Chiang Mai dream-pop band YONLAPA to perform in Seoul this weekend
Yonlapa, a band from Chiang Mai, Thailand, is coming to Korea this week. Courtesy of YONLAPA
Fresh from the release of their newest EP "Velvet Petals," the indie pop band YONLAPA, hailing from Chiang Mai, Thailand, is scheduled to perform in Seoul for the next leg of "The Buzzing Tour."
The tour, which kicked off in Bangkok earlier this year, followed by a stop in Taipei shortly after, features artists representing Thailand and local indie music scenes. Aiming to bring “a unique blend of sounds across borders,” YONLAPA will perform alongside fellow Thai dream pop artist KIKI and Korean synth-pop outfit Kisnue.
Composed of Yonlapa “Noina” Pienpanassak on vocals, Arnuphap “Gun” Foeilung on synths, bassist Nawin Raknaisil and drummer Chalanthorn “Few” Soontornpitak, the Thai quartet shared their excitement for returning to Seoul. “We’re definitely planning to play our new songs live!” the vocalist revealed. “We’ve prepared a set that really shows who we are right now. We can’t wait to see everyone there.”
Yonlapa, a band from Chiang Mai, Thailand, is coming to Korea this week. Courtesy of YONLAPA
This new side of the band is nothing too far from what listeners already know: music laced with growth and maturity, a play on feelings and introspection interpreted through playful sonic textures and layers. In the new mini-album, the combination of their psychedelic-rock roots with new grooves and beautiful melodies exhibits their musical evolution through the years.
“We wanted to mix both the old and new sides of YONLAPA — something that still feels like us from the first EP, but also something fresh that we really enjoyed making,” Noina told The Korea Times. “It’s a fun project that represents what we love about making music together.”
From the pre-released "Little Faster," a reflective piece on finding one’s place, to the "Velvet Love" about unfulfilled love, each of the six tracks carries its own distinct character. Alongside careful production and dreamy yet rich arrangements, the lyrics introduce a wide range of human emotions. The band hopes that the songs can become a meaningful part of everyone’s life, as much as it was theirs.
“We felt much more relaxed this time,” Few remarked about the making of their latest record. “We’ve learned to let go of outside expectations and just focus on enjoying the process. That made the music feel more natural and free.”
Their unfetteredness is infectious and magnetic, something so universal that people from all walks of life can relate to. In embracing honesty, people find a connection in the band’s music — this inspires the group to continue making music that feels true to them, Noina noted.
It’s this authenticity that profoundly resonates with Korean audiences — and the band is met with that same energy in return. The frontwoman described their fans as “sweet and unique.”
She added, “They really focus on the performance, listen deeply and cheer with so much energy. It’s such a special feeling playing for them.”
The group made its Korea performance debut in 2023 and has since appeared in several joint performances with Korea’s local talents. Seoul was also a stop on its 2024 tour for its first album, “Lingering Gloaming.” Prior to the upcoming tour stop, the band played The Glow festival in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, earlier this year.
In recent years, the ties between the Thai and Korean indie music scenes have been deepening steadily, in turn producing collaborations in both recordings and performances in both countries. Noina attributed this growing exchange to the increased freedom listeners have today to explore music, thanks to platforms that support artists regardless of label backing.
Furthermore, the frontwoman identified the common ground between the nations that fosters this natural bond. “Since Asian artists share similar cultures and experiences, it’s natural that we exchange ideas and sounds. It’s really good for the indie scene as a whole,” she said.
With this, the band members expressed their openness to possible collaborations with Korean artists in the future. “We’d love to, if we have the time and opportunity! It would be really exciting to create something together,” Few said.
Yonlapa, a band from Chiang Mai, Thailand, is coming to Korea this week. Courtesy of YONLAPA
While they have found a steady fan base in Asia and are a constant presence in showcases around the region, they’re not bound by a comfort zone.
The drummer shared, “We don’t want to limit ourselves. We hope to play in more countries and share our music with even more people around the world.”
“We’re an indie band from Chiang Mai, and we hope our songs help people understand where we come from — our roots, our stories, our sound,” Noina stressed. “If people can feel that and enjoy it, then that means a lot to us.”
After all, the band’s vision is simple. “We just hope that more people will discover our music and connect with it. That’s all we could ever ask for,” Nawin said.
Yonlapa, a band from Chiang Mai, Thailand, is coming to Korea this week. Courtesy of YONLAPA
The show starts this Sunday at 5 p.m. at YES24 Wanderloch Hall in western Seoul's Sinchon area. Tickets cost 99,000 won and are available through the YES24 website.
Follow @yonlapa on Instagram for more information.
Mariel Abanes (@marielabanes on Instagram) is a freelance lifestyle & culture writer/editor from the Philippines, currently based in Seoul. She promotes indie music and culture, and writes poetry and prose from time to time.