Standard Sounds

T-bone aRootstic Is Ready to Rock Hua Hin

We sat down with Gap and Golf Teerapenun, the brothers behind T-Bone aRootstic. Known for their work with Thailand’s first reggae-ska band, the duo is now taking a more intimate approach with a raw, personal sound. They dove into their creative process, the inspirations behind their stripped-back arrangements, and how they keep their lyrics uplifting. Catch them live on October 12 at The Beachfront Lawn at The Standard, Hua Hin for a can't-miss sunset set.
T Bone, we can’t wait for your performance at The Standard, Hua Hin. Tell us a little about your newest sounds.

 

We are very excited to perform at The Standard, Hua Hin, and this upcoming event is particularly special because we will be performing as an acoustic band. As you may know, we typically perform with a full band, including electric instruments and a brass section. We had so much fun rearranging our music to fit the acoustic style while still maintaining our signature Ska and Reggae sound, and we can’t wait for you to hear it and enjoy it.

 

Your new songs are possibly the most personal music you’ve ever made. How did you get so vulnerable in the studio?

 

We record our music live, and to be fully genuine, we pour our hearts into creating it. This allows us to be vulnerable and open in the studio. Since we are currently working on an acoustic band project, we embrace the challenges it brings and approach it with love.

 

After stripping your sound down so much, do you think you’ll go back to bigger production again?

 

We are still performing as a full band! This is just a side project we are currently exploring. We're creating a new variation of Ska and Reggae, using acoustic tones to present our music in a fresh and unique way.

 

How did you first get into reggae-ska? What were some of your early influences?

 

Bob Marley, of course! There was no internet or streaming platforms when we were younger. We stumbled upon Bob Marley records and fell in love with Reggae and Ska. By blending a touch of Thai culture with pure Ska and Reggae, T-Bone was born. We strive to be unique and have become a cornerstone of Thai Ska and Reggae.

We are the past, present, and future. Our history in music reflects our passion for reggae and ska, which we’ve proudly complemented with Thai culture. We hope to continue doing so even more in the future. We want to age like fine wine.

Besides musicians, which artists (painters, designers, actors, writers) inspire you?

 

Joan Cornellà is a unique artist. Cornellà’s art blends humor, irony, and real-world references, creating the perfect recipe for dark humor. His work has a powerful way of illustrating the irony of human society in a tongue-in-cheek way, which is sort of how we like to approach our song writing.

 

You (and your fans) are going to love playing on The Beachfront Lawn. Are there any specific challenges or opportunities when you’re playing an outdoor set?

 

We're really excited to share our new acoustic sound, and there’s no other place better suited to it than on the beach. The audience is relaxed. They’re having a good time and it’s a perfect vibe for this kind of sound. We’re just keeping our fingers crossed that it doesn’t rain.

 

What direction would you like your music to take next?

 

We are the past, present, and future. Our history in music reflects our passion for reggae and ska, which we’ve proudly complemented with Thai culture. We hope to continue doing so even more in the future. We want to age like fine wine.

 

Where’s your hometown, and what’s the number one thing you recommend people do when they visit?

 

Songkla is our hometown, and we're proud of it. It is a perfect mixture of old and new. There are now great museums that share its history, galleries, cozy coffee shops, chic boutique hotels in the old quarter, and plenty of places for fun activities. The beach is still beautiful and unspoilt, and the town itself has this quaint quality of being really rustic, charming, but also modern at the same time.

 

What’s your personal theme song?

 

Our personal theme song is 'Gawd' (Hug) because it carries the message we consistently try to share with our audience. It represents who we are—about having fun and loving one another. Free hugs for all!

 

We have to ask...beach or pool?

 

Definitely beach! We grew up on the beach and it just brings back so many happy memories. Luckily, most of T-Bone’s gigs and concerts have been held on the beach and we are just so in our element when playing there.

 

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