A new entertainment programme from Japanese television channel Nihon Shinbun Kyokai (NSK) has selected a Lao pop singer to be promoted worldwide, Indee Records announced yesterday.

“The programme is the newest from NSK, and has not yet been broadcast,” an official from the Media Department of the Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr Phaiboun Philathong, said yesterday.

He added that the show would promote various singers throughout Asia; Laos is the first country to be presented as a growing number of Japanese fans are interested in Lao music and the country...more info>>

The programme selected Nalin Daravong from Indee Records, and will film footage of her lifestyle and performances.

“They recorded me doing everyday things like studying and helping my parents, as well as singing on stage,” Nalin said.

Mr Phaiboun said the programme would be broadcast worldwide, and would therefore be a good opportunity to promote modern Lao music.

“This is a great chance for our singers and bands to be exposed to a wider audience,” said Indee Records President, Anoulack Pathammavong.

After three days of recording Nalin's life in Laos , the TV crew will go to Vietnam , Cambodia , Thailand , Indonesia and other countries throughout Asia .

“They will select singers from each country to feature on the show, and we've been lucky to be their first country selected,” Mr Anoulack said.

Nalin was the winner of the Close-Up 2005 singing contest, where she was discovered by Indee Records, which approached her about making an album.

“The debut album from Nalin was released at the end of last year, and now her songs are on high rotation on various radio programmes in Vientiane ,” Mr Anoulack explained.

Last week, she staged a free concert with Vorachith Intharaphithak, or Sam, at the Lao-ITECC, which attracted almost 1,000 fans.

“The crew was there to capture my performance on stage on their last day,” said Nalin.

Mr Phaiboun also reported that the programme would invite various singers from each country to perform in Japan in June this year, Laos included.

NSK was established in July 1946, to elevate the ethical standards in reporting and protect and promote the media's common interests. NSK is an entirely independent and voluntary organisation funded and operated by the private media of Japan .

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

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