Step into the vibrant world of Morlum, where the sublime blend of storytelling and music awaits. Artists like Banyen Rakgan and Ros Serisyothee have shaped this genre with their dynamic vocal prowess, bridging tradition with a modern twist, captivating audiences both near and far.
Explore the intricate craft of sound that defines Morlum, with the khaen, phin, and glong khaek drum creating a tapestry of rhythms and melodies that narrate the daily life of Laotian communities. As Morlum evolves through changing times, its resonant beats continue to echo across regions, showcasing regional subtleties that make this music genre a cultural gem.
Morlum Lao, a music genre steeped in cultural significance, resonates deeply with the heart of Laos and the northeastern Isan region of Thailand, not to mention its listeners’ ears.
The essence of Morlum lies in its blend of singing with storytelling, a hallmark of traditional folk narratives that capture the mundane and the profound.
The Craft of Sound
At its core, Morlum is a rush of sound—a fast-paced, rhythmic vocalization that navigates through melodies with the precision of an expert.
The khaen, a bamboo mouth organ with its reedy tones, partners with the phin, a lute that adds depth, while the glong khaek drum pushes the tempo forward with an assertive beat.
Each note, each rhythm, plays a part in this rich musical tradition.
Words That Weave
The lyrical themes of Morlum traverse the landscape of daily life, with subjects such as love caught between the lines, satire that bites softly, and social commentary wrapped in humor.
Verses come alive as they are sung, painted with a verbal artistry that leans into improvisation, offering both a reflection and an unspoken lesson.
From Fields to Urban Landscapes
Morlum finds its origins in rural narratives, serving as the voice of Laotian communities through festivities and ceremonies.
With the 20th century came technological advancements that expanded the horizon for Morlum, urbanizing its sound and introducing avante-garde electric elements that mixed with its age-old roots.
Echoes Across Regions
The diversity within Morlum is a feature, not a flaw, as its variations echo different regional subtleties.
In northern Laos, the focus narrows to storylines, whereas Isan’s upbeat delivery reflects its spirited cultural interplay with Thailand.
Voices of Influence
Among those who have shaped Morlum’s evolution, Banyen Rakgan emerges with her dynamic vocal prowess, bridging the traditional with modern sensibilities.
Ros Serisyothee stands as a testament to Morlum’s expanding appeal, luring audiences beyond borders, guiding the genre into international waters.
As Morlum navigates its path through changing times, its evolution remains inevitable, keeping listeners both near and far, in tune with its resonant beats.
Tracklist :
Airnoy NiPhon – Lao Music
Thampapha Thakhek
Tom Rainbow – See Phundon
Lisa Sain Nam Ngum, Village Girl
Lamvong Salava
Sompong Bounvat + VilaPhon – MorLum
Lao Lum Song / Mon Huk Sao Phou Thai
Ting Noy
Lum Mahaxay
Known for blending traditional Lao sounds with contemporary elements, Airnoy NiPhon, showcases here his unique style. He has released several albums, with his songs often highlighting themes of love, life, and cultural pride.
Thongdam Khamlo
“Thampapha Thakhek” is a song that celebrates the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of Thakhek, a town in Laos.
Lao Morlam
Tom Rainbow, whose real name is Tom, was the lead singer of the popular Thai band Rainbow during the 1980s and early 1990s. Of Lao descent, he has spent significant time learning to read Lao and perfecting his accent in order to deliver authentic performances of classic Lao songs , combining traditional instruments with contemporary production techniques.
Morlam Lao
This song, whose title translates to “Lisa Sain Nam Ngum, Village Girl,” is a touching narrative that tells the story of a young girl from Nam Ngum. Nam Ngum is a significant river in Laos, known for its large reservoir, Nam Ngum Lake famous for its scenic beauty and several resorts and recreational facilities.
Job Joy 2
“Lamvong Salavan” is a traditional dance song; performed at celebrations and festivals, from the Salavan region, a province located in the southern part of Laos. The region is known for its mountainous terrain, dense forests, and a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including the Lao Loum, Lao Theung, and various hill tribes.
Lao Morlum
Jonny & Lam Lao Ban Xork Morlum Latsamy
“Lao Lum Song – Mon Huk Sao Phou Thai” is a heartfelt piece that blends traditional Lao music with influences from the Phou Thai ethnic group. The song’s themes revolve around love and longing, common in many Lao folk songs. Bom Siengsavanh is a contemporary Lao musician who has released several popular songs that blend traditional Lao musical elements with modern influences.
Lung Kong – Lam Sipandorn
“Ting Noy” is a traditional Lao song known for its gentle melody and soothing lyrics. The title translates to “Soft Whisper,” and the music lives up to its name with a calming and reflective tone.
Aoy Jai: Lum Saravanh
“Lum Mahaxay” is a traditional Morlum song from the Mahaxay district, located in the Khammouane Province in central Laos and known for its scenic landscapes, including limestone karst formations and caves.
Classical Music from Laos: Lam Phoutaiy
Produced by TS Studio, “Thongdam Khamlo” is a contemporary Lao song that has gained popularity for its catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics. It discusses themes of daily life and personal experiences. Operational for over a decade and focusing on both traditional and contemporary Lao music, TS Studio is a prominent music production company based in Laos, known for its extensive catalog of over 10,000 songs and more than 30 artists under its label.
Lao Dance [SEADO showcase]
Morlum Long
Mor Lam Xing
This video features Morlum songs from the Isaan region of Thailand, closely related to Lao Morlam. “Job Joy 2” includes classic Morlam tracks that highlight the shared cultural and musical heritage of Laos and Thailand.
Keo Bao Morlum & Tukta Sarika Thong – Lao Morlam Zink
Banh Thunh Sinh – Mor Lam Lao
In this video, musician Jonny plays the khaen, a traditional Lao mouth organ, alongside Lam Lao Ban Xork Morlum Latsamy, also known as Latsamy Phoudindong, a prominent Lao folk musician and singer. The khaen is a crucial instrument in Lao music, and this performance highlights its role in creating the distinctive sound of Morlam.
Lum Siphandon
Lung Kong, a highly respected master of the khaen, performs “Lam Sipandorn.” Lung Kong is known for his exceptional skill and intricate performances, particularly in styles such as Lam Sipandorn and Lam Som.
I Want a Husband
This high-definition video features “Aoy Jai: Lum Saravanh,” a traditional song performed in the Lum Saravanh style, a style that originates from the Saravanh province in southern Laos and is characterized by its melodic and lyrical storytelling. It is performed in a slow, deliberate tempo, creating a reflective and emotive atmosphere.
Hua Thien Bord
“Classical Music from Laos: Lam Phoutaiy” features traditional Lao classical music, focusing on the Lam Phoutaiy style, also known as Lam Phu Thai, a traditional style of the Phu Thai ethnic group, primarily found in northeastern Thailand and Laos.
Aaaa1 Ee Saan Dancing
This video showcases traditional Lao dance, performed at the SEADO (Southeast Asian Development Organization) event, a cultural showcase, part of broader initiatives like the “Visit Laos Year” campaign, that highlights the rich heritage and traditions of Laos and aims to attract international tourists.
Phouvong Phetphouthong – LumPuTai