DONTREYThe Music of Cambodia

តន䮏្ីខ䮘ែរ Table of Content Editorial The Soundtrack of Cambodia 4 The Peak of Khmer Music The pop music from the “Golden Age” before the Khmer Rouge lives on in the hearts and minds of Cambodians. 6 Khmer Top 10 8 Profile Svai Sor 9 Profile Va Vannak 10 Profile Seng Dara 11 The Traditional Music of Cambodia Music has been a part of the life of Cambodians since ancient times. Some of the traditional styles have survived to cater to the spirit of the nation until today. 12 A Galaxy of Stars 15 Time for a Change? The reasons for the decline of popular music in Cambodia

18 Profile Him Sophy 19 Profile DJ Adda 21 The Ruling Stars Preap Sovath and Aok Sokun Kanha: fashion idols of Cambodia’s youth

Photo by Touch Yin Mony Yin Touch by Photo 22 The “Dontrey” Magazine Team Hidden Treasures Composer Oum Dara is writing the scores of old Khmer songs from his memory. Supervisor Thanks to Dr. Tilman Baumgärtel Seng Dara, a researcher of the book “Meas Sroub 24 Design Supervisor Norkor”, who shared general knowledge about DONTREY Profile Cambodian Space Project 25 The Music of Cambodia Christine Schmutzler Cambodian songs and music composers, to Cambodian Writers and Editors Living Arts for contributing the books of traditional Amateur Productions Sothea Ines, Sok Samphoasphalyka, Ou Banung, music, to Rotanak Oudom, to Lynn Muller, to Susanne Cambodian youths create their own music. Chan Cheata, Chan Muy Hong, Cheng Lita, Lenz, to Seny Dara from the Ministery of the Interior តន䮏䮚ីខ䮘ែរ Nhem Piseth, Lim Chanphirun, Ty Samphors Vicheka, for information about piracy, to Chey Mongkol, the 26 Oum Vannak, Kong Meta, Ouk Elita, Theng Kimchhel, President of Language and Cultural Association of Sok Chan , Sok Eng, Prom Veasna, Chin Panhavion, Surin, for contributing the DVD of Kantrim, to Gina Master of the Chapei Department of Media and Communication Sim Virinea, Touch Sopor, Khiev Chakriya, Lopez from the University of Cambodia for assisting to Kong Nay preserves Khmer musical heritage. Royal University of Phnom Penh Chea Chakrya, Heng Sokchannaroath, Choun Channa, get in touch with DJ Adda, and to Rabea Brauer from Russian Boulevard, Phnom Penh Louv Lykeav, Nov Povleakhena, Mech Dara, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Phnom Penh, now Hanoi, 27 Tel: (+855)23 88 44 08 Phal Sokpheary, Ou Banung, Khun Nayheak, for financial support of the printing. Profile The Like Me’s 27 Fax: (+855)23 88 44 08 Touch Yin Vannith Printed by Email: [email protected] Illustrators VS Vann Sophea Printing House, Phnom Penh 2011 “Dances Mirror Society” Website: www.dmc-cci.edu.kh Lim Keav (Cover), Kim Sokun Supported by Western Dances like the Cha-Cha-Cha are having a comeback in Phnom Penh. Photographers Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and Touch Yin Vannith, Chin Panhavion, Sok Eng Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD) 28 Designers Nhem Piseth, Sok Samphoasphalyka, Profile Tiny Toones 29 Louv Lykeav, Khun Nayheak, Choun Channa, Khiev Chakriya , Touch Yin Vannith Cambodia Song Map 30 The Soundtrack of Cambodia n the 1960s, the nightclub opposite Pochentong luxurious interior. But try and imagine yourself at the could afford to party the night away here. But the mu- This magazine wants to pay homage to the rich musical airport on the road to Kampot was the meeting Pochentong bar on a party night during the Swinging sic, that kept the dancers on their toes, was the sound- history of Cambodia, from its ancient beginnings to the I place of the rich and famous of Phnom Penh. The Sixties. The house band starts to play a rocking tune. track of King Sihanouk’s Cambodia, a country that had present. We invite you to do a Roam Vong with some of bar, that was run by the state authority Magetat, was Men in sharp suits and women in colorful mini skirts just recently gained independence after almost one the musicians of past centuries, the pop stars of today, destroyed during the civil war in 1975. Today, non- dance the Twist and the Madison. You are in right the century of French colonial rule. A unique mixture of and with the ghosts that still party at the old location descript commercial buildings have taken its place. middle of the “Golden Age” of 20th century Cambodia, Western rock and Khmer traditional music became the of Pochentong Dancing on some moonlit nights, when On the few surviving pictures of the bar, faded and and everybody around you seems to be a movie star, a heartbeat of a nation in search of a new post-colonial no one is looking. pale, there is a modern pavilion facing a pond, a plush model, or just filthy rich. identity. In recent years, this sound had a revival in Let’s dance, or, in Khmer: តេាះយេីង殶ំ! Just be sure not interior with comfy, modernist arm chairs, a stage for The Pochentong bar was not open to everybody. Only Cambodia and has become an international cult staple to touch your partner. It’s the Cambodian tradition.

the band. On these old pictures, no people disturb the a small wealthy caste of Cambodians and foreigners around the globe. Tilman Baumgärtel cambodge du “Souvenires from Photos All 1955-1969” niyum reastr sangkum

4 DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia 5 because of her sweet voice that she used an Apsara statue, clothes, and perfume mostly for romantic ballads. Pen Ron – and other presents from the audience.” who was also one of Sinn Sisamouth’s After the competition, she entered the frequent partners – was a female rocker music industry with the support of Sinn that introduced the Cambodian people to Sisamouth. She became famous with a rock ‘n’ roll. song called “Pleng Berk Veang Norn” Many of these singers needed nothing (The Sound to Open the Curtain) from more than a beautiful voice and natural the soundtrack of the movie “Prince Apai talent to succeed, and never received any Mony Sisovan”. formal training in music. A good number While singers could become famous of them were discovered at the song con- through their participation in this song test during Samach Cheat, a formal public contest, most of the well-known compos- hearing between the people and govern- ers and musicians came out of the Royal ment that was established by Norodom University of Fine Arts (RUFA). Accord- Sihanouk during his time as head of state. ing to Ell Bunna, 61, a veteran flutist and This song contest went on for three con- composer, who used to study at RUFA, the secutive evenings. song composers, musicians, and singers Hem Sovann, 62, who started a career of the 1960s were so successful and well- as singer after winning the second prize at trained, because most of them graduated the contest and who is still a popular sing- from this school.

Photo by Ty Samphors Vicheka Samphors Ty by Photo er today, remembers her experience, when Strict school policy, the teaching of Ell Bunna she took part in the song contest in 1968. both Khmer professors – such as Mer Bun She did not get any formal singing lessons, and Chea Chanthou – as well as foreign an Music” by Keo Narom, foreign instru- when she was young, but the province professors from countries such as France, ments first came to Cambodia during the music band trained her, before she joined East Germany and North Korea, and suf- French Protectorate that began in 1863. the contest. ficient equipment were among the factors The Cambodians slowly adapted the mu- The audiences filled the entire Veal that made the music students from RUFA sic that could be played with them, so that Preah Meru, the public park in front of so successful. it would suit the Khmer soul. the National Museum. “When you went Before being accepted into the school, When thinking of the music from the up on the stage, the audiences clapped students had to go through a number of 1950s and 1960s, the first thing that comes loudly, and made you even more nervous,” difficult tests to make sure that they were to people’s mind are the most famous she said. However, when it was her turn capable to pursue their music career. The singers of that time: Sinn Sisamouth, Ros to sing, the audience went quiet and start- academic education took four years. “Not Sereysothea, Pen Ron, and other stars. ed to listen. Candidates for this contest all of the students, who managed to pass However, few people are aware how these were from all the provinces of Cambodia. songs were created. It was broadcast live both on television Sinn Sisamouth, known as the “Golden and radio. Voice”, was born in Stung Treng province. The judges of the program were all fa- He had many talents: Sinn Sisamouth was mous singers such as Sinn Sisamouth, Ly able to play the guitar, write lyrics, com- Tek, Touch Teng, Houy Meas, Mao Sareth pose tunes, arrange them, and sing them and Chhoun Malai. They based their judg- beautifully with his sweet voice. His heart- ment on the voice, delivery, and dress. felt lyrics allowed the listeners to identify Even the presenter was a well-known song

All record covers from the collection of Seng Dara Seng of collection the from covers record All with his songs. composer, Ma Laopy. Record cover of Sinn Sisamouth’s Hit “Violetta” Hun Sarin, an adviser at the Ministry “Every teenager in my village talked of Culture and Fine Arts, says that Sinn about it,” remembers Tea Kimyeng, 61, a Sisamouth was successful because of his villager in Kampong Thom province dur- particular talents. He mostly composed ing that time. “At 7 o’clock in the evening, The Peak of Khmer Music songs about his own life and about places everyone in my family gathered around that he had been to, such as “Champa Bat- the radio,” she says. She wrote down all the The pop music from the “Golden Age” before the Khmer Rouge tambang” (The Flower of Battambang), names of the candidates and bet with her lives on in the hearts and minds of Cambodians. which is about his childhood in Battam- brother who would be the winner. bang province. Sinn Sisamouth could also The first five winners got prizes that in- he 1950s and 1960s were a golden six decades later, the music from this pe- unique was the mix between Khmer and record ten new songs per day, because he cluded clothes, pens and books, while the time for Cambodian music. The riod is still alive in the hearts and minds of Western instruments and musical styles arranged his own music, while other sing- other candidates got consolation prizes. T Khmer pop music of that period the Cambodian people, and it is precious that gave birth to a new type of music that ers could record only one song. “During the competition, the people in the was not only famous locally, but also in- to the whole nation. became very popular among the Khmer Ros Sereysothea, one of Sinn Si- audience also gave gifts to their favorite fluenced neighboring countries. Almost What made the music of that period so people. According to the book “Cambodi- samouth’s duet partners, was famous candidates,” recalls Hem Sovann. “I got Casette cover of the Band Draka

6 DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia 7 likes. And I also have to know the possi- KHMER TOP 10 bilities of the voice of the singer.” Generally, song composers rehearsed 殶ត䮚ីជួប ភ័ក䮚䮏 their songs with the singers, because many 1 The Night I met you singers of that time could not read music. Sinn Sisamouth & Koe Setha The composers also chose the singers Composer: Norodom Sihanouk whose voices they felt were suitable for a specific song. Even though there was a great number 讶នី of composers at that time, many singers 2 Ah Nie took their material from other countries, Sinn Sisamouth often from China, Vietnam or the US.

Composer: Prince Sisovath For instance, “I am sixteen”, sung by Ros Meta Kong by Photo Panara Sereyvoth Sereysothea was taken from a Vietnam- A Single from Sinn Sisamouth ese song. Sinn Sisamouth’s “Cham Snae” SVAI SOR 3 អូនសន្架评យបងាំ on the Wat Phnom Label (I’m waiting for love) is a Khmer version You promised me to wait of the American folk song “The House of o Re Mi Fa So, Do Re Mi Fa, So,” is what Swai Sor Sinn Sisamouth & Ros Sereysothea of Pailin province, but mixes its message the Rising Sun”. keeps telling his students, who learn to play Composer: Voy Ho with a love story. Most people in the 1950s and 1960s D musical instruments at his house, every day. Touch Chhatta, General Deputy of listened to music on the radio. The Na- He was born in 1937 in the Royal Palace, where his father the Radio National of Kampuchea, says: tional Radio of Cambodia broadcast local was a grass cutter. He learned how to play music infor- ព䮚ែកឯងអស់សង្ឃឹម 4 Hopeless in Prek Eng “Song composers had to have talent, oth- music, both traditional as well as pop mu- mally from neighbors. “I do not even remember, who I Photo by Louv Lykeav Louv by Photo learnt from,” he says. Sinn Sisamouth erwise, they couldn’t compose good songs. sic, but the station also played songs from Touch Chhatta Just because they graduated from music other countries, including music from But in 1960, Swai Sor became a music composer and Composer: Pov Sipho school, does not mean that they could former colonial power France. Besides ra- the song arranger for King Norodom Sihanouk in his the entrance exam, graduated successfully. the classic songs during 1960s will remain compose a meaningful song.” He adds dio, records were another way to listen to Prereach Trop music band. Henry Rico, a French music 5 ដួងនេត䮚ា Some students just gave up because it was forever. I really want my great grandsons that he always composes songs based on music, but records were too expensive for professor, had told the king about Swai Sor’s ability, and Eyes very hard,” says Ell Bunna. and granddaughters to know and enjoy his own experiences. He quotes his song the majority of Cambodians. However, in he went to work for Sihanouk. His tasks in the palace Sinn Sisamouth He adds that even after they passed the those songs just like me.” “Nary Nem Noun” (Virtuous Nary) that the early 1970s audio cassettes were intro- were to arrange the songs composed by the king in or- Composer: Pov Sipho entrance exams, students had to follow a According to Ell Bunna, the talent of was about his love for a girl called “Nary”. duced to the Cambodian market. Audio der to make them beautiful, and to perform, when there strict school policy. For example, students the song composers, singers and musi- However, he warns: “Composing a song tapes were cheaper, contained more songs, were international guests visiting. ឃើញស䮓េហ៏ខ䮉ុំទេ were not allowed to get involved in any- cians was very important for the popular- based on my own favorite topic is not and typically came with a lyrics book “My relationship with the king was like between close 6 Do you see my Love thing that was not related to their major. ity of the songs. Especially, the lyrics of enough. I have to know what the audience attached. friends. The king was never strict with me, and he was Ros Sereysothea “When I composed my first song for a the songs, which often talk about social kind to me. Thus, the king seemed like an ordinary Composer: Voy Ho record company, I had to change my name reality, but also describe the beauty of the person to me,” he recalls. He has arranged between 20 to ‘Ell Bunnary’, because my major was Cambodian countryside, are a reason, why to 30 songs for Sihanouk. Swai Sor did not get a hono- performance,” says Ell Bunna. “So I was people from many different backgrounds rarium for this, but he received a salary of 1,500 Riel per 7 ឆ䮓ាំអូន១៦ not allowed to write lyrics.” could relate to the songs easily. month. I am 16 However, even though the composers A song like “Chi Vit Kam makor Swai Sor also composed songs for Sinn Sisamouth, the Ros Sereysothea as well as the musicians had gone through Thboung” (Life of a Miner), for instance, Cambodian superstar of the 1960s and early 1970s. Composer: Voy Ho music school or other music lessons, they is about the difficulties and hopelessness Songs that were performed by Sisamouth include “Ter still earned less than singers did. On av- of the poor people working in the mines bong kos avey ban srey somleng” (What have I done 殶ំមិនឆ䮢ែតទេ erage, a composer got 1,500 Riel per song wrong, that you asked for a divorce?) and “Neary sompot 8 Never tired of Dancing during the 1950s and 1960s, while Sinn kouch” (Short Skirt Woman). Pen Ron Sisamouth earned around 5,000 Riel when He did not expect to get money from Sinn Sisamouth for Composer: Voy Ho he recorded a new number. However, not this, he says, but he was given 50 Riel per song never- all singers earned as much as Sinn Si- theless. “Sinn Sisamouth loved me like his brother. When samouth. Musicians typically got 500 Riel he wanted to go somewhere; he always called me to be ភ䮓ំពេញ with him,” Swai Sor says. 9 Phnom Penh per recording session. “The songs during 1950s and 1960s are During the Khmer Rouge period, Swai Sor was forced to Sinn Sisamouth still alive, even after their singers died. To- work like everybody else. After the end of the Pol Pot re- Composer: Norodom Sihannouk day, however, the songs are already dead, gime, he lived in the Kav Edang refugee camp at the Thai even though the singers are still alive,” says border for eight years and emigrated to Japan in 1991.  ស䮓េហ៍ដូចជើងមេឃ Hun Sarin. Why have the songs from that Swai Sor, now retired, teaches many students to play Love is like the Horizon period survived until today? music at his house in Phnom Penh. “I want to pass all my Sinn Sisamouth & Pen Ron Chea Kim Toung, 59, housewife, says: knowledge on to the next generation, though I barely

Composer: Sinn Sisamouth “I like those songs very much because they Lykeav Louv by Photo make a living out of it,” he says. are meaningful and romantic. I hope that A Single from Pen Ron & Um Songseum Ouk Samath Kong Meta, Chan Cheata

8 DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia 9 Photo by Touch Yin Vannith Yin Touch by Photo

Photo by Ou Banung by Photo SENG DARA eas Sroab Norkor” (The Golden Temple) and VA VANNAK “Thngai Lech At Near Sakmout” (Sunset at M Seaside) are the titles of two of the books ur old songs are so amazing and so unique, that Seng Dara has written on Cambodian singers and and they have never disappeared,” says Va composers. O Vannak, a newscaster and moderator at the Seng Dara has become the house historian of Khmer radio station FM 103 for almost twenty years. pop music, since he started to dig out the biographies Yet, he was not always the famous disc jockey that he is of the singers and composers from the 1960s and 1970s. today. Instead, Vannak, 51, started his career as a nurse In 2008, he published his first book, which took him al- at the military hospital in Svay Reang Province. He was most four years to finish. However, the book secured his born into a farmer family with eight siblings in the reputation as a writer and is still on sale in most book- country side. He got married after he moved to Phnom shops in Phnom Penh. “My first book did so well, that Penh in 1986. He now has three children. While he is I wanted to pursue this work,” he says. soft-spoken and quite in person, Vannak surprisingly Dara adds: “I wanted to write historical books, because becomes very talkative, when he is on air. I want the young generation to remember what hap- He has become famous, because in his show he plays Single with Ros Sereysothea’s “Chhnam Oun 16” (I am 16) and “Chhiem brolak dai “La La La La La La La La La”: Records typically had the lyrics printed on the back pened to the singers and composers of the 1960s and exclusively songs from the 1950s and 1960s, and oc- khnhom” (My blood-stained hand) with composer Voy Ho pictured. cover, as with “I am 16” here. 1970s.” He had noticed that the majority of the people casionally even earlier recordings. “I always play old just listen to their old songs, but do not care who sang or songs because I find them so calm, so meaningful and During the 1960s, there were a couple sent back to Cambodia, where they were of a bowl of noodles on the streets was just The Khmer Rouge destroyed Cambo- composed them. Dara realized that this was due to the so sophisticated. To me, they still reflect the real life of of record companies such as Heng Heng, sold. two Riel, while a glass of water was sold dian culture and art, and that included fact that nobody had researched the biographies of the the human being. And that does not only go for myself, Chanchaya, Kampuchea, Pous Meas, Pka In the 1950s and 1960s, many bars and in the bar for 80 Riel,” he says. “But even music-related documents and records. stars and composers of the past. but also for the radio audience that just loves that old Romdoul, Kampuchea Thas, and Van clubs opened in Phnom Penh. Singers though the clubs were expensive, the live They also systematically killed intellectu- Seng Dara says that apart from writing those books, he stuff,” Vannak claims. “Therefore, I got a lot of fans, even Chan. But there was only one recording and music bands were hired to perform performances of the singers were worth als and other educated people, including has collected 100 to 200 vinyl records from that period. though most of them are middle-aged or older.” studio in Phnom Penh, that belonged to in these new venues. Those bars were lo- paying for.” singers and composers. Some of them were given to him by people who had At the same time, Vannak points out that he does not the Van Chan record company. Other cated near Kbal Thnol, along the riverside, Ou Sovanndy, 68, had the chance to see Under their rule, only revolutionary read the book or listened to his radio program on Tonel approve of young singers, who sing the old songs and record labels did not have their own stu- around the Central Market and the Olym- the performances in the clubs because of songs about communist ideology were Radio 102.5 FM. often change their melodies or modify them in other dio, and had to rent Van Chan’s studio pic Stadium. his job. He worked as a bodyguard for Air composed. That is the reason, why singer Dara has not studied Khmer literature, yet he is a skill- ways. He feels that the classic songs loose their real when they wanted to record a new song. Meas Phanna, 73, a music fan in Force General So Sakto and had to follow Hem Sovann, the former winner of the Sa- ful writer. He was in the Tourism and Hotel Management meaning this way, and he fears that the younger gen- “But even in this studio, there were only the 1950s and 1960s, says: “The music his boss everywhere. He remembers: “Bars mach Cheat contest, survived. “I was flex- program at Build Bright University in Phnom Penh, but eration might never know the original songs from the a few instruments, only one amplifier, one that was played in these clubs included in the city were very modern and expen- ible. I sang the song they told me to sing,” now he is a full-time writer and radio presenter. 1950s and 1960s. microphone and one set of drums,” says Rock ‘n’ Roll, Rumba, Slow, Cha-Cha-Cha sive. Nevertheless, the singers there were she says. He said that though he works in different fields, he is Vannak left his audience in Phnom Penh, when he was Ouk Samath, a drummer, who went on to and Blues. They rarely played music like amazing and sang so perfectly. They stood Even though Cambodian music cul- still most happy with what he has contributed to the in charge of opening new radio stations in Kampong compose his own songs. the Rom Vong or the Rom Kbach, the motionless on the stage, but their voice ture was systematically destroyed and its memory of Cambodian history. He wants the young Cham in 1999 and Siem Reap in the service of FM 103. The singers and musicians recorded traditional Khmer dance music.” sounded lively.” records annihilated, the music of the 1950s generation of Cambodia to pay attention to what our old But his fans kept asking for his return, so eventually his every song in one take. If one of them made Huy Puth, 70, a retired director of However, in 1975, all that came to an and 1960s has survived in the memory of Khmer singers and composers did in the past and are still boss let him back on air. a small mistake during the recording, they karaoke videos for the Raksmey Hang end, when the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodians until today. doing today. He says: “I cannot leave my listeners anymore as it is my had to start all over again. The master tape Meas label, used to work in a club near the the country. Many famous singers were Because music stays in the heart, it can- Currently, he is planning to write books on Vann Moly- destiny to work for their pleasure, even though they only had to be sent abroad because there was Olympic Stadium during the 1960s. He re- killed, while others fled abroad in or- not easily be wiped out. vann, the major architect of the Khmer modernism of know my voice, but have never seen my face.” And he no record pressing plant in Cambodia. calls that these clubs were exclusively for der to survive. Sinn Sisamouth, Pen Ron Sok Samphoasphalyka, Khiev Chakriya, the 1960s, and famous film stars such as Sam Van So- stresses: “I am really enjoying what I am doing at this Cambodian songs were pressed onto vinyl upper-class people, because they were ex- and Ros Sereysothea did not survive the Nov Povleakhena, Louv Lykeav, dany and Chea Yuthorn. moment.” Ou Banung in Singapore, Hong Kong, or France, then tremely expensive. “I remember the price Killing Fields. Nhem Piseth Touch Yin Vannith

10 DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia 11 Bassac Pin Peat The Traditional Music This type of musical ensemble accom- The Pin Peat orchestra is generally used panies the Bassac theatrical perform- to accompany the traditional Khmer bal- ances. Bassac came to Cambodia in the let, Lakhaoun Khol, and shadow puppet of Cambodia 1930s from the region of Bassac in South theater performances. Many religious Vietnam. The performers of Bassac came ceremonies, including funerals and com- Music has been a part of the life of Cambodians since ancient times. to Cambodia by boat on the Mekong and memorative ceremonies, are accompanied Bassac rivers, and they performed in the by Pin Peat. Royal ceremonies are always Some of the traditional styles have survived to cater to the spirit of the cities and villages along the riverbanks of accompanied by Pin Peat, too. Pin Peat is nation until today. Central Cambodia. the largest musical ensemble among the The Khmer Kampuchea Krom in Vi- Khmer traditional music bands. Some etnam took elements of a local Chinese people think that the Pin Peat Orchestra performance called “He” and combined comes from Thailand; therefore, Pin Peat Ahpea Pipea it with elements of “Kai Leung”, a type of is sometimes called “Thai Music”. How- Ahpea Pipea or marriage music is Vietnamese drama. It is a theatrical per- ever, the Pin Peat orchestra is originally used to accompany a ceremony during formance that has singing as well as re- from Cambodia. The endurance of the Pin the Khmer wedding that is performed to cited verse. Peat orchestra is witnessed by its sculpted honor the parents and to invite all guests Generally, a period of music preceded representation on several ancient temples. to witness that the new couple has decided the beginning of the singing. Like oth-

to be together. It was believed that some- er types of Khmer orchestras, Bassac is Cambodia of Archives National Collection, Meyer Charles the from photos All Ethnic Dance one in the families of those marrying will played with a large ensemble of musical Klong Khek Band The ethnic minorities in Mondulkiri become ill or even die, if the ceremony instruments, but the key instruments usu- and Ratanakiri, regions in the Northeast was not performed. The instruments used ally are the Chhing and the Chhap, two Kontrem one after the other in a circle although it is of Cambodia, have their very own music in the Ahpea Pipea ensemble are the same clash cymbals, a large gong and drums. Kontrem is a genre of music commonly common to mix between male and female and dance styles. Gongs that are used like as those used in Arek. But only a pair of found along the Thai border. It is per- dancers. Saravan is a line dance. One line drums are the only instruments in this drum is used, since it is played for the an- Mohaori formed in a comical way by two singers, steps backwards three steps, while the oth- type of music. People dance in imitation cestors, who have recently passed away The name Mohoari might have been and the singers usually tease one another. er steps forward. Then the pair exchanges of sowing rice in a circle. The music and and who do not require a loud sound to derived from the Sanskrit words for man It became well-known throughout the their roles. Among all of them, Roam dance style is simple and easy to learn. hear the music. “It all comes from beliefs and woman, which carry a meaning of country in 1982, when artists from Siem Vong is probably the most popular and and superstitions. It’s used to ask for hap- love and unforgettable beauty. Generally, Reap started to play this kind of music at well-known type of dance. It should be Smot piness for the couple and guests,” says Yos it is played to accompany certain cere- concerts in Phnom Penh. This genre of noted that none of the dances involve any According to the Khmer-English dic- Chandara from the Royal University of monies as well as festival gatherings and music was originally performed for the physical contact between men and women tionary published in 1999, Smot means to Fine Arts. parties. holy spirits. In 1940s, its purpose was as this is part of Cambodia’s tradition. chant loudly and harmoniously. In Khmer The term Mohoari was also used in mainly to ask for rain for the upcoming poetry, there are 53 ways to compose and ancient times as the name for musicians year, so that the farmers’ crops and plants Ayay 60 ways to chant. There are no set topics, Tro, Khmer fiddle, and Sror Lay Klong Chnas, flute in the temple. Existing before Angko- could grow well. Today, Kontrem is played Ayay was created at the end of the 19th Khmer poetry can be about all kind of rian times, the Mohoari music is gentle anytime for the fun of it. People play it century by a male musician known as themes. The poems can be entertaining, music is typically performed during fu- Skor Chhneas or and continuous; the songs describe and after harvesting or in the evening after a Yay. He could improvise songs that were funny, they can be about nature, animals, nerals today. “Khmer poetry is chanted in accompany everyday life activities such long day in the field. In the past, the wind at the same time very poetic and amus- feelings such as sadness, etc. Therefore, religious ceremony. Before and after the Klong Khek as working, loving or singing a child to instrument Ken was used to play this mu- ing. Mr. Yay was born in 1878 and died in Smot is not exclusively funeral music, as monk gives advice to the lay people, praise This kind of music is used in many sleep. Nine instruments are used in Mo- sic. Today, modern musical instruments 1958. Ayay is performed in many ceremo- many assume, even though this kind of of the advice of the monk will be chant- ceremonies today, including religious cer- Gong Vong in action hoari orchestra. However, the dominant are used to play Kontrem, but it is always nies for entertainment. The Ayay singers ed. It is used on Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ emonies, funerals, kick-boxing and wres- instruments are xylophones, including the accompanied by the Tro, a traditional bow raise problems and issues to argue about Day), funerals and other ceremonies,” says tling matches. Arek Roneat Aek and the Roneat Tung that are string instrument. them, and the singers use comical ges- Yin Yean, deputy chief of the Education- Skor Chhneas (Winning Drum) music Since the earliest times, Khmer people please the listening spirits and elicit their rectangular in shape and are made out of tures, which follow the melody of music. al Office and teacher at the Secondary is melancholic and somber. In the past, have believed in natural spirits, ghosts blessing. Instruments used to play Arek wood. Popular Khmer Dance The words of the songs usually insinu- School of Fine Arts. He added that Khmer it was used in the army. It made the ele- (praloeung) and guardian spirits (neak include string type instruments, flute-like The keys are tuned like a keyboard. For weddings, Khmer New Year, or any ate, mock and play. “Ayay is a very differ- poetry goes back to the Chenla Kingdom phants walk in unison and made the troop ta), who are believed to protect people instruments, and drums, the latter being Musicians use two small mallets to hit the party celebration, it is very unlikely that ent form of art. When I first studied it, I (6th century – 9th century), and de- feel courageous. from danger, to heal and to ask for rain. the most important instruments played keys in order to produce the sound. Re- Cambodians will miss out on the popular almost gave up. I have to spontaneously veloped until the Chaktomuk regime Today, the Cambodian people often For that, people offered them food and in Arek. Usually two to twelve drums cently, some Western instruments such as Khmer dances. These dances include the rhyme the words as we perform,” said Sin (15th century – 16th century). call Skor Chhneas music Klong Khek. drink along with Arek music. When a per- are used in each performance of Arek. the banjo and the mandolin were added Roam Vong, the Saravan, the Lam Leave Sophea, a senior at the Royal University of Yin Yean warns that this Khmer Her- The word Klong Khek came from Thai- son got ill, Arek music was played to invite “Arek is not extinct yet. There are veter- to the Mohoari ensemble. “Mohoari has a and the Kbaj. People dance in a group Fine Arts, who is doing her thesis on Ayay. itage might get lost, because there are land, but in fact this type of music is part the spirit to come and enter into another ans who can play this genre of music well. very soft tune. It makes you feel very calm. around a table which is decorated with She added that Ayay popularity is going not enough teacher and documents. He of the Khmer musical heritage, as sculp- person, who then asked for the reasons However, they are quite old and we need Today, we can hear it being played before flowers or fruits. For every style of dance, down. “I have noticed that there are not says: “Most of students try to learn Smot tures of Skor Chhneas music bands were for the disease. Once the sick person was younger generations to continue preserv- the contemporary music in the evening there is a different beat and certain hand as many people requesting Ayay perform- by listening to recordings, and then they sculpted on the wall of the ancient Khmer healthy, Arek was played again to invite ing it,” says Yos Chandara, the dean of the of a wedding celebration,” said Yos Chan- and dance movements that accompany it. ances as when I was in my first year. Back sing along to it. But what they sing is not temples in Angkor Wat, Baphoun and the spirit for a feast. Lyrics are mostly con- Faculty of Music at the Royal University of Ethnic minority woman plays gong dara, dean at the Royal University of Except for the Saravan, all the dances do then, we were often asked to play at special completely correct, because no one taught Bayon. soling, coaxing, or enticing, in order to Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. during a ceremony Fine Arts. not require a partner. People will line up occasions and in the provinces.” Playing the Kong Ring them the right way of chanting.” Sok Eng, Ouk Elita, Chin Panhavion

12 DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia 14 Design: Christine Schmutzler Christine Design:

DONTREYThe Music of Cambodia តន䮏䮚ីខ䮘ែរ sician at the NGO Cambodian Living Art 1,500 Riel, while the prize of an original Time for a Change? (CLA), emotionally says: “In order to have CD is 2.50 to 3 dollar. “We have done two contemporary music that stays with you VCD albums which are purely original, The reasons for the decline of popular music in Cambodia for a long time, it depends on composers, and most of the customers are Khmer who singers and listeners.” He feels that Cam- live abroad, foreigners and some other lo- bodia right now lacks the talent to develop cal people who want to support Cambo- music of the same quality as in the past. dian art,” adds Thon Seyma from Waterek Thon Seyma, a manager, singer and record company. music composer at Waterek Produc- In 2011, almost 400,000 pirated disks tion, knows about the weaknesses of re- were confiscated in 90 different locations cent songs. “We only have one composer. in six provinces during 25 raids, accord- He can play some instruments, but he ing to a report from the Internal Secu- Veasna Prom cannot read music, so it seems that we – rity Department of the National Police.

as well as other producers – lack profes- Run Socheata, vice chief of Culture and by Photo sional skills. Despite the fact that we try to Fine Arts in the Ministry of the Interior, compose new songs and learn from the who was involved in the recent crack- songs of the past, we still do not get the down on pirate shops, says that the HIM SOPHY support and recognition from the public,” number of pirated CDs has decreased in she says. Phnom Penh. im Sophy is the composer of a Khmer rock Another problem in Cambodia is the He warns that people who are caught opera, “Where Elephants Weep”, in which con- lax enforcement of copyright. There are pirating VCDs or DVDs will be fined 7,500 Htemporary music is performed with traditional countless pirated VCDs and DVDs on the Riels per disk. And he adds that there is Khmer musical instruments and Western rock instru- market, and most of the customers buy pi- still a small amount of pirated CDs on the ments for the first time in Cambodia. rated CDs. Therefore, the producers have market, as many sellers try to hide pirated Born in 1963 in Prey Veng province, he decided to study little financial incentives to produce new CDs under the counter and sometimes at the music school of the Royal University of Fine Arts in songs. even put official-looking government seals Phnom Penh in 1972. In 1985, he got a full scholarship Mr. Nam claims that “the record com- on the covers of their merchandise to fool to study in the Soviet Union. He stayed there for thirteen pany owners do not dare to spend much the police. years and completed two PhD degrees: one in composi- money to have new songs composed, as Another problem that Cambodian mu- tion in 1995 and one with a dissertation in musicology this consumes a lot of time and effort: sic faces today is the fact that musicians in 1998. “Once these records are produced, they and performers are not well-paid and Back in Cambodia, he came up with the idea to create a are immediately pirated, so spending find it difficult to survive. Menh Sothy- Khmer rock opera in 2001. To create this work and in or- much money is useless.” He adds: “We vann says, that musicians who are not so der to form an ensemble, he cooperated with producer TouchYin Vannith TouchYin can blame nobody, because the record famous, might not earn much money and John Burt who raised funding in the United States. Burt company owner wants profit and custom- might not be able to make a living. A mu- had previously been producing and directing theater-

Photo by by Photo ers want cheap CDs.” A pirated CD costs sician gets paid only 50 to 100 dollar for based projects for community development. His other Nam Bunnaroth in his studio collaborator was Catherine Filloux, the librettist of “Where Elephants Weep”, an award-winning playwright hen we arrive at his house, Nam sic song composer in the Cambodia from of the destruction of the music scene un- who has been writing dramas about genocide, human Bunnaroath is in his studio, the 1960s until today, and currently an ad- der the Khmer Rouge that has resulted in a right violations and social justice. W mixing the music of a song that viser to the Ministry of Culture and Fine lack of professionalism. Back in the 1960s In 2007, the group started performing the opera in the he is about to send to Thailand. There are Art – comes into his studio to check on and 1970s, the best time of the Cambodi- United States. “Many different kinds of audiences appre- three electric guitars on the one wall of his the progress of some recordings. Surely, an music industry, there were prolific song ciated this performance very much as it is very different studio, while on the other side, there are a Mr. Nam inherited the talent from his fa- writers, brilliant singer, and plenty of well- from other operas,” Sophy says. In 2008, his group start- number of acoustic guitars, keyboards and ther, El Bunna. educated music composers and musicians ed to perform “Where Elephants Weep” in Cambodia at amplifiers. It is here, where he composes As a successful producer, Nam Bun- in the country. All that was destroyed by the Chenla Theater in Phnom Penh. the music for his record company. naroath should know about the condition the Khmer Rouge, and the consequences After composing the score for “Where Elephants Weep”, Nam Bunnaroath is the owner of Town and the many problems of Cambodian are felt until today. he composed a work called “The Charm of Cambodia” Productions, a well-known record compa- music today. When asked about his situ- Menh Sothyvann, a famous musician for the Ministry of Tourism to be performed at the 30th ny among the youth of Phnom Penh. He ation as a musician in Cambodia, he says and the president of the Khmer Artist As- Asian Tourism Forum in January 2011. is also a singer and a government official most people might think that the artists sociation, who became famous with the He is currently working on two big new projects: “Kaley at the Department of Music in the Minis- are always happy. But in reality they do song “Louk Sre Chol Bar” (Sell The Rice the Crocodile” which is composed to company Khmer try of Culture and Fine Art. For his record this job just to earn a living and to support Field And Go To The Bar), says: “Most of contemporary dance. The other piece in the making is company, he writes songs, produces the their families. He emotionally adds: “Our music composers and song writers of the “Cambodian Requiem” (in Khmer “Bangsokoul”) which singers, who are under contract with his job is to entertain and make people happy, 1960s were music professors, so they were Vannith TouchYin is in the style of Khmer traditional music. label, and records his own songs. not to entertain ourselves.” very good.” “Teenagers should listen to original Khmer songs which

While he was interviewed, his father, The Cambodian music industry still Eang Sithul, a professor at the Royal by Photo are composed and written by Khmer people to support El Bunna – a skillful and well-known mu- suffers from the long-term consequences University of Fine Art and a master mu- Sok Chanphal our culture,” he says. Prom Veasna

18 DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia 19 one concert, while a famous singer can Eang. “I want to teach songs composed by or Southeast Asian Television, young fans fans that prefer the music of the present. to produce their own songs.” And he adds: earn up to 1,500 dollar per gig. Cambodians, but the problem is that the sit in the front row, holding the pictures Today, he has come to TV 5 to the show “To improve the situation of our music Another persistent problem in Cam- students want to learn international songs of their beloved singers and wave them, “Dontrey Samay Yu Veak Vey” (Teen Con- situation, song writers need to stop copy- bodia is that many songs are copied ei- and music. Therefore, I need to include when their stars perform. temporary Music) to see his idol, Chhorn ing songs from others and instead try to ther from other artists or from foreign that in my teaching in order to give the Khean Piseth, 20, a university student Sovannareach, who will be performing at create their own songs.” He admits that countries. Sok Chanphal, a song writer at students what they want,” he says. in downtown Phnom Penh, was attending the show. “I come here to support my star’s “I used to copy songs from others myself. new album. I love Chhorn Sovannareach, But I got famous for my own songs, so I because his voice is so sweet. And I love stopped copying to maintain my reputa- his style that he shows during his per- tion.” formances,” says Mr. Chhoun. While producing new songs might take Chhuon Vipor says that he has become more time and earns only a small profit, a member of Chorn Sokvanreach’s club via there is a number of newly composed Facebook six months ago. He claims that songs, which did surprisingly well and can he did not get anything from this fan club, serve as an encouragement for others to but the opportunity to express his love for come up with new material. These songs him: “I love him, and I would do every- got their music composers recognition thing for him. I do not want anything back from the public. from him,” says Vipor. Nam Bunnaroath says: “I have com- What can be done to improve the situ- posed some new songs which have gained DJ ADDA ation of contemporary music in Cambo- popularity and recognition among the J Adda – who won’t reveal her real name dia? Singer Menh Sothyvann says: “We youth. They are “Mouy Neaty” (One until she gets married – is a famous female don’t have enough training institutions. Minute), “Hot Neuy” (Exhausted), “Rok D Cambodian rapper. She started singing when We need to open more schools that pro- Kvas Sneh” (Love Withdrawel) and she was 13 and learned to play guitar when she was vide musical education, so there is a vari- “Akhara Deng Kun” (Grateful Words)”, 15. She did not recieve any formal training, she learned ety of training.” he claims. “I like this job, even though it just by listening to to foreign and Cambodian rappers. He also feels that “the authorities is not very well-paid. But it feeds me, and DJ Adda has released two albums already: “Adda. The should strictly enforce the law. If there was allows me to have a good living.” Next Generation” in 2008 and “Amazing Cambodia” in less piracy, there would be more financial Lim Chanphirun, Ty Samphors Vicheka, 2010. incentives for the composers and writers Phal Sokpheary, Khun Nayheak She distributes her songs to her fans through YouTube and Facebook. She also burns them on CD and passes them to every record store in Phnom Penh, so they can make their own copies. She also gives away free copies during charity performances. “To me, music is a nonprofit business. Selling those CDs will not make me rich. It will not even pay for the time and the effort that I put into the music,” she says. She makes her money as an MC at corporate parties, concerts and other events. “I love it, and I do it for fame, pride and patriotism,” she points out. The people around her might inspire her song ideas, but

Photo by Phal Sokpheary Phal by Photo when she writes the songs down, she needs to be alone Menh Sothyvann with her guitar. Her father, a musician, is her piano in- structor and music mentor. “Sometimes my parents and Hang Meas (Golden Swan) record com- Most of teenagers prefer the songs of a concert at South-East Asia Television sister help me with the lyrics, but mostly I write them pany, says that it is becoming normal to today over the music from the “Golden and listening to the songs of well-known myself,” she says. copy songs from others and that almost all Age” of Cambodian music before the singer Phann Monica. He says: “I really She really loves old Cambodian music and tries to pre- record companies do so. If there would be Khmer Rouge. Phal Only Rathanak, 19, a appreciate the music from the past, be- serve it. That is why she sings some of the old songs a stricter enforcement of copyright, there high school student and music fan, says: “I cause it is very meaningful and the songs during her performances, so that her teenager audience might be less copied songs, he says. rarely listen to the old songs from the past, are very lively. They are full of these very hears and remembers the old songs in order to never Some contemporary music is copied but that does not mean that I do not like beautiful descriptions of places and peo- forget the significance that the past has for the present from our neighboring nations such as them.” He adds that he listens to the old ple, and therefore they have stayed with and the future. Thailand and Vietnam. “There are many songs mostly when he stays with his par- us until today.” But he adds: “The con- Currently, she is a student at the University of Cambo- young people who like pop music from ents and that he sings those classic songs temporary music is also well-made, and I dia, and lately, she has not performed on TV as she is Korea and from the US, and the compos- for fun on outings with his friends. really like to listen to it. Nevertheless, its busy composing new songs. She plans to put out a new ers need to copy these songs, because of While the music of today might not be weakness is that it is copied from foreign album in 2012. “I’m saving up my talents, my skills, my the fans,” says Eang Sithul. as successful as that from the 1960s and countries.” music, my time and my capital to open up a professional

Ngin Sokkrorva, who runs a music 1970s, it still appeals to the youth of today. Chhuon Vipor, a fan of singer Chhorn Interior of Ministry Photo musical school and studio and a shop for musical instru- school in his own house, agrees with Mr. At concerts of television stations like TV 5 Sovannareach, is not different from other Confiscated pirated disks in the yard of the Ministry of Interior ments”, she says. Chea Chakrya

20 DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia 21 has transformed into her. Aok Sokun Kan- She made her first record, when she was 12 The Ruling Stars ha played very convincingly the part of a and got only 20 dollar per song. The record woman, whose body has been taken over was not a success. Aok Sokun Kanha says: Preap Sovath and Aok Sokun Kanha: by a man. This comedy was a big success “They did not give me a chance to sing a ro- in the cinema and on DVD. mantic song, because I was so young at that fashion idols of Cambodia’s youth While Aok Sokun Kanha successfully time. They did not believe that I could sing a acted as a man in a woman’s body, Preap slow song well.” However, she was happy that Sovath did also well as an actor in the she could make some money on her own to is concerts are sold out. sers just look classic to me.” And he keeps movie “The Crocodile” by Mao Ayuth. support her family. His songs are on the radio, reinventing his style. When he started out, In this film, Preap Sovath is the hero, a Aok Sokun Kanha later worked for H and he is performing on he wore his hair slicked backed, but later crocodile hunter. This movie was not three different record TV: Preap Sovath. he let his hair grow down to his shoulders only a success for Preap Sovath, but also companies be- She mixes the style and invents her – for older, conservative Cambodians an for his record company Hang Meas. It ran fore joining own chic that many of Cambodia’s outrageous fashion statement. However, in Phnom Penh for one month, and was Hang Meas teenagers follow. She sings beautiful his dressing and hair style are of timeless also screened in other cities in Cambodia. in 2007. rock and pop songs, and she acts like elegance for most teenagers. And no matter how many times it was Since she a boy: Aok Sokun Kanha. More recently, he is sporting the spiky look screened, the audience flocked to see the has started “Oun Chea Besdoung Bong” (You Are that Korean boy groups have made popu- film whenever it was shown. to appear on My Heart), recorded in 1997, made lar in Asia and has parts of his head shaved. Preap Sovath and Aok Sokun Kanha the label, she has Preap Sovath, 35, a star, and that is what In the last decade, the “Korean style” has both come from modest backgrounds, released more than 200 has remained until today. This tall, good made waves not only in Cambodia, but and worked their way up to become stars. songs. Aok Sokun Kanhna be- looking man with the sweet voice has been also in many other Asian countries. Sitting in his office in a yellow muscle shirt came a singer to support her family. the most popular singer of Cambodia Aok Sokun Kanha is quite different and with a hat – both signs of his unique As she was the eldest sister, she had no for almost 15 years. Aok Sokun from other female singers in Cambodia. style – Preap Sovath remembers his child- chance to pursue her bachelor degree, Kanha, 25, joined his ranks She likes wearing sportswear, sweaters, hood. His father was killed during the because she has to earn money for her in 2007, when she recorded hoodies and sneakers in both daily life Khmer Rouge period. He says: “I have siblings. “I want to be a film director, but her first song “Tael Toul” and when performing on stage, a style never seen my father. I have no idea what this dream is out of reach for me, as I am (Lonely) for the Hang that is not very common for Cambodian he looked like.” so busy performing.” She has promised to Meas record company, the ladies. While other Cambodian female His life with only his mother in Kandal earn the money to provide her brother same label that has Preap singers like to wear fancy gowns and put province continued to be a struggle af- and her sister with higher education. Sovath under contract. beautiful make up on, Aok Sokun Kan- ter the Khmer Rouge regime. In 1990, he Despite their success and their glamor- Recently, the two have ha does it her way. She wears little make started to sing in bars and restaurants in ous style, Preap Sovath and Aok Sokun teamed up on the hits up and wears loose pants, miniskirts or order to support his studies. Seven years Kanha, both live a modest life that is “Call Tune Domnang petticoats. later, he was recommended by a friend very different from other Cambodian Chet Smos” (My Call Until recently, she was rarely seen wearing to the Hang Meas label, where his career stars who go out every night and party. Tune Shows How Honest dresses when she performed. Unless the took off. He was a student of Economy at Aok Sokun Kanha wears those fashiona- I Am) and “Call Tune Som- situation forces her to dress up, she would the Royal University of Law and Econom- ble dresses only during her performance. tous” (Call Tune Apology), choose to wear simply loose pants or jeans ics at that time, but he never finished his Preap Sovath lives with his family, and has which have been smash- with a t-shirt and sometimes a bandana. degree. successfully managed to keep them away ing successes among their “Her dressing style looks easy going and Despite the huge success, he is still modest from the media. teenage fans. is acceptable for every situation,” says Ah in both speech and behavior. When asked Both have supported charities. They have Part of the secret of the Dai, one of her fans. Many teenagers today what made him a singer, Preap Sovath re- been involved in social work for orphan- success of these two promi- pick up that style that signals independ- plies: “Because I like to sing and because ages in Phnom Penh and in Kompong Speu nent singers is their unique ence and toughness. the huge support from the audiences province. They also support the Somaly style. Preap Sovath became And it is not just her dressing style that encouraged me to take up this career.” Mam Foundation that fights against human a fashion idol because of gives Aok Sokun Kanha a special tomboy- Up till now, Preap Sovath has recorded trafficking. his unique, trendy dress and ish bent, but also her behavior. Instead more than 3,000 songs. When asked how Apart from their singing careers, Preap So- hairstyle. Aok Sokun Kanha of answering “Cha”, the Khmer word many albums he has released, he answers: vath and Aok Sokun Kanha both run their has created her own unique for “Yes” that only women use, she says “I cannot count them anymore, it’s just too own businesses. Preap Sovath has a hair- tomboyish style that has made “Bat”, the word for “Yes” that is tradition- many.” dressing salon and a tailor shop. Aok Sokun her “the princess of style” among ally reserved for men. She once played a While Preap Sovath never received any Kanha runs a beauty parlor and a decoration teenagers. male part in the movie “Bdey Laor” (The formal training, Aok Sokun Kanha was shop. Preap Sovath likes to wear a tight Good Husband). The movie was meant to sent to a traditional dancing school when Preap Sovath has performed in many coun- shirt with the top buttons open highlight the hard work that Cambodian she was six years old. Her father was a mu- tries, including Japan, the United States, Aus- together with black, tight trousers. housewives are doing and that is often sician and her mother was a traditional tralia, Vietnam and Thailand. He has brought He says: “I have always liked the taken for granted by their husbands. In dancer. Aok Sokun Kanha says: “To be back one insight from these tours: “Music is style of the 1960s and 1970s. Tight, the film, she wakes up in the body of her honest, I was never good in school. But the identity of a nation.” long-sleeved shirts and black trou- husband one morning, while her husband I did well in dancing class and in sports.” Chan Muy Hong, Heng Sokchannaroath

22 DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia 23 Oum Dara says that he was asked in career as a composer. In 2005, he wrote 1961 to become the music conductor at two songs for the Human Rights Or- the Golden Lotus, the floating restaurant ganization of Kem Sokha. They are titled that was near Chroy Chang Va Bridge on “Khmer Akherngsa” (Khmer without Vio- the Tonle Sap. In the same year, he also lence) and “Ponleu Sontipheap” (Light of started to perform for National Radio Peace). Another song was written for the Kampuchea. He stayed with the station CEDAC Organization and is called “Smak until 1975, when the Khmer Rouge took Bomrer” (Volunteer). over power in Cambodia. What is more, besides composing mu- During the Khmer Rouge Period, mil- sic and lyrics, Oum Dara also teaches and lions of people were killed, especially edu- gives advice to those who want help in cated people and famous people. Fortu- the field of music. In 2006, when the Sinn nately, Oum Dara stayed alive: “I survived Sisamouth Association was created by Sinn because I was lucky. I did, what they or- Chan Chaya, a son of Sinn Sisamouth, and dered me to do. I didn’t argued or debate,” other fans of the music of the 1960s and CAMBODIAN Oum Dara explains. 1970s songs, Oum Dara contributed all Between 1960 and the Khmer Rouge of his effort to help teach music to people SPACE period, Oum Dara wrote many love songs: in this association, although it was not a “I cannot remember how many songs I well-paid job. PROJECT wrote during that time.” However, one His music and his songs are still what ambodian Space Project, little known among of his songs he keeps talking about is the he is most proud of. In his point of view, Cambodian people, but enjoying growing in- song that tells his own story. “Ors Sorng “the best poem educates readers, and C ternational success, has been uncovering the Kherm” (Hopeless) came straight from the the most beautiful song are about seper- mysteries of Khmer rock from the 1960s and 1970s to heart of Oum Dara. It is about his love for ated lovers.” He remembers: “The most inform and delight the world in the 21st century. a girl, that was not meant to be, because he popular song I have written is “Lor Lork The Cambodian Space Project is a band made up of ex- already had a wife. Oum Dara says that he Nhi Chhmol” (Female and Male Doves), pats and Cambodians – including drummer Bong Sak is sure that the girl also loved him and that which was a best seller during the 1960s and singer Srey Thy – that performs and records Cambo- she understood his feelings after hearing and 1970s and especially popular among dian rock music from the 1960s and 1970s. his song: “But she has never talked to me monks. It tells the sad story of two birds. The founder of the Cambodian Space Project is Julien anymore since then.” The female bird gets killed by a hunter, Poulson, an Australian guitarist, who first visited Cam- Som Vanna, the second wife of Oum and the male bird is left alone.” bodia on a fellowship to study the country’s music in Dara, says: “I know everything about his There are a lot more songs that nobody 2007. love story, but I do not care.” And she has heard since 1975, but now, thanks to “At the time of my first visit, I had the chance to listen to

Photo by Touch Yin Vannith Yin Touch by Photo adds: “I pity him. Most of his lovers left Oum Dara’s effort, these songs reappear Khmer Chapei played by Master Kung Nai, and I was so Composer Oum Dara with his oldest violin him because of his quiet personality.” on a paper. Dara was asked to write those inspired by that,” Poulson says. “I had more opportuni- Oum Dara has two children with Som songs down again for the new music com- ties to come and to listen to songs by Sinn Sisamouth Vanna. They got married in 1980, after his pany of Leng Nara, 27, who is an employee and Ros Sereysothea. I was more and more fascinated first wife Sok Khom had died during the at a telecom company as his dayjob. by the stories behind that music, and in 2009 I decided Hidden Treasures Khmer Rouge Regime. Oum Dara had Leng Nara explains why he has started to form this band.” married his first wife Sok Khom in 1957. this business: “Some of my friends spent Cambodian Space Project has been seen as a band that Oum Dara is writing the scores of old Khmer songs from his memory. They also had two children. between three years and ten years with old has the potential to reach an international audience. After the tragic time of Khmer Rouge teachers, but they have no time to become They had the great opportunity to travel and tell people um Dara sits on his old desk that old songs on his trumpet in order to re- Nobody in his family was a musician, time, people with any kind of education real artists”. Therefore, he adds, “I spend about what’s going on in Cambodia and in the Phnom is filled with books. Only an old member their melodies. but Oum Dara became a well-known vio- were in high demand. Oum Dara start- my own money to start this new music Penh scene. Just one year and a half after their forma- O lamp lights up the darkness in “Klen Snae” (The Smell of Love), lin player, after he took violin classes with ed to work in the Ministry of Education company.” tion, they have performed in many different countries, his room. He writes down musical note sung by So Savern, and “Som Bort 1000 a French music instructor in 1957. After in 1979, and changed to the Ministry Leng Nara has spent his savings of including Hong Kong, France, Australia, Macau and the on a sheet.The sixty songs he has written Peak” (1,000 Words of Promise), sung by graduation from high school in 1957, of Health in 1980. After the elections in about 10,000 dollar, 10 percent of the es- USA. down so far are pop songs from the 1960s Chhoun Malai, are among the sixty songs Oum Dara did not go to university. He 1993, Oum Dara was asked to work for timated total costs, for the company that However, they are not the only international band that and 1970s that got lost during the Khmer that we find nowhere, but in the head of was asked by his friend, who was a music the Ministry of Defense, until he retired in will retrieve old and lost songs from the covers Cambodian classic pop. Dengue Fever, an Ameri- Rouge period. These songs have never Oum Dara, one of the few suriving musi- enthusiast, to take violin lessons with him. 2000, when he was 60. During this period, 1960s and 1970s, and give potential sing- can band with a Cambodian singer, has played a mix of been recorded and no written scores ex- cians and song composers from the Gold- The friend soon gave up, but Oum Dara he also wrote many songs. ers and composers the opportunity to Khmer pop, psychedelic rock and surf since 2001 with isted or were destroyed during the Pol Pot en Age of Cambodian pop music. had found his calling. In 2001, Oum Dara got the Neyabat Kr- come up with a new sound based on the growing international success. period. Oum Dara was born in 1940 as the only After the violin, he learned many other erng Esarakyous Monysaraphorn award in music of the “Golden Age”. “Oum Dara is a “I love Khmer pop music from the 1960s and 1970s, be- So Oum Dara is writing the scores child of an upper class family in Phnom musical instruments including the trum- 2000 for his work for his country. And in kind man. He is willing to help us as much cause it is so sweet, different and creative. The purpose from his memory. Some of these songs Penh, while Cambodia was under French pet and the melodeon, and went on to 2001, he got another award, the Krerng as he can,” says Leng Nara. He doesn’t care of creating Cambodian Space Project is to help to revive were written by him, some by others. Colonial rule. His father, Oum Chea, was become a music teacher himself. And he Esarakyous, for his service to the country. much about the fee, because he does love the memory of early Cambodian rock and pop,” Poulson Oum Dara started to write these songs a customs officer in Phnom Penh, and his started to write his own songs, including Although he has been retired for eleven music. says. “I never thought in my life I would be living in Cam- down one year ago. He tries and plays the mother, Hol Pon, was a house wife. the lyrics. years, Oum Dara never wanted to end his Touch Sopor bodia and play Khmer music.” Theng Kimchhel

24 DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia 25 Tekeh Li Me’s Photo by Cambodian Living Arts Living Cambodian by Photo Kong Nay s a Cambodian-American, Laura Mam, band leader of The Like Me’s, is proud of her musi- A cal heritage. The band was founded two year Master of the Chapei ago, and they focus mostly on original music. Occasion- ally, they cover any piece of Khmer music that sounds Kong Nay preserves Khmer musical heritage. pleasurable to their ears like the song “Sva Rom Monk- iss” from the 1960s. oday Kong Nay, 66, master of 1979, he and his family were taken to be The Like Me’s are Laura Mam on vocals and guitar, her

Photo by Oum Vannak Oum by Photo the traditional Chapei, the two- killed. The Vietnamese army that invaded first cousin Helena Hong on bass, and Filipina-Ameri- Sim Saky in his office T stringed and long-necked guitar Cambodia in January 1979 saved them cans Monique Coquilla on drums and Loren Alonzo on from Cambodia, has fathered ten chil- just in time. keyboard. dren and lives in Sangkat Boeng Tumpun, During the 1980s, Kong Nay and his Laura and Helena knew little about Khmer culture as Amateur Productions Meanchey District, in the Southwestern brother-in-law made a living as itinerant children, because of the horrible genocide from 1975 outskirts of Phnom Penh. He was born in musician. In 1991, he won a national mu- to 1979 under Pol Pot. Their parents, who had moved Cambodian youths create their own music. Kampot province into a family that played sic contest of the Ministry of Culture and to the US with them, barely spoke to them about Cam- music lover since his youth, Sim says Saky. This is how the process works: enough money and equipment,” says Saky. traditional instruments. Fine Arts. He was in his early fifties, when bodian culture. Only as a teenager, Laura learned about Saky, 26, a graphic designer for first, Saky takes ten foreign songs and Duch Thida, 23, a watch vendor at When he was four years old, he was he recorded one of his songs in a studio in the history of Cambodia and its “Golden Age” during the AArun Reaksmey Phama, has made translates the lyrics into Khmer. Then he Phnom Penh’s Paragon Market, says: “I blinded by smallpox. At six, he asked his Phnom Penh for the first time. 1960s. She became proud of her heritage. With the Like his dream come true: to be a star in his goes to one of the many recording studios used to listen to their songs, and I admire mother to bring him to listen to Chapei Kong Nay started teaching many stu- Me’s, she wants to create a sense of similarity between own band called Sim Saky Productions in Phnom Penh to record the vocals of his them, because they can produce a song player Phirum Chah. My thought: “I am dents how to play the Chapei at the NGO the cultures of that period and today. (SSK). group over the original song. After the ten album by themselves.” She adds: “Even blind and do not know what to do. If I can Cambodian Living Arts in 2003. He has “I have personally been interested in Ros Sereysothea SSK began in 2006, when Sim Saky songs are recorded, he burns them on CD though it is not as good as commercial learn how to play the Chapei, it will help played internationally in Africa, France, since I was 16 as well as Pov Vannary as she was a guitar made his first album. In late 2010, he re- for everybody who wants a copy. productions, it is acceptable.” me to support myself.” Belgium, United States, England, Austral- player like me,” says Laura. She continues: “I love sing- leased the third album with three other The next stop is to shoot a video for the Despite the fact that the amateur pro- He went from rice field to rice field ia and New Zealand. ing old Khmer songs. I feel like the history in my blood members. “The third album is the most songs. Saky stresses that “I did not have ducers do not make any money, they still to perform, imitating the Chapei with his He recalls his concerts in Australia, comes to life. It makes me feel so happy, because I know successful album so far. My friends ad- too many problems with the video be- seem happy to work for free for the love mouth. Farmers asked him to perform for when thousands of people around him that I am honoring the spirit of the great artists of that mire me a lot for it,” Saky says. “I produce cause I can use my own video camera, and of music. “At least I can be a star in my them and gave him money for that. were cheering. “If my sons, daughters, time period by remembering their music and art.” those album not for commercial purpos- I know how to edit video.” friends’ mind,” says Saky. Oum Vannak At the age of thirteen, his father bought grand children, brothers, nephews and In 2010 The Like Me’s came to Cambodia to play concerts es. I just want to have fun and show off my The budget of such a production does him a Chapei. His uncle taught him how grandfather could see this, how happy in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and Laura hopes their abilities to my friends,” he adds. not have to be high. Even most students to play it by playing each song to him three would they be,” he says. “I feel very hap- band can come back to Cambodia next year. Recently, this kind of amateur produc- can afford it. Keot Sokunthea, 19, a singer times. He tried to learn the songs by heart. py to play with foreign musicians, and it Sim Virinea tion has become very popular among the with RSM Productions, says: “My group Kong Nay began performing profession- is good to exchange experience, to know youth of Cambodia. Not only SSK, but also only spent money for the studio and for ally at the age of eighteen and in 1964 he and to learn. But I do not forget about my Reak Smey Slek Meas is working on their the CDs.” She explains that her group married his wife, Tak Chhe. own culture.” And he adds: “I think I have own albums. Orn Munyrith, 21, leader of paid 4 dollar per song to record them in Under the Khmer Rouge, he was only a special talent to play the Chapei from my TSM Productions, yet another amateur the studio and about 10 dollar for blank allowed to play propaganda songs. Kong previous life, because I have a good and group, says: “I think it is very good that CDs to copy their songs or videos on. In Nay, like thousands of other Cambodians, clear voice.” more teenagers and other young people total, they paid around 60 dollar for one faced starvation and illness. The food ra- However, there is one Cambodian create their own music. This way they can album. tions he received were similar to those superstition that he wants to get rid of: develop their skills and might even ad- If they want to move on to a profession- of the sick. He was forced by the Khmer “Please stop telling people that they will vance our music industry.” al level, lack of equipment and budget are Rouge cadres to make rope out of palm become blind by playing Chapei. Other- “In fact, it is not so difficult to create a common obstacles for the amateur pro- leaves. In mid 1978, his brother was killed wise you contribute to the extinction of CD album of our own, if you have some ducers. “I believe I could make both pro- by Khmer Rouge soldiers. “I thought I will Chapei music.” money and if you are a creative mind”, fessional recordings and videos, if I had Self-produced CD by SSK be next,” Kong Nay said to himself. In early Mech Dara

26 DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia 27 joyed it and how healthy it was. “When “Dances mirror Society” I am dancing, I am happier than when I work out on machines,” she stresses. Western dances like the Cha-Cha-Cha are having a comeback in Dance instructor Sophin explains that before the Khmer Rouge regime, he used Phnom Penh. to dance at the balls of the universities after the final exam. Another ball took place one month before Khmer New Year. He pauses with a smile and then goes on to tell that because of his young age he was not allowed to enter bars or clubs. Dances that were popular in the 1960s and 1970s were the Cha-Cha-Cha, the Tango and Rock and Roll. These dances are from western countries, and he learned them from his friends who studied with French students. “I hardly use Khmer songs for my les- sons in Cha-Cha-Cha. I take ‘Black Magic Woman’ and ‘Oye como va’ for my class. The Khmer beat is not as danceable as the

western one,” says Sophin. Chan Sok by Photo Long Den, coordinator at Tiny Toones TINY TOONES iny Toones is a non-profit organization that coaches and nearly 3000 members, both male and fe- was established in 2008 and trains youths who male, in its fives branches. T like to do hip-hop breakdancing. Tiny Toones’ members have been invited to Singapore, Tiny Toones was founded by Tuy Sobil, who calls him- Thailand, the US and Italy. In Cambodia, they have per- self KK. He learned breakdancing in the United States, formed at the Chenla Theatre, Chaktomuk Conference says Long Den, the program coordinator of Tiny Toones. Hall, Naga World and on numerous television shows. KK was born in a Thai refugee camp in 1977 during the Meas Chantty, 14, a student at Tiny Toones, says: “I am Khmer Rouge dictatorship. His family immigrated to happy that I have joined Tiny Toones.” He adds that he the US, when he was four. He became a member of a is learning both breakdancing and English. Chantty has street gang in Long Beach, California, as a teenager, been in the dance class for half of year. Despite the hard

Photo by Touch Yin Vannith Yin Touch by Photo and was in and out of jail for drug and other offenses training, he does not want to give up. He met a lot of Dance lesson at Ken Sophin’s house during his youth. In 2004, when Cambodia and the US signed a Repatriation Agreement, KK – who had no t 4:30 in the afternoon, Ken about 20 students, who are mostly in their and seven o’clock both in the morning and US citizenship – was deported to Cambodia, a country Sophin sits in his living room, forties and fifties. in the evening people work out to loud he had never been to with a language he could hardly A waiting for his students. On the Although dances such as the Tango, pop music along the streets, in parks and Vannith Yin Touch by Photo speak. He became a street worker in Phnom Penh, and left a CD player stands on a rack next Cha-Cha-Cha or the Twist are not tra- at the Olympic stadium. Most of them are Ken Sophin founded Tiny Toones in 2008. to a mirror wall. A 25 year-old lady and ditional Khmer dances, people are ready between twenty-five to fifty. Lon Den said that Tiny Toones does not only offer a 50 year-old men have just arrived, and to pay in order to learn them. There are Horn Sopheakna, a 48 year-old busi- He says that people in the 1960s and creative programs such as music and arts classes. The Sophin tells them about the dance styles several clubs around Phnom Penh offer- ness woman, is one of Sophin’s students. 1970s taught each other before they went organization also provides English courses from kin- that they can learn in his class. ing dance classes. “I particularly studied She says that she never used to dance to ball; they learn to dance at each other’s dergarten to upper intermediate level and Khmer from Ken Sophin, 62, is a professor of engi- the Tango and Cha-Cha-Cha in France. when she was young. Before enrolling in house. Today, however, young people grade one to grade six. The children and youths in the neering at the University of Technology of I run this class in Cambodia, because I this class, she weighed 87 kilo and went dance anarchically, and without respect for organization are between seven and twenty-four. He Tiny Toones in Italy in 2010 Cambodia at day, and a dance instructor have loved dancing since I was young,” to the gym, because she wanted to lose each other, he says. And he has observed: says, the organization is open to all kids who do not in the evening. When he went to France says Sophin. He adds that dancing is weight. Her weight now is 79 kilo. Today, the men seem shier to dance than have a certain standard of living, especially to street friends from different backgrounds at Tiny Toones, and in 1983 in order to pursue a degree in en- good for the health and it is fun. He also “My husband does not want me to women, while in the 1960s it was the other children. that encouraged him to continue breakdancing. gineering, he took dance classes for two wants people to learn the dances properly. dance along the street, since it looks like way around: women waited to be asked to Tiny Toones is supported by a number of international His parents have allowed him to join Tiny Toones. How- years. Ten months ago, he started to teach “Dancing and Gymnastics,” says his name his wife his showing her body to every- dance by the male dancers. charity organizations, including the McKnight Founda- ever, he still goes to a public school. He says: “I want to dance classes in his villa in Toul Kork card. body,” says Sopheakna. She adds that her Sophin stresses: “Dances mirrors the tion of Minneapolis, the Global Fund for Children, Aus- become a good breakdancer in the future.” He added every evening from five to seven. The class In the last couple of years, Cambodians husband is taking the class together with society that people live in.” tralia Volunteer International and Freedom To Create that he hopes to perform breakdance abroad. costs 30 dollar per month, and he has have started to do aerobics. Between five her now, since he saw how much she en- Sothea Ines (FTC). Tiny Toones now has 38 staffers, three foreign Sok Chan

28 DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia DONTREY—The Music of Cambodia 29 ផែនទីចំរៀងខ䮘ែរ Cambodia Song Map

9

4 2 3 7 Illustration by Kim Sokun Kim by Illustration

8 5 1 6

 Cambodian musicians have written so many songs about the cities, provinces  and sceneries of their country, that they form a virtual map of the kingdom. Here are some examples…

ល.រ ចំនងជើង ទី㾶ំង អ䮓កចំរៀង អ䮓កនិពន䮒 No. Songtitle Location Singer Composer ១ 澶ហើយ殶ជ䮶នី ទីក䮚ុង ភ䮓ំពេញ ឈុន វណ䮎ា វ៉ោយ ហូ 1 Good bye Capital City Phnom Penh Capital Chhon Vanna Voy Ho ២ ទឹកជ䮚ោះប៊ូស䮚ា ខេត䮏មណ䮌លគីរី តូច តេង និង ម៉ៅ 羶រ៉េត អំុ ម៉ាណូរិន 2 Bo Sra Waterfall Mondulkiri Province Touch Teng & Mao Sareth Oum Manorin

៣ ជំ俄រប៉ៃលិន ខេត䮏ប៉ៃលិន អ៊ិន យ៉េង គង䮂 ប៊ុនឈឿន 3 Pailin Breeze Pailin Province Ros Sereysothea Kong Bun Chhoeun

៤ 殶ំវង់អង䮂រ ខេត䮏សៀម殶ប ឌុច គឹម莶ក់ និង ប៉ែន រ៉ន អ៊ុយ ហ៊ែល 4 Romvong at Angkor Seam Reap Province Douch Kimhak & Pen Ron Ouy Heal

៥ ចំប៉ាផ្羶រលើ ខេត䮏កំពង់ឆ䮓ាំង ស៊ីន ស៊ី羶មុត ម៉ា 蟅ពី 5 Flower of Psar Ler Kompong Chhnang Province Sinn Sisamouth Ma Laopi ៦ សម䮚ស់τះកុង ខេត䮏τះកុង ស៊ីន ស៊ី羶មុត មស គក 6 The Beauty of Koh Kong Koh Kong Province Sinn Sisamouth Meas Kok ៧ ជ䮚ោះពេជ䮚ចិន䮏ា ខេត䮏បត់ដំបង រស់ សេរីសុទ䮒ា គង䮂 ប៊ុនឈឿន 7 The Caves of Pich Chenda Battambong Province Ros Sereysothea Kong Bun Chhern ៨ អក䮁殶㾶មព䮚ះ家យ ខេត䮏កំពង់ាម ស៊ីន ស៊ី羶មុត ម៉ា 蟅ពី 8 Message through the wind Kompong Cham Province Sinn Sisamouth Ma Laopi ៩ ស䮚㯄ះអូរជ䮚ៅ ខេត䮏បន䮑ាយមនជ័យ 羶មុត និង សេរីសុទ䮒ា ស៊ីន ស៊ី羶មុត 9 Missing O Chrov Bonteay Mean Chey Province Sinn Sisamouth & Ros Sereysothea Sinn Sisamouth ១០ អនុស្羶វរីយ៍កំពង់翄ម ខេត䮏សីហនុ រស់ សេរីសុទ䮒ា វ៉ោយ ហូ  Memory of Kompong Som Sihanouk Ville Ros Sereysothea Voy Ho ១១ បុប䮕ាក្厶លជ䮚ោយ ខេត䮏កណ䮏ាល អ៊ិន យ៉េង ម៉ា 蟅ពី  The Flower of Kbal Chroy Kondal Province In Yeng Ma Laopi