Lao rock band The Cells left Vientiane on Saturday to attend a press conference on June 5 in Bangkok , Thailand , to promote the band's second album.

The Cells are in Bangkok from June 2-12. They will play at several concerts and will be interviewed on Thai TV and radio programmes. On TV they will appear on the TITV channel, Channel V, and MTV, and will feature on radio programmes Fat, True, EFM, Hotwave, SOS and Next FM...more

“Many of these programmes will be recorded, as well as the press conference to promote our second album,” The Cells' vocalist Athisack Ratanavong explained before leaving Vientiane on Saturday at Wattay International Airport.

Thai radio DJs have been playing songs from the band's latest album after picking up CDs in Vientiane .

The well-known Thai recording company, GMM Grammy, became interested in the band's songs and contacted them about a promotion visit to Thailand .

“Since then we've recorded a music video and done many radio and TV spots, plus some concerts there. Our latest album appeared in stores last month, so we've been invited to attend a press conference,” said Athisack.

He said that during interviews the band would urge Thai fans to visit Laos , and enjoy its natural beauty, culture and traditions.

However, The Cells' bass guitar player Anolod Phiasahuar, aka Tom, was unable to go with the band for the press conference, after experiencing heart problems.

“I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the press conference in Bangkok . Right now I have some health problems, so I'd like to relax for a while, and hope to play with the band again soon,” Anolod said.

He was taken ill earlier last week while rehearsing with the band ahead of their departure for Bangkok . Doctors advised him to rest.

“I've had some stomach problems which I was just getting over and now it seems I've developed a heart problem, so I must take things easy,” he explained in a telephone interview on Saturday.

Anolod has been the band's bass player since The Cells started work on their second album in 2005. The album, Xeo (Noisy), was released in January this year, and Anolod has played with the band in various local and overseas concerts.

Manosay Keonakhone will replace Anolod for the band's 10 days in Thailand .

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

The Cells head off to rock Thailand

Popular hard rock band The Cells left Vientiane yesterday to produce a music video in Bangkok , Thailand , and to play concerts in two provinces there.

The band recently signed a contract with GMM Grammy Public Company Limited in Thailand to promote their songs through music videos there... more info

“Prior to signing with GMM, our distributors played our hit single Waan (Sweet) on many radio programmes in Bangkok . The song went to the top of the charts,” the President of Indee Records, Somphathay Southiphong, said.

When GMM Grammy realised how popular the song had become in Thailand , the company offered to sponsor their music video and help promote the band.

“Grammy provided a selection of songs for The Cells to choose from. They then translated the song they chose into Lao. The name of the song they chose is Euay Khou (Teacher), and the company will produce a music video as well,” Indee assistant Mr Toulou said.

The Cells will spend three days making a music video for Waan before taking to the stage in Nakhon Ratchasima and KhonKaen provinces in Thailand on April 9-15.

The Cells are the second Lao band to be supported by a Thai record company; the first was Lao hip hop group LOG.

“I thought I would be celebrating Lao New Year playing water games with my friends, but now we have a mission to do, so we will celebrate with our Thai fans instead,” said the band's guitarist, Radindeuk.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

Vientianetimes