Photo Courtesy of Makara
Ever wonder how musical magic happens? We chatted with MAKARA, the band mixing Bangkok’s Isan (Molam) vibes with psychedelic sounds. Get ready for a peek into their creative process, happy accidents, and what they’re cooking up for the future!
Your music is described as a fusion of Molam music with a Japanese-drummer. Can you elaborate on the process of blending these seemingly disparate styles? What were some of the initial challenges and breakthroughs?
The main challenge was bringing Molam into a band where some members had zero experience with it. Each of us comes from a different musical background, so our “musical instincts” often clash, and that’s what makes things fresh. That constant difference creates something new every time.
The emphasis on “happy accidents” and improvisation is intriguing. Can you share a specific example of a song or moment where an unplanned element became a defining feature?
Our band naturally gravitates toward improvisation, so happy accidents happen all the time. Honestly, we could give an example from every single song, haha.
Your band originates from Bangkok, yet incorporates Japanese influences. How has your geographical location shaped your musical identity, and how have you integrated these international influences?
Me and Of (our bassist) are from Central Thailand not Isaan, where Molam originally comes from. But even in the central region, Molam was always around us growing up. It was never foreign. So when we improvise in Molam styles, it doesn’t feel forced.
But with Masanao (our drummer), who had never really been exposed to Molam, there’s a contrast. That’s where the mixture happens, two different musical worlds colliding and responding to each other.
Molam music has a rich history and cultural significance. How do you approach incorporating this tradition into your contemporary sound while remaining respectful of its origins?
We’d never claim to be “authentic Molam.” We just love it. We want the world to hear Molam-both through our version and the traditional roots. We try to keep that balance.
Your newest member is a Japanese drummer endorsed by TAMA. How has this addition impacted the band’s sound and creative process?
His impact has been huge! not just as a drummer, but as a producer. He’s helped elevate MAKARA’s arrangements and musicianship to a whole new level.
How would you describe your music to someone unfamiliar with Molam or Japanese drumming? What are the key elements that define the MAKARA sound?
Our uniqueness lies in our phrasing and rhythm. There’s a particular swing, a groove, that you won’t find elsewhere.
What is your songwriting process like? Do you primarily compose individually or collaboratively?
Q (singer,guitarist) usually starts with a demo, and then Masanao (Drummer)helps refine it! sometimes transforming the whole direction of the song completely.
“pushing the boundaries of psychedelic and world music.” What are some of your musical goals and aspirations for the future?
NEO MOLAM! That’s our clearest goal right now. We’re in the middle of recording and diving deeper into what that means for us.
What are your plans for 2025 and beyond? Are there any specific projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
We have a 12-city Japan tour this September.
Then in November, we’ll tour Central Thailand, and in December we’ll head to Isaan. We’re excited about all of them
each show will feature different guest artists and collaborators.
I also look forward to performing in the Philippines.👀
What is your favorite song to perform live, and why? What makes it special for you and the audience?
“COCO.” It’s the one that makes people dance nonstop. In Thai, we call that “serng” a kind of ecstatic dancing you’ll see in traditional Molam shows.
What inspires you individually as musicians? What are some of your non-musical influences?
What drives us is the desire to create something new together. We want MAKARA to succeed-not just for us, but for our families. It’s a dream, but we want to make it real.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being in MAKARA?
The music keeps taking us to amazing places and people.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who want to create unique and cross-cultural music?
Don’t sell your soul. Keep going. Don’t stop. Music is a universal language
trust it.
Makara Presents: A 12-city Japan tour this September.
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