Each year Leng Pleng opens the doors and asks for the year’s live music highlights from musicians, venue and audience members, stands back and lets them speak for themselves.

Phil Javelle

Thanks for the opportunity to share some of my best musical moments in 2023.

First, I was blessed again with the International Day Jazz Festival, especially on the funk night at The Hideout, showcasing Cambodian talents who can groove as f…unk!!! Kudos to vocalists Esther Mao (Michael Jackson tribute) and Chor Yee, and to guitarist Limkiang: they did a dazzling show!

I was lucky to arrange Chinese timeless songs for a ten-piece band including horn section and Khmer traditional instruments on the occasion of mid-autumn festival celebration for the Hong Kong Business Association in Cambodia: thanks and congrats to Ross Clarke (trumpet), Yusbel Ramos (trombone), Danny Healey (saxophone), Gaby Courroux (guitar), Chema Rodriguez (drums), Ip Vutha (Khmer flute), Sok Rilyka (tro), Ip Theary (khim), Sep Pitou (cello).

More recently, I had so much fun performing an acoustic tribute to Abba with Phnom Penh’s jazz queen Intan Andriana. Just the two of us. Pure shared joy with a great singing audience!

Finally, many thanks for the support given to Silver & Taylor, a kind of personal guilty pleasure that Greg Beshers and I have been throwing to your ears. We shall not apologise for that and yes, we will inflict more of this soppy lounge rock upon you, folks.

Mike McCann

There were many musical highlights in 2023 – but all my favorites were shared playing music with Ariane Parkes and Liam Garth Jones as Penh Pals. We learned at least 35 songs including several original songs by each band member. We practiced almost every Thursday and played many Sundays at the wonderful Sunday Sundowner Open Mic at Tacos Kokopelli. We also had memorable gigs, including St. Patrick’s night at the Welsh Consulate.

Cenk Sahin – Back Street Bar

  • Maki Orkestr
  • Pocket Change – Arone’s farewell
  • Japan Guitar Shop
  • Faceslap
  • Dua Lipa tribute
  • The Originals showcase sessions

Darryl “Packo” Paxton

Thanks for the chance to have an input to Leng Pleng.

For myself, I reckon The Extraordinary Chambers are the best band in Phnom Penh. I like the varied songs they play and the repotire of lesser known artists – many of them I had the pleasure of seeing live when I was younger.

Really enjoyed Sinville Roadshow’s recent performances, such good musicians.  I also enjoy seeing Temple play, my favourite Khmer band.  Joe & the Jumping Jacks are always great to see and Monday night blues at Oscar’s on the Corner is always a good night.

Kevin Sysyn for sure, I like to call him “The Man of a Thousand Songs”. Great guy and entertainer and more power to him for the two Khmer schools of 220 children that he financially supports.

A big thanks to Steve Porte for his wonderful photos, and a real shame to have Clay George leave Phnom Penh.

Claude

2023 wasn’t quite the whirlwind we expected, but The Wildmen still managed to unleash some unforgettable moments on Siem Reap’s music scene. Claude’s frequent travels kept The Wildmen grounded so it wasn’t a marathon, like a series of epic sprints, fueled by raw passion and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

  • January and February: Laundry Bar’s Wednesday open mic got a double dose of the Wildmen – five-song sets that reignited the mosh pit spirit
  • June:  After a Claude-shaped hiatus, the band was back at Laundry Bar, sharing the stage with Jam-Cha, two bands igniting the night with a double dose of rock’n’roll swagger
  • July: Honoring the legendary Brin Wood at Life of Brin festival at Star Bar with a heartfelt two-song set, proving their rock’n’roll fire burns bright
  • August: Claude, the band’s vocal powerhouse, spent another good chunk of the year globetrotting and September brought news of Chema’s long-awaited reunion with his family in Mexico after three years, a bittersweet departure that marked another hiatus for the band
  • November: PunkAcolypse festival at X-Bar saw them unleash their fury alongside four other bands
  • December: three days before Christmas, The Wildmen’s third  anniversary bash was held at Laundry Bar – we were joined by Electric Soup and Jam-Cha for a night that was pure unadulterated punk’n’roll pandemonium. The venue was packed, the crowd was electric, the night unforgettable

Here’s to a 2024 where they break free and tear the roof off every venue they play!

Roz Fisher

Seeing my musical dream come true with the release of an all-original 5-track EP Aunty Cathy and Me under the name Coz Collective. Thank you to everyone who has listened to the songs.

Villa Grange

The Villa Grange, a renowned venue for live music, has seen a resurgence in recent times with the introduction of Sunday afternoon music sessions, making it a go-to destination for families. Pioneered by the talented Jive Buddies, the Sunday sessions have become synonymous with high-quality entertainment and a diverse range of acts, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

In a world where live music has become a rarity, the Villa Grange has managed to carve out a niche for itself, offering a platform for up-and-coming artists to showcase their talents in front of an appreciative audience. The intimate setting of the venue allows for a more personal and engaging experience, and has earned it a loyal following among music lovers of all ages.

The success of the Sunday sessions is a testament to the Villa Grange’s commitment to providing a space for artistic expression and cultural enrichment. Families are drawn to the venue not only for the exceptional music, but also for the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that has been cultivated by the Jive Buddies.

With the Villa Grange’s dedication to delivering outstanding live music, it has become the premier destination for Sunday afternoons, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all who venture through its doors.

Will Canuck

So…2023, what happened? Well mostly, change and lots of it.  Blender lost a founding member but added a new twist to our soundscape with drummer Mark Doherty and co-lead singer Mikayla Gonzalez coming on board. I also embraced my inner sideman by joining The Lark with Scoddy Bywater, William Rosas and Andy Potter, forming what was intended to be the emergency fill-in band at the best damn bar but turned out to be a fully

fledged project with its own unique character and sound. And yes, we are the go-to fill-in band at Oscar’s in the Corner but that has turned into near weekly appearances for the most part, an unexpected but very welcome development.

The sideman thing continued with my jumping in as a replacement Lazy Drunk for a night, learning some two dozen tunes over the course of 24 hours to help fill a hole in the best damn bar schedule. That was so fun we tried it again under a new moniker, The Knocking Shop.  Turned out to be a one-off, but a good one. Good enough that out of the ashes of that configuration will fly a new project in the months ahead as Andy and I embrace our status as rhythm section foundation to build upon.

Best of all though? After COVID had ground travel to a halt, the world’s awakening triggered a visit to the Penh from my youngest brother Dave, a lengthy get together with my daughter Juliana, a quick trip to see my mom in Vancouver and in a week’s time, my brother Rob and sister-in law Sabine will be here for the better part of a month.

2023 proved to be a year of “vintage-status” harvest as fond memories go. Here’s to 2024 pouring cups so generously once again.

Frank Scarfone

My personal highlights on 2023 are:

25.01 The Queen of Blues event, it was the first time for me to be the creative director of an event, it was a success, we sold more than 160 tickets, totally unexpected and the performance itself was great! Thanks to Intan (also for her help with logistics for the event), Mirasol, Cat and Sitara for singing the music i love.

07.05 Playing at Skyfest in Sihanoukville with Big D. Walker, it was a special moment because it was my first festival, to be on the side of an international veteran blues musician and because i was still recovering from a bad injury on my elbow, I thought I couldn’t make it but I did despite the pain. It was wonderful to play during sunset and to listen other friends performing before and after us. Big thanks to Aymen to organise it and inviting us. Magic!

17.06 Playing in a music festival in Battambang with some of the best musicians based in Siem Reap –  we played in front of more than 4,000 people, it was a very crazy experience.

07.10 My first official gig with Japan Guitar Shop at The Deck – I’ve never sweated so much in my life.  I really enjoy playing original music and create solos for the songs, the band welcomed me with a fuzz pedal as a gift that I used the first time on that night and it sounded great. Thanks to my new musical and friendly family

Touring in Thailand with Japan Guitar Shop was a fantastic growth experience, playing in a different place with different equipment and set- ups was challenging but we managed to sound good in each venue.  My favourite was Jazz House in Pai for the overall vibes, North Gate in Chiang Mai because was the first day of the jazz festival, nervous thinking of Colin rapping “measure this d..k” in front of international Jazz players but actually they loved the show.  Also Adhere Blues Bar in Bangkok, where I felt completely at home and at the end we jammed with the owner, then Saxophone in Bangkok – that place is absolutely fantastic, like a temple of music.

I guess it was a wonderful year musically.  The long list of collaborations we had with The Blue Souls is too long to mention, we had so much fun playing with so many amazing musicians from all over the world. Thanks Oscar to give us the opportunity to become the house band for the Monday nights, we have fun all the time jamming with guests.

Also I have been present at many great gigs of local bands but I prefer to not expose myself my preferences, I prefer the public to express their preferences.

Marianna Hensley

As we barrel toward the end of 2023, I appreciate Leng Pleng’s prompt to pause and look back on the year. Without hesitation, two things stand out to me. The first was Mel Nutter’s return to arial performance in March. Some might argue that’s not music—I don’t care. A more courageous andbeautiful performance would be hard to find any year—and it garnered a rare non-music Photo of the Week spotlight from Leng Pleng.

The other unquestionable highlight of 2023 was Brian Wood’s Life of Brin: a celebration of life, love, and rock’n’roll at Star Bar in Siem Reap in late July. Words fall short when trying to convey the overwhelming grace and generosity of spirit Brin showed in inviting musicians, music lovers, friends, and acquaintances from far and wide for a celebration at a moment when grief might have otherwise ruled. I am humbled and grateful to have been there and been part of it. And I’m forever inspired by Brin’s example of living well.

Other personal music performance moments that come to mind from 2023:

  • The emergence and evolution of Muxu with Greg Beshers
  • Finally having to deploy the line at a Mimi and the Merrymakers performance that I’d only threated before: “Whose child is this?!”
  • Continued exploration of solo performance, including wheedling audiences into singing along with me to a 150-year old, 16-verse folk ballad about the Devil and the Farmer’s Wife

Fun times.

Cove Aaronoff

For such a transient music scene, this year felt particularly and blessedly crowded.  Musicians/bands returned, morphed or reunited, and/or stuck it out so that there was always something exceptional to attend or look forward to. Three particularly sublime moments for me were the prodigal Cambodian Space Project’s back-to-back shows at Villa Grange, the entire experience of the Bon Om Touk Music Festival (where everywhere you turned was another stalwart rock n roller with an illegal smile on their face), and just recently getting the privilege to sit outside at The Vine and witness Virginia Bones and Clara Shandler be downright exceptional. But truly, the energy and quality of everybody I got to see this year was off the charts across the board. Here’s to 2024.

Joshua Chiang

This year I finally discovered what it was like singing to thousands of people during the Beyond The Games concert and the 12th ASEAN Para Games opening as the Singaporean representative of the all-ASEAN group of singers, and experiencing the worst kind of imposter syndrome when you are possibly the oldest member of the group standing next to Thailand’s Jannine Wiegel onstage. And the refrain ‘Wave your flag, wave your flag’ will forever remain lodged in my brain.

Other than that it’s been a really quiet year performance-wise. Several factors contributed to this – there was a lot going on in my day job as an illustrator and merchandise-business owner; I had to meet a deadline for my second graphic novel (which will be released in April next year!), which meant that I wasn’t actively looking for gigs to play; and I had been busy with two other music projects – recording a six-track EP of Psykic Elektric songs, a process which led me to the realisation it was the end of the road for the band and my flirtation with the funk-dance-rock genre; as well as a new ten-track album which I began committing to seriously as soon as the work on the graphic novel wrapped up in June. I’m quite excited about this second album because it felt like a sort of homecoming musically; after all the flirtation with different genres in my first album and on the Psykic Elektric project, I concluded the songs I really love to write are rock tunes that sound great performed either with just an acoustic guitar or with a full band and the volume all cranked up.

Dean Wolf Bailey

Coming back to the Kingdom to rejoin up with ScapeGoat Candy has been a really good experience and made my year!   Great shows at Laundry Bar, 60 Road Studios Festival and two nights back-to-back at Oscars were awesome and we thank everyone who came down to join us.  We’re in the studio at the beginning of the new year so keep your ears out for a new release that’s coming soon!   We’re also booked to play Pomme in Siem Reap on the 3rd of February so get down if you can be good to see ya!   Happy New Year everyone!

Cat Isaacs

1. Broken Cymbal tour gig to Sihanoukville at Prince Beach Club
2. Coconut Park night markets gigging in the rain, special shout-out to Ludo for his incredible beat boxing skills. What a lekker impromptu jam before we all got soaked lol.
3. Our incredible regular venues – Craft, Bouchon, Trattoria Bello, and Botanico
4. Special venues – Voodoo Boulevard and The Tin Hat
5. Special Projects with Treble Entendre and Green Leaf Motif
6. Being able to have a great year as a duo. Thank you so much to all our incredible followers and friends. Y’all make our shows
7. And our corporate gigs. It’s been an honour getting to perform for some of the most incredible functions

David Totten – Craft

During 2023 despite the economy and a very vigilant landlord Craft put live music on at least twice a week, and during high season at least three times a week.

Our focus at Craft has been to host a much more diverse range of music.  Consequently there are so many highlights that to pick even a handful would do in justice to the other bands – how to pick amongst rock, pop, jazz, classical, Indian fusion, country & bluegrass?

Our landlord hasn’t been happy with noise levels – seems to be a common issue around town nowadays. At the beginning of 2023, we risked some (much much) louder rock music when we celebrated St Patricks Day with the Gaelic Football Club, and just about survived our landlord’s wrath. We’re persevering and welcomed back Japan Guitar Shop and Alli.G / Pervez in November for a riotous gig (despite awful weather).

We also put on some music that you might otherwise consider the preserve of 5 star hotels – a range of jazz and some classical music, courtesy of Angkor Classique and Sharon.  We’re proud that our customers can enjoy this stuff with booze and food that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg!

It’s been a pleasure to host new arrivals or returnees – Danny Healy, George Hess on the jazz side of things, and more recently, Geography of the Moon and Sinville Roadshow.

However it’s also been a shame to also say goodbye temporarily or permanently, to great musicians  – Clay George, Danny Healy, Daisuke, Arone Silverman, Pablo de Feo.

Greg Beshers

Musically 2023 started out pretty normal. I continued work that had started the previous year, on the Coz Collective EP, which is now done. Scott Bywater and I started Cardboard Lo-Fi, an acoustic version of the Extraordinary Chambers, sometime in May. Marianna Hensley and I solidified what has become Muxu around then as well – more to come in 2024.

In July things shifted. I went to Siem Reap to participate in the Life of Brin farewell concert.  It was moving to see 30+ musicians on and off stage being present for one person, Brin Wood. It was a spectacular event supported by 60 Road Studios and Star Bar. Everyone showed up and was on point (or on something at least).

Sometime in August I convinced local maestro Phil Javelle to start a rock-n-roll lounge act, which we now call Silver &  Taylor (named by Armand of Armand’s restaurant).  Our weekly residency at Hub Street Cocktails in October gave us the kickstart we needed.

Geography of the Moon came back to PP in October, and then November rolled in.  Brin passed, Coz Collective had a CD release party, and then the 60 Road Bon Om Touk festival happened.  It’s always great to see all of the local musicians in one spot at the same time. I always appreciate that because mostly we’re all out working all the time and miss each other’s shows.  Ian and Steve from 60 Road studios did a great job, and Cam too. Fun was had by all who played and attended.

Wasted Laika from China kicked ass at Oscar’s. I loved the Japan Guitar Shop “tales from the tour” stories when they got back from their inaugural outing, and their record too.

A few music fans and community friends passed this year. After Brin, the one that hit me hardest was Ken Long. To say that his passing was a shock to everyone who knew him is an understatement.

In all, 2023 has had some pretty great new beginnings for me: LoFi, Muxu and Silver & Taylor, but at the moment, it’s ending with a lot of………endings, for lack of a better word.

And what started off as a joke between myself and Roz Fisher (of the Coz Collective, on whose EP I played on and produced) about the Radio Oun Top 100 is now an actuality. I joked to Roz that I would record some songs just to go against her EP, and it turns out it got me motivated to do several things, musically speaking – to get the Jumping Jacks EP, recorded in 2022, finally mixed and released, and to record and release several songs of my own with some old bandmates in San Francisco under the name Parker Brothers (#72, 73 and 74 on the Radio Oun list).

Colin Hodgkins

For Japan Guitar Shop, the highlight of 2023 was finishing our debut album, Done You Right, which will be released on all platforms on February 29th. A limited edition version is currently available to stream or purchase exclusively on Bandcamp.  The album was produced by the legendary Steve Bloxham and features contributions from some of our absolute favorite musicians in Cambodia, like Andrey Meshcheryakov, Jae Ann, Rod Tolentino, and Andy Luna.

The most challenging aspect of our year was that a couple of our bandmates, Arone Silverman and Matteo Dembech, moved overseas. While we’re sure to continue collaborating with them, we’ve added a couple of incredible musicians to our group, Frank Scarfone and Felix McFadden. Touring with those guys in Thailand recently was insanely fun, and we’ll be back on the road soon. In general, it’s cool that even as bandmates like Lewis McTighe, Arone, and Matteo have shifted their focus or moved away, we’ve been able to grow our family and keep building on all we’ve done.

Personally, I’ve been privileged to see a lot of great shows this year. Every time I’ve seen We Are Ewe, they’ve killed it. To me, that’s a band everyone should pay attention to. But there’s a lot of others. Seeing Joe & The Jumping Jacks and Spiked Gravy rock the Kampot Beer Festival last February was especially memorable, but it’s sadly uncertain when Spiked Gravy will play again. Similarly, Soselo Summer at the Deck was one of my favorite shows this year, but they say that was their last stand.

In terms of what’s emerging, I’ve gotten a sneak peak at a project called Wind Up Mice, and the songs are fantastic. Brooke Palmer recently moved here and she’s super cool. Pocket Change has returned (can’t wait to catch them again), Faceslap is after it once again, and Geography of the Moon are back in town armed with new songs (and always a must-see). It’s been a great year overall, there’s a lot to look forward to, and mostly I’m thrilled I get to keep making music with Cove, Ricky, Frank, Felix, and our other friends. Happy New Year everyone.

Gary Tough – Bar Oz

Firstly i would like to thank Leng Pleng for supporting and promoting all the local artists and venues in what has been another difficult year for all concerned. A  highlight for us was seeing the development of our regular sunday session artist Stu Cottom from a nervy start (after virtually been thrown under the bus so to speak) to become a confident performer who has brought much enjoyment to our punters – a big thank you to Stu, most appreciated.

The major highlight for Bar Oz was having the fabulous Joe & the Jumping Jacks playing live with their full sound setup for our birthday bash in August.  We didn’t think it was possible, but the sound was excellent and their performance was awesome and had the crowd jumping all night.  Big thank you to Joe, Greg and Sal for a great night.

Also many thanks to all those local performers who just dropped by and strutted their stuff up on the stage throughout the year. Keep up the great work LengPleng and let’s hope the new year is safe and prosperous year for all our local musos, artists and venues. Cheers.

Steve Porte

  • Best show: Life of Brin. Well conceived and executed. Brilliant
  • Worst show: Life of Brin. Brilliant, but bittersweet, knowing it would be Brian’s last performance
  • Favorite new bands: Scapegoat Candy, We Are Ewe, Muxu, and Cardboard Lo-Fi
  • Big welcome back to PP: Sinville Roadshow and Geography of the Moon
  • Saddest departure: Jeff Beck, a favorite since the ’60s

Justin Frew

I visited Cambodia twice in 2023.  I saw Geography Of The Moon at Sundance in January; they just get better and better.  Coming back in August/September I finally played my own gigs after three years away from the live music scene in Australia and Cambodia.  It was a feeling I missed: just getting up and hollering my tunes.

The biggest highlight was catching up with Brian Wood in Siem Reap before he passed. A gorgeous man. Super talented and a star in everyone’s eyes. Now he’s out there in the cosmos shining brighter than ever.

I’m looking forward to a return in March 2024 where the Moose and I will be playing together again for the first time in nearly 20 years.   Cheers.

Sinville Roadshow

Sinville Roadshow has had so many great experiences as a band in our short time back from abroad that it’s difficult to pinpoint one or two. Playing Oscar’s (the best damn bar) is always a blast, and our Christmas Eve gig was above and beyond fun for us all! The love we felt from the staff and patrons was truly based in the holiday spirit! We’d like to thank Scott Bywater in particular for inviting us to play this awesome live music venue. We also had a great time in November showcasing our originals at Back Street Bar thanks to the wonderfully talented Lewis McTighe and his living room sessions events. It’s a wonderful thing to support artists and their original creations. We wish everyone out there a great New Year, and fantastic musical experiences in 2024!

Toyoyuki Fuka

The highlight of this year was Big-D’s final shows in Phnom Penh before his return to Sweden.  I often saw that he was nice and fair to everybody, and I liked his powerful performances on harmonica and saxphone.  His last performance with Blue Souls at Oscar’s on the Corner in October was the best one that I went to see in 2023.  The best song I saw performed was Going to California’ by Greg and Marianna at Botanico in September, reminding me of my school days when I often listened to Led Zeppelin; the voices were really nicely harmonised.

This year I went to see 37 live music shows – mostly, pops, country, blues and rock (I did not have many chances to see jazz) anad I joined in open mics 48 times.

Scott Bywater

2023 suggests to me:

  • Life of Brin – I was honoured to open the proceedings; to the comments above and below I can only add the joy at seeing my daughter dance so enthusiastically and for so long
  • Sunday Sundowner Sessions at Tacos Kokopelli – the celebratory extra-long session in August for the ten year anniversary for sure, but also another year of watching a new slew of performers take their first steps in performance
  • The Lark being formed through a month of Sundays and then a month of Tuesdays at Oscar’s on the Corner to emerge as a back-up house band
  • The formation, travels and occasionally foolish inspiration of Cardboard Lo-Fi (don’t believe everything you read on Facebook)
  • Seeing more and more touring bands include Phnom Penh and/or Siem Reap on their Southeast Asia schedule, particularly the deeply committed metal and punk outfits – plenty more coming in 2024
  • In the Radio Oun Top 100 Songs of All Time Poll for this year – observing such an excited response to the call for Cambodian-related content, and indeed to the voting itself
  • The enduring and rebounding strength of The Extraordinary Chambers, who will be celebrating eight years of weekly performances in January. Thanks to the current line-up also for indulging my harmonica noises, which seem to be improving

With my Oscar’s on the Corner hat on, I would like to thank all the musicians who put in their time and their enthusiasm to help me make sure that there’s a band on stage every night, come hell or high water – those of you who answer the call at last minute I single out for special appreciative thanks.  Also to my boss Oscar and lady boss Chanthorn for their support of my occasionally eyebrow raising bookings.  And to the audience who come along and encourage developing acts all over the city – we might be able to do it without you but it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun.

ZyctDan

This year I had a chance to play my original songs at Cloud’s first acoustic night.  Usually I play with Joshua, or the Boxchords, or other musicians, but I really enjoyed playing solo for this gig.   Also, I’m in the midst of recording my second EP, hoping to finish it by January next year.

 

Plan B

Many thanks to Leng Pleng for your perseverence and absolute commitment to live music in Cambodia. It has always been an absolute pleasure for PlanB to return to the Kingdom of Cambodia and perform for locals and expats across the country. 2023 saw the band perform at an array of new venues from Phnom Penh to Kampot and then north to Battambang and Siem Reap. Always an adventure, always a pleasure and always something new …… looking forward to renewing friendships and making new ones when PlanB return in November 2024.

Ned Kelly

The musical highlight of the year for me was definitely the Slam City Festival in Siem Reap organised by Chihiro of Atlantis Metal Bar. The bands were all fantastic, playing it was an honor, and I met my girlfriend Nel Briones there – she ended up moving to Cambodia and joining Reign in Slumber, and if you haven’t seen her perform live with them yet you should because she’s a force of nature on stage (okay sure I admit I’m a bit biased on this subject, forgive me).=

Personal highlights: Playing with Soselo Summer was a joy and the Blood Bricks reunion show was super fun and thanks to everyone who came out to all the shows.  I was lucky enough to play this year with the both those bands and of course Nightmare AD, who I was sad to leave this year but they’ll stay great because Mia is a metal genius. See you in 2024 with two new bands I’m cooking up.

Stu Cottom

This year the Lone Star Open mic jams were a highlight, and the Australia Day and ANZAC Day gigs on St 136 also – and every night at Oscar’s on the Corner.  Looking forward to a productive 2024.

Alli G

I have been in many cool projects and I’m enjoying the ride. Both TheQuilas and the Rockustic project have become more visible to the Phnom Penh entertainment community.

To be involved in the SEA Games and Para SEA Games was an honor. I joined with ten other ASEAN singers to sing the official song in three different events.

I was also involved with Kongchak Studio, making our own song for Electro Season.  Recording with all awesome talents , great sound engineer and high end recording studio. Siva, B Side, Elie and Vincent the project leader, the band (Hansley, Leo, Preston and everyone). Making an album with them is such a great experience.

I am ready for 2024, much more to come, and I’m feeling blessed in this musical journey in Cambodia.

Jedil Robelo

When you go and see a musician, you see a public snapshot of that musician in time; however, there are many things a musician does in private to hone their musical skills that contribute to your enjoyment of their public appearances. This year, I had the privilege of having events which helped me grow my musical abilities and deepen my enjoyment.

This year I attended the Musical Futures workshop in Thailand, which aims to develop the educational abilities of musical teachers and help them teach music to novices in a more approachable way.

I also had the honour of joining a songwriting and composition workshop with a Filipino legend Gary Granada, where he demonstrated his creative process. I love learning in my native tongue and it was a deeply enriching experience learning from such a respected elder in the Filipino musical community.

I also had significant new musical milestones, three fellow Filipinas and I started Mayari, an all Filipina band making original Phillipine music, a long standing dream of mine.

I also returned to perform with Khletica, who are like my family in Phnom Penh, and a highlight was sharing the stage with them at Noz Festival, as well as our usual rehearsals.

Another highlight was recording in Kongchak Studios, was my first return to the recording studio since the pandemic.

Finally, I wrote new compositions with my partner in rhyme and all things creative, Fatima, where I made musical arrangements for some of her many poems. This was such a joyful process filled with laughter and lightning speed idea creation.

Chris Hilleary

2023 highlights included attending shows by Soselo Summer, one of the more creative bands I’ve ever seen come out of Phnom Penh. Sorry to see that collaboration dissolve. On a personal level, I’m thrilled to have reconnected after several years absence with Sinville Roadshow .They too, are a creative force and I’m looking forward to supporting what shows I can in the following year. Additionally,  I have the pleasure of being asked to play bass with Greg Beshers in one of his many projects – with Sal behind the kit  I’m compelled to apply all the concentration and discipline I can possibly muster to lay down a groove and stay in time. All good  – 2024 is looking great so far!

Robert Marleigh/Gone Marshall 

The release of the EP 25th Century Crooner, featuring four tracks by Robert and two tracks by Gone. RM enjoyed significantly more remote recording work than the previous year, with new equipment and upgraded recording capability. Finally, to top it off, there was a nice Xmas gig, and a New Year’s gig at an eco tourism locale in the works now for the very end of the year.   Gone Marshall played at the H2 Llive music festival in Hong Kong, with an air ticket granted by Cathay Pacific for that one. Productive multi-day song workshopping sessions in Siem Reap at Atlantis metal bar, with a dozen new songs in the works, but time is limited as the ‘music vehicle’ is shared between RM and GM.

Taber Hand

2023 was:

Seeing Marianna Hensley gain confidence in the limelight as she started solo gigs, and hearing the harmonies she created with Greg Beshers in their MUXU gigs

Listening to the words written and sung by Ariane Parkes, all amplified by her facial expressions and gestures on stage.  Still mourning the loss of the ska band Checkered Past

Seeing Scoddy roll his eyes when his long multi-verse song I Heart Kyoto is requested

The high and heavy point of the year for me was Brin’s self-conceived celebration of his life with all his adult children present – and how he just rocked that Rockestra night. Peace be with him.

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