The Allure of Aluna, Princess of Lao Pop Music

Lao musical artists have been devoted to their craft for thousands of years, with one folk tale exemplifying the commitment with which the best musicians have experimented, creating many unique traditions and styles. The story tells of a woman who invented the traditional Lao instrument, the khene, by trying to imitate the sound of the garawek bird she had heard while on a walk one day. She experimented with many different designs, using plucked and bowed strings and various types of other materials before finally settling on a type of bamboo flute. The woman brought the new instrument before the king, who responded curtly that it was ‘fair.’ After modifying the instrument and playing it again, the king said, “Tia nee kaen dae,” which means “this time it was better.” This same persistent approach to finding the right kind of sound can be heard today in the mesmerising music of Aluna, the princess of pop in Laos.

Aluna Thavonsouk is a Lao pop singer whose contemporary musical style draws upon older techniques and often includes traditional Lao instruments. She may even begin including the khene in what she calls her ‘new sound.’ Aluna’s humble attitude is uncommon for a musician of her stature, but her tirelessness has paid off ever since she began creating music back in 2002. To date, she has performed in U.S. cities like Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles, and she has toured in Japan, China, Malaysia, and throughout Southeast Asia. Her self-titled albums “Aluna” (2005) and “Aluna Part II” (2008) produced many number-one singles on regional radio charts, and her hit “Khaum HouSuek Bork” earned her the award for Best Pop Song at the first annual Lao Music Awards in July 2008. Even The Today Show recognized this 29-year-old artist as one of the preeminent talents of Laos’ burgeoning pop music scene.

Laos’ contemporary music culture has emerged from a long history of political unrest and a complex mix of cultural influences. Since 2000, when the government began to relax the country’s music regulations, Lao record companies have been eager to promote singers who appeal to younger audiences. Today, pop music is booming, and local Lao artists are heard on the radio alongside other foreign singers from the U.S. and Thailand. Aluna is at the forefront of the homegrown talents now changing the Lao music scene. Her songs incorporate the loop of Morlum and other traditional Lao music, especially the catchy fast tracks, and often include unique beats and traditional instruments.

Born and raised in Laos, Aluna was surrounded by music from a very early age and always loved to sing. Her father, a musician, always had instruments around the house for her to practice with. At just five years old, she picked up her first instrument, a guitar, and began to explore how musical instruments produce sounds and how those sounds turn into different keys and notes. Although she did not study music and never had professional training because it was too expensive, her childhood experiences with music were so wonderful and peaceful that she knew she would always want to be around it.

Aluna’s dream of becoming a professional singer was born when she attended France’s Fête de La Musique in 2002, where she saw shows by musicians such as Lenny Kravitz, Sheryl Crow, R.E.M., Bryan Adams, and many other legendary artists. She was inspired Inspired by nature - Artist Robert Tucker talks about himself and his artist experience in this exclusive article. Inspired by nature The glorious portal of a new year is again upon me. My mind has wondered since the start of 2008 as to which direction my creative self will take. For me a torrent of feelings were released in… by the event and encouraged others to follow their hearts and passions.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME