Tanu has been singing his entire life. Born and raised in Vientiane, this standard Lao singer-songwriter began performing as a baby and by no means stopped. From college competitions to late-night gigs, music has at all times been part of his life.
Now, after years of honing his craft, he’s turn out to be probably the most recognizable voices in Laos’s indie music scene.
“I by no means anticipated to return this far—to be well-known or make a residing from music,” mentioned the 27-year-old artist.
Real ardour can typically result in success past one’s creativeness, or no less than, it’s what Tanu has confirmed.
“I began singing once I was in sixth grade and at all times participated at school competitions,” Tanu remembers. “By the point I used to be in tenth grade, I had already begun performing as an evening singer, and I’ve continued ever since.”
His hovering recognition has granted him a stage on the Nationwide Cultural Corridor on 15 February, the place “The Track Past Borders” is ready to happen, celebrating 70 years of Laos-Japan diplomatic relations
There, the younger artist would share the stage with “Krage”, a Japanese hip hop singer, in an evening of musical alternate.
For Tanu, this second is not only about performing however it’s a milestone in a journey that started when he was only a schoolboy with a dream.
Music has at all times been part of his life. From competing at school occasions to singing in bars at evening, Tanu’s voice turned his id. However as he grew as a performer, he felt the urge to create one thing of his personal. That’s when he began writing his personal songs.
Not Simply One Sound
Immediately, after years of follow, Tanu enjoys experimenting with completely different types. In his early years, he targeted on creating songs that will attraction to a large viewers. However as he grew as an artist, his method shifted.
“My music type isn’t mounted—I experiment with completely different genres,” he mentioned.
His earlier songs, as an example Tear and Pure, had been composed with listeners in thoughts. However in recent times, he has targeted on making music that displays his private style, even when it’s much less commercially profitable. Now, he hopes to discover a stability between each approaches.
A Wet Breakthrough
Whereas Tanu’s first composition, Solely Tears Stay, was launched in 2019, it was “ Fon“ (Rain), which was launched in 2022 that actually put him on the map.
“One in every of my most well-known songs is ຝົນ (Fon). I used to be actually pleased to see it turn out to be standard,” he shares.
Initially, Rain was speculated to be his third launch, however delays—together with a key collaborator being in a foreign country—pushed it again. Trying again, he believes that ready allowed the music to succeed in its full potential.
A Milestone: His newest Solo Live performance
Tanu’s solo live performance in November 2024 was a defining second in his profession. In contrast to his earlier performances as an invited artist to carry out with different artists, however this time he was concerned in each side of the manufacturing.
“My solo live performance in November 2024 was an enormous problem. We needed to handle all the pieces ourselves—from designing the occasion idea to organizing the whole present.”
From conceptualizing the occasion to securing sponsors, each element required cautious planning. He and his group needed to create one thing contemporary for the viewers—one thing not often seen in Laos’ music business.
The overwhelming response to the live performance proved that Lao audiences are desirous to assist native artists when offered with one thing genuine and significant.
Nonetheless, breaking into the Lao music business comes with its personal challenges, particularly when native artists compete with the affect of overseas music.
“The music business in our nation could be very small,” Tanu admitted.
“There’s a perception that Lao folks overlook native artists, so we needed to see how they’d reply to our live performance. The turnout was overwhelming, proving that there’s robust assist for Lao musicians.”
Recommendation for Aspiring Artists
For these hoping to enter the music business, Tanu emphasizes the significance of having fun with the method.
“It doesn’t damage to strive. Many individuals set excessive expectations for his or her work, however it’s additionally vital to benefit from the small moments alongside the best way,” he suggested.
“Music needs to be enjoyable. Should you actually love making music, it’ll reward you in sudden methods”.
Trying Forward: The Way forward for Tanu’s Music
Although music has been a serious a part of his life, Tanu is contemplating stepping away from the business within the close to future.
“Within the subsequent 5 years, I plan to step again from the music business in Laos,” he revealed.
Whereas he nonetheless enjoys performing, he admits that the calls for of the business might be exhausting.
“However I’ll in all probability proceed acting at evening venues since that’s my most important supply of earnings. In 5 years forward, I don’t have any particular plans, I may go behind the artist’s efficiency or manufacturing relatively than doing it on my own,” he added.
Regardless of the uncertainties forward, one factor stays clear, music will at all times be a part of Tanu’s life. Whether or not he’s on stage, writing behind the scenes, or just taking part in for himself. His journey with music isn’t over.
