It’s finally time for this year’s most anticipated music festival.
There’s been a lot of hype surrounding Sonic Bang over the last few months – particularly over the massive line-up of around 30 artists, from global heavy-hitters like Pit Bull, Far East Movement and Jason Mraz to a collection of pop acts from Japan, Korea and right here in Thailand.
Sonic Bang may only be a one-day affair – starting promptly at 10am and ending around midnight – but the festival cuts no corners, promising a jam-packed musical extravaganza. Each and every performer is confirmed for a full set from one to two hours long with very little set-up in between. The concerts are scheduled amongst six stages at Impact Arena, with whimsical names like Bang!, Boom! and Pow!
The biggest act on the roster is probably the rapper Pit Bull, known for club anthems like “Give Me Everything” and “Calle Ocho.” But the most-talked about seems to be English alternative rock band, Placebo. The group, fronted by the haunting voice of Brian Molko, struck gold in the ’90s with a slew of hits. “Every You, Every Me” made the Cruel Intentions soundtrack and their cover of the Pixies tune “Where is my mind?” can be heard in the closing scene of Fight Club.
Placebo is no stranger to Bangkok, Sonic Banging being the band’s third time performing here since 2006. Placebo was also the first rock band to play at the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia back in 2008.
Also making a return via time machine are the Pet Shop Boys, known for their catchy tune “West End Girls” back in the ’80s. Pet Shop Boys are now promoting their twelfth studio album “Electric” which was only released last month to critical praise.
Rain, the South-Korean superstar, is also confirmed to take the stage. More recently, he’s been pursuing other endeavors as a model, designer and actor, even starring in international flicks like Speed Racer and Ninja Assassin. Rain got his acting chops in the Korean soap opera Full House, which is currently being remade for Thai television.
Coming from Japan is the all-girl group Scandal and Harajuku icon, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Pamyu Pamyu has performed everywhere from London to New York and LA this year, and her hair has also constantly fluctuated between shades of pink, blonde and purple.
For something more off the beaten track, there will be a separate “Silent Disco” stage, where the audience will have to wear headphones to enjoy the music of local DJs, like DJ Ono and Bee Futon. Over a dozen Thai acts including Sugar Eyes, Slot Machine, Flur, Tor Saksit, Stamp, Lipta and Buddha Bless are also taking turns on stage.
Tickets for Sonic Bang are still available. Check the website for full line-up and schedule.
FIND IT:
Impact Arena
Impact Exhibition Hall 1-4, Muang Thong Thani
August 24, 10am to midnight
Tickets are THB 4,000 and VIP tickets are THB 5,000
Reader Interactions