Menu
Expat.com

Any musicians in Chiang Mai???

Post new topic

tedlange

Hey There,

I plan to be living in Chiang Mai no later than Jan 2017. I currently have a full studio in my house for writing and recording music. I am interested to know if there are any current expats looking to start a band. I might sell some of my stuff or bring it with me if there are people that could use it with me. I have a pearl drum set, guitars, a bass, ukulele, bongos, microphones and so many other toys. I am moving to Chiang Mai with the intent of spending a good amount of time making and performing music and I'd love to start something.

Here is what I listen too (or at least some examples)

- The Beatles
- The Dear Hunter
- City and Colour
- The weepies
- Nujabes
- Various Jazzy Hip hop

I am a singer and guitar player mainly. I can noodle on just about anything though.

If we can make money great, if not great. I just want to make music.

-Ted

noom_noi

excellent choice, Chiangmai is a city for artists to live happily.

kirklea

Hey Ted was happy to read your post. I am a musician who has recently come to live in Chiang Mai, and while i am not much of a performer I have my own studio here and love the creativity that being here offers me. Mind you i have scaled down a lot since leaving my home town of Newcastle in Australia. I brought with me my Arturia Keylab 61 midi keyboard, my Tannoy Reveal 601A studio monitors and my desktop computer, weighing in at around 50kgs for the lot.  I am having my parents bring a semi-acoustic guitar with them when they visit here in January.

My "style" of playing varies a lot but i am predominantly into ambient electronic music, whether it be chilled beats or more free-form experimental piano instrumentals. I love deep house and occasionally branch off into this area.

It sounds like you have a lot of gear! I'm not sure whether you want to bring it all with you but if you do just know that there is at least one willing collaborator here.

I have only been here a little over a week myself so i have no further in depth information about what the scene is like here. From previous month-long holidays during peak season i have seen many bands, performing both covers and live music, and i have visited the North Gate jazz venue once, which blew me away.

Feel free to reach out when you land. My email is crystallinesounds@gmail.com.

And congrats on your decision to move. It is a great lifestyle here and quite inspirational for creative-type people like us.

lenlam8

Hi Ted,
Glad to hear you are coming to Chiang Mai, I am a drummer played with many bands for lots of years, sold all my drum sets, vintage Ludwigs and and a few great DWs sets back in Southern California. I have been living in Chiang Mai for a couple of years now and miss playing music a lot. I was a co-founder of my last band The Rock Kings played around Ventura restaurants and bars for awhile then moved here for good with my wife. I love to play different genres, from Classic rocks to Latin. I hope we have a chance to get together and play when you get here and go from there,
Lenny

lenlam8

Hey Ted,
My email is xxx
Lenny

Moderated by Bhavna 8 years ago
Reason : Please exchange contact details via private messaging.
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct
NSJ

Very Interesting to hear guys,
I too am originally from Newcastle, Australia.
I'm a singer/songwriter and have had my 15 mins of fame so to speak (Blackfeather - can be googled)
Was just in Chiang Mai in October and moving there in 2018.
Still performing and writing in OZ, and will be bringing as much gear as practicable.
I also have a home recording set up but may up-grade when there?
I noticed several good PA's while there so feel they can be easily accessed, but will bring my guitars and amp.
Nice to know there will be a few muso expats around

Cheers

doctorgroove

Hey all!  I am a mature (61y.o.) semi retired credentialed professional drummer, currently living in Las Vegas.  I am considering moving to either Chiang Mai or Saigon/HoChiMinh City. 
Is it possible to earn enough income to live on playing music in Chiang Mai?  I play a very wide range and variety of styles, but specialize in Blues, Jazz, r'n'b/soul, and acoustic styles.  I can also teach drums.  Any info or advice would be sincerely appreciated...
Regards,
Andrew

kirklea

Hi Andrew. It has been almost 6 months since my previous post and i have learned much in that time. It is unfortunate however it is not possible to earn money here as a musician if you are not a Thai local. While there are examples of "western" musicians and bands playing around, it is only occasionally and they would not be doing so as a paid gig. This would be frowned upon and seen as an act that deprives local Thais from earning an income themselves. 

Living here has proven to be a blessing but if your primary motive is to sustain yourself through paid work as a muso then i would reconsider. This is just my personal observation and so i hope you do more research on the topic.

Best of luck with your choice.

Hoodoo man

Hi guys, I'm new here. I consider moving to Thailand. I'm 29 (turning 30 this year) and have nothing left here in Croatia only tons of headaches and heartaches. I'm a professional Opera singer but I'm ready to hang down that job to live my dream. I write my own music and am working on my first demo cd. I'm trying to find out how to make a life as an artist (indie) in Thailand. I heard the music scene is awesome and I'd love to meet some ppl who'd be ready to start a band, do some recording and perform music. I'm really into anything but mostly into Classic/progressive/Indie/Hard/Heavy rock with a huge influence in Blues, soul and funk. I'm a singer songwriter who writes his own music and arrangements. I play the guitar and drums yet work out best as a singer. I'm highly dependable, stable, highly professional and very down to earth. I'm arriving early June and would like to know if there's anybody who'd like to get together seriously and perform music and try to sell it to a indie label. I heard Chang Mai is way cheaper than Bangkok. How is it with work and labels though?! I'm ready to work and do anything so I can sing (even covers in a bar) if I can have a "decent living" for a while. I have travelled over 20 yountries but have never been to Asia and I'm highly considering moving there. I have nothing in life left except music. Please help, only serious answers!!!

pochioo

Hi,
I am living in Chiang Mai until June. I am a drummer, and I would love to play some music, just for fun or form a band.
I like to play almost every genre, but mostly rock, and funk.
BTW is there any cheap place where one can practice drums?
Thanks!
Hope to hear from you!

Mac-Solar PV Tech

Hey Ted,

Im, Mac from London, Moved to Chiang Mai in 2015. Im working in renewable energy doing solar system installations and met so many people.

Basically the guys i knock around with are musicians and have contacts with different types of bands as well, We also have a good friend who has a recording studio in Chiang Mai (10km out of town), you can record songs, play drums or even make beats, it's well worth a visit as the owner is Mexicanand they have Americans, Dutch,Thai's. Basically they are multi culture people, who are  always welcoming new talents, to top it off, there is a lovely bar above the studio (only bar in town which has no lady boys or desperate bar girls nagging for free drinks,lol).

You will find me there most days. Its Pop Rivets Pub & Beer Garden

https://www.google.co.th/maps/place/Pop … 2743?hl=en


Feel free to send me a email or my Line ID is:   xxx

Speak soon Ted.

TC bud

Moderated by Bhavna 7 years ago
Reason : Please do not post your contact details on the forum. You should exchange them through the private messaging system.Thank you
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct
lenlam8

Hi Mac,

Lenny here from California, its nice to know there is a studio so close to where I live on the 121 ring road. I will definitely go check it out, meet some people and play some drums next week when I am back form Bkk. I hope to run into you sometime, thanks for the post.

Lenny Lam
xxx

Moderated by Bhavna 7 years ago
Reason : Please do not post your contact details on the forum. You should exchange them through the private messaging system.Thank you
We invite you to read the forum code of conduct
makya

Hy everybody,

I'm french so sorry for my bad level in english first !

I apply for a "work and study" in chiang mai, i have an interviewwith the company via skype on tuesday, we will talk about the job, and the city... If this is ok, i come on July 2017 to work and study english and Thai.

I'm a singer, so i was interesting by this post. Glad to see that there's an interesting life in Chiang mai.

So i continue to read this conversation in the case of i can come in Chiang mai.

Marion

Ruffian Dick

Thank you, Kirk Lea.

It's wise to do your homework regarding work options in Thailand.

Lalavonvon

Hi All,

Just want to pick your brains regarding live entertainment for a new restaurant. Husband and I just relocated here and opened a new restaurant in Nimman. Venue is big (including a rooftop bar area) and as business is really slow, we are thinking that perhaps we can provide a place for musicians to come together and play. Is this something workable that mutually benefits both parties? The restaurant is surrounded by residential apartments and thus the music cannot be too loud if we are not wrong. Thoughts please .... and PM me if anybody is interested to view the restaurant etc.

Cheers
Penny

Ruffian Dick

One thing I'm afraid of missing when I relocate to Thailand is classical music. I know that Payap University has a concert coming up soon.

RumbleBass

Hi All, my name is Ric, and I will move in Chiang Mai (from Bangkok) for my main job at the end of September: I am a bassist with 35 years of experience, mostly playing electric-jazz and progressive-rock: I would like to join some band, or build a new one: anybody interested?    ☺

Milestogo

It will be a while before I can live  and retire in Chiang Mai (4 1/2 years) but I am a guitarist currently playing in a band here in Australia, Northern NSW. I'd love to connect with any musicians when I make one of my visits there. We play all covers from The Beatles to Hendrix to Van Morrison. I'll be back 29th September 2017. I'd love to meet up with any musicians for a coffee. My email is .. and I plan to live in Mae Rim. I am only there for a week this time around.

Moderated by Christine 7 years ago
Reason : please send your email contact through your private message system.
lozovoz

Hi all,
We have a grunge/metal/punk/prog/whatever rock band. Just two of us as it's hard to find younger (30s) members out here. We recorded a demo this year and have several more songs ready to go, but still haven't been able to find a bassist or second/lead guitarist.

Our influences are something like Beatles, Led Zep, King Crimson, Tool, Police, System of a Down, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Faith No More, Mr. Bungle... and a whole bunch of other stuff you may or may not have heard of. Anyone out there in their twenties or thirties that might be interested? Send me a PM so we can talk further. Cheers,
L.

kielhrg

Hi Ted

My name is Raymond Kielhorn.  I plan to retire to Chiang Mai in March of 2018.  I currently play drums in an Classic Rock Band.  I would definitely be interested in starting a band.

aalanyoung

Hi Hoodoo Man, I'm a classically-trained pianist, but I now prefer to play jazz. We should keep in touch. I'm planning to move to Chiang Mai permanently in January 2018.

aalanyoung

RumbleBass wrote:

Hi All, my name is Ric, and I will move in Chiang Mai (from Bangkok) for my main job at the end of September: I am a bassist with 35 years of experience, mostly playing electric-jazz and progressive-rock: I would like to join some band, or build a new one: anybody interested?    ☺


Super-interested, if you can chill your style enough to play some jazz standards and post-bop.  I'm a pianist, I'll be moving to Chiang Mai (from California) in January. Let's keep in touch.

Ruffian Dick

aalanyoung wrote:

Hi Hoodoo Man, I'm a classically-trained pianist, but I now prefer to play jazz. We should keep in touch. I'm planning to move to Chiang Mai permanently in January 2018.


Love to hear some good classical music in CM!

makya

Hey guys, i m a singer, living in chiang mai.

aalanyoung

makya wrote:

Hey guys, i m a singer, living in chiang mai.


What kind of singer, Makya? Classical, jazz, rock, folk, or do-your-own-thing?

RumbleBass

We can try for sure: let me know when u arrive here.

RumbleBass

pochioo wrote:

Hi,
I am living in Chiang Mai until June. I am a drummer, and I would love to play some music, just for fun or form a band.
I like to play almost every genre, but mostly rock, and funk.
BTW is there any cheap place where one can practice drums?
Thanks!
Hope to hear from you!


Hi Pochioo, I am searching for build a band also (I am a bassist, funk-progressive rock-r&b), and for practise with somebody: did u find something?

makya

I like to sing pop jazz blues.
:)

aalanyoung

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEPO6oc … companying a student jazz singer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEPO6oc … sxHOlNag8g

robygiovilla

Hi Rumble Bass,
I am a piano player and I would like to jam with you on some standard tunes.
I live in Doi Saket, like 15 km from Chiangmai Mai City. Would you be cool on that?
Roberto

makya

Yes im interested :)

RumbleBass

Hi Makya, we are a band and we play jazzy stuff (soul, funk, jazz, fusion) and we are in searching of a singer: if u are interested I could send u some tunes to listen: my e-mail is  **
Cheers
Ric

Moderated by Christine 7 years ago
Reason : please share your contact via your private message system. Thank you.
Ricardo Diamante

Hi folks. I am vocalist and hand percussionist. I'm looking for a synth player that knows their instrument, not a piano player with a synthesizer. I'm a bit tired of the blues/rock groundhog day here and want to bring world music sounds, prog, 70s and 80s rock and hard rock, funk, and crooner tunes from the 40s to present. if you are a drummer and can fill in the blank after the name Neil ______ or Stewart ___________, I'm interested in your chops. I want to rehearse once a week and not make rehearsal "practice."  I love to nail covers, but also love new arrangements to fit the situation.

Democratic management about who drives the bus per tune. Democratic agency for private gigs. Most venues have backline, but not all. Equipment is relatively inexpensive here.

Obviously, due to local laws, this would be almost entirely for joy and passion, with maybe a bit of pay for private events.

Hit Me Up!

Ricardo

aalanyoung

Ricardo, I'm not your guy, but I applaud your selectivity :-D

regmelb

Hi musos,

Moving to CM early / mid 2018. Keys player / pianist / vocalist. From Melbourne, Aus.
Deciding whether to bring my Nord + Korg + gear with me, or to pick up gear locally.
Need a solid 88 key (or near) weighted keyboard with great piano sounds.

Also, do you all practice at home, or at rehearsal studios?

Cheers,
Reg.

Bobdog

Hi Ted,

Did you actually make the jump to Chiang Mai?  I am currently living in Canberra Australia and looking to move to Chiang Mai in the neat future.  I've played in bands in the 60's and have kept my hand in whenever I get the chance. I have been playing with a violinist for the past few years and like you have my own gear, P.A system, mics etc, acoustic and Tele guitar and amps for both. I sing and play guitar and generally get it right lol.

I'll be in Chiang Mai this month 14 - 20.

Cheers Lee

Annie_Wanderluster

Hi Ted,

Seems like Chiang Mai will be a great place for you to live. It matches with your passion because it is the perfect city for artists. A lot of restaurants and bars for you to enjoy with. You should start learning more Thais and maybe consider opening a small music school in the future :) Cheers!

Bobdog

Hi Y'all,

Very much enjoyed my visit to Chiang Mai and will be back again Sept / Oct.  Came across some interesting venues while there AW and agree the potential to get some licks in exists.

Cheers .... Lee

Joannelow

Good afternoon, im looking for any musician in chiangmai. I just wish to make some enquires, our family has a holiday home in chiangmai, as we are moving out of chiangmai, we have a yamaha drumset for sale to musician. Model: yamaha dtx 920k. Please let me know if anybody  who might be interested.

We purchased it for our holiday home in chiangmai and only used it 3times.

Looking forward to hearing it from you.

Joanne
**

Lemongrassvida

Hi Marion,
Are you currently still living in Chiangmai.?. We are looking for a jazz singer for our club...please let me know.
Kira.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Chiang Mai

  • Working in Chiang Mai
    Working in Chiang Mai

    Chiang Mai's ethnic diversity, breathtaking scenery, and the multitude of festivals and attractions ...

  • Accommodation in Chiang Mai
    Accommodation in Chiang Mai

    More and more digital nomads, teachers, entrepreneurs, retirees, volunteers, and NGO workers are flocking to the ...

  • Working in Pattaya
    Working in Pattaya

    Pattaya may not be as idyllic as some of Thailand's other beach destinations. However, it is still one of the ...

  • Income tax in Thailand
    Income tax in Thailand

    Thailand is not a tax haven. In Thailand, there are two main types of taxpayers — residents and ...

  • Getting married in Thailand
    Getting married in Thailand

    The kingdom of Thailand is a stunningly beautiful wedding destination. Its crystal clear beaches, lush green ...

  • Accommodation in Phuket
    Accommodation in Phuket

    Phuket is a popular destination for expatriates working or retiring on the island. Its expat community is also ...

  • Starting a business in Thailand
    Starting a business in Thailand

    Thailand is the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 26th-largest economy in the world. It offers many ...

  • Accommodation in Pattaya
    Accommodation in Pattaya

    Pattaya boasts one of the most significant expatriate communities in Thailand. It has many international schools, ...

All of Chiang Mai's guide articles