Khruangbin

Khruangbin is a trio hailing from Texas that specializes in a fusion of global sounds to create their unique music style. The group’s name is Thai in origin, translating to “Engine Fly,” and is a reflection of the group’s musical influences. Formed in 2010, the band consists of Donald Ray “DJ” Johnson Jr. on drums, Laura Lee Ochoa on bass, and Mark Speer on guitar.

Drawing inspiration from 1960’s and 70’s Thai funk, R&B, gospel, indie rock, and traditional soul, Khruangbin’s sound can be difficult to pin down to one genre. Their global sound is immersive - drawing you in with entrancing basslines and echoey guitar, all underpinned with steady, chilled-out drum beats. Their music maintains some psychedelic touches, along with vibrant dashes of dub, disco, and soul influences.

The band often sings in different languages including Hindi, Spanish, and Thai, or often their tracks are instrumental - all which helps creates their infectious groove and illuminating soundscapes.

Representative songs by Khruangbin include “White Gloves,” a slower tempo, soul-touching piece and “Cómo Me Quieres,” which is a languid and salient testament of their unique infusion of world music. To get a sense of their ability to create infectious grooves, check out “Maria También”, a song that introduced Khruangbin to many listeners globally.

Throughout their career, Khruangbin has been a band that loves exploring and incorporating the sounds they discover into their compositions. Their music is a passionate homage to the global influence that has shaped them, and they consistently deliver intriguing, atmospheric tracks that make each Khruangbin concert a unique exploration of deeper listening and global sound connections.

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