trying sine new sounds and Khruangbin is a great influence on me Also when the bass kicked in Scientist Win The World Cup- Dangerous Match 3 i shouted"Oh SHIT"

[@robmjnewman666]

Discovered them when Massive Attack did their gig in Bristol a few years back. It rained the whole day/night, but there I was, mesmerised by these sounds coming from this band Khruangbin. Love the sound, always reminds me of live bands playing in a bar on a sunny afternoon.

[@SwimDeeep]

So awesome someone made this about them! Great band.