Contemporary art culture in Thailand is always changing and vibrant. Music, in particular, has evolved as younger generations of artists adopt new styles and communications, adding a modern touch to their expressions. As the world’s attention turns to Southeast Asia’s emerging music scene, seven Thai artists stand out for their creative contributions and fascinating work.

Whether you’re a casual fan or just interested in learning about the latest in the field, these contemporary Thai artists are likely to spark your attention and inspire appreciation,

1. Jeff Satur

Jeff Satur embarked on his entertainment career in 2013 under the Kamikaze label with the single ‘โลกแตก’ or ‘The World is Broken.’ Since then, he has transitioned between several labels, including The Demo, Garden Music, GRAND MUSIK, and Passenger Records. Throughout his musical journey, Jeff has contributed to numerous OSTs for Thai dramas and series, such as “Love Area” (2022) and “The Tuxedo” (2022). In 2022, he joined Warner Music Thailand for his music career while Be on Cloud manages his acting endeavors. Jeff is celebrated for his versatility, excelling in singing, songwriting, and acting. He first gained acting recognition as Mike in “He She It” (2019) and further solidified his acting prowess in “KinnPorsche The Series” (2022), where he portrayed Kim Theerapanyakul, a mafia heir with a double life as a top singer.

2. Phum Viphurit

Viphurit Siritip, better known as Phum Viphurit, is a Thai singer-songwriter born in 1995 who rose to international fame with his 2018 single “Lover Boy.” Blending neo-soul with various genres, Phum’s journey began on YouTube with original and cover songs, leading to a deal with indie label Rats Records. His debut album “Manchild” in 2017 paved the way for hits like “Long Gone” and “Lover Boy,” catapulting him into the global music scene. Phum’s international tours have taken him across Asia, Europe, the United States, and beyond, showcasing his music in countries like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Germany, England, and Singapore. With the release of “Hello Anxiety” in 2019 and a second tour in the United States, Phum Viphurit continues to enchant audiences worldwide with his soothing indie melodies and heartfelt lyrics, embodying the essence of Thai contemporary music on the global stage.

3. Valentina Ploy

Valentina Ploy, a Thai-Italian singer-songwriter under What The Duck label in Bangkok, began her musical journey early, with violin and songwriting as her initial forms of expression. Her talent shone through on talent shows in Italy and Thailand, leading to her debut in 2019 with the hit single “See You in Life,” which garnered over 23 million streams. Her music, known for its introspective lyrics and captivating melodies, bridges cultural gaps and resonates with a wide audience. Her latest collaboration with Indonesian singer GANGGA, “Sweet Hurting,” further showcases her ability to blend soft, emotional depth with cross-cultural appeal, marking her as a significant figure in the indie pop scene.

4. BOWKYLION

Bowkylion, a standout contestant from season 4 of The Voice Thailand in 2015, has since become a vibrant force in the Thai pop music scene under the Thai record label What The Duck. Her energetic performances, catchy tunes, and empowering messages have made her an image of talent and positivity. Recently, she was honored with the Solo Artist of the Year at the NineEntertain Award 2023. Demonstrating her versatile talent, Bowkylion voiced the character Ariel, enchanting audiences with her rendition of “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid’s soundtrack, showcasing her dynamic range and emotional depth.

5. Ink Waruntorn

Ink Waruntorn, a prominent figure in Thai contemporary music, began her career in the limelight at just 12 years old, starring in a music video and quickly joining the girl group Chilli White Choc under RS Music’s Kamikaze. After a brief hiatus for her studies, she made a striking return as a solo artist under Boxx Music in 2015, capturing hearts with her lead role in “Snap” and the chart-topping single “Insomnia.” In 2017, her debut EP, “Bliss,” showcased her evolution as an artist, culminating in her overcoming personal health challenges and returning stronger. Ink’s journey took a creative turn in 2021 when she ventured into voice acting, starring in “The Legend of Hei” and lending her voice to its theme song, further solidifying her versatile talent and resilience in the face of adversity.

6. YOUNGOHM

Youngohm has been a dynamic presence in Thailand’s hip-hop scene from a young age, performing and composing since secondary school. Despite not pursuing a university education, his passion for music led him to record and share his work on social media early on. Known for incorporating “Young” in his stage name, a nod to Western rapper traditions, Youngohm gained popularity through his participation in Rap is Now season 2. His breakthrough came with the release of “Choey Moey” in 2017, a hit that soared to 1 million YouTube views and topped the JOOX charts, earning him the JOOX Thailand Music Awards for Hip-Hop Song of the Year. Youngohm continued to make waves with hits like “Doo White,” which amassed over 261 million YouTube views, and “Thararat,” captivating audiences with 25 million views in its first week.

7. AUTTA

AUTTA, an emerging force in the Thai rap scene, combines his innovative rap flow with complex musical compositions, drawing on his studies in sound engineering at Mahidol University’s College of Music. Gaining fame as a dark horse finalist in “RAP IS NOW. THE WAR IS ON SS.4” and further acclaim in “THE RAPPER SS.2,” AUTTA has captivated both fans and music industry professionals with his skill. His debut with YUPP!, featuring the hit “Ti Kan (Tum Mai?)” alongside NAMEMT, followed by self-produced singles like “Wang Yang,” showcases his unique talent. Known for his distinctive artistry, AUTTA has collaborated with renowned artists such as Pop Pongkool and Mew Suppasit and has contributed to the works of Bnk48 and Vyra. His track “ANTLV” earned him the “Best Record of the Year” at the TOTY MUSIC AWARDS in 2021, cementing his status as a standout rapper and producer in Thailand’s music scene.

Beyond the Playlist

The contemporary Thai art scene is rich and diverse, with artists like Jeff Satur, Phum Viphurit, Valentina Ploy, and others leading the charge. Their work not only entertains but also challenges and inspires, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Thai culture and its place in the global conversation. Let their stories, music, and visions inspire you to dive deeper into the world of Thai contemporary art and discover the beauty and complexity that lies within.

Sources: IDN Times, Wikipedia, Melo App, Kprofiles, Wikipedia, YUPP! Entertainment, Wikipedia