Comedic singer releases second album

Comedic singer, joker and graphic designer Phoumsana Srivongsa, popularly known as Jear, released his second album Samapi (Many things) last week, which is full of typically humourous lyrics.



The artist is popular among local people, especially teenagers, because most of the characters included in his songs can make people smile and laugh, whether on radio, television or in concert.

“I feel good whenever I see the audience smile. My musical style is a mixture of rock, pop and country. I don't emphasise each separately because I have all styles in my second album, but the highlight of my album is the comedic lyrics,” Mr Phoumsana said yesterday.

“If fans carefully listen to our music and watch the videos, they will understand that Samapi involves a mixture of many rhythms included jazz, blues, hard rock, Chinese rhythms and others as well as funny lyrics which are complemented by the music videos,” Mr Phoumsana said.

The singer is a graduate of the National University of Laos' economics and management faculty. After he finished studying he worked for the non-profit organisation Population Services International, while he was signed to the Indee Records label.

Vocalist for Lao band the Cells, Mr Athisack Ratanavong, said Jear was popular with many audiences.

“Jear came into Lao music in 2002 to join a pop orchestra band, then he was a singer with the band Pacific, which was popular at that time, and he became well-known by local listeners,” he said.

“ Mon Hak Vigo (Love vehicle), Ouilouy (Fat) and Mee Fan Kheehay Leo Tay Wa (Ugly Boyfriend) made the top 10 in various radio programmes. Jear is also popular because he always makes people laugh when he performs in concerts, and on radio and television. I believe this album will be funnier than his previous one.”

Jear's new album was released in VCD karaoke form and he said his next concert would be performed as a musical drama.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath