Slur leapfrogs to global acclaim thanks to tunes posted online

With a dinky label and a repertoire of garage rock, Slur wasn't about to get invited to perform in Germany and Hong Kong. Fortunately this is the digital age, everyone's listening, and that's what happened.

On June 4, Slur was one of three Asian bands putting on a show for industry geeks at the Music Matters Asia-Pacific forum in Hong Kong.

The German gig came along because listeners there heard the music the band posted on MySpace. Since then Slur has signed up with Nokia's independent Artists Club, and that puts its tunes among the millions of tracks you can listen to at the online Nokia Music Store.

"We've turned a foe into a friend," drummer Thitiphan "Aim" Ananwatchapon told Daily Xpress, explaining that digital downloading shouldn't be viewed as a threat. "A decade ago when a Thai artist released an album, either he'd become famous and make money in Thailand or not, and that was it. With online networking, we're being heard all over the world."

Toured Germany

Rounded out by singer-guitarist Jackapun "Yeah" Boonyamata, guitarist Arak "Pae" Amornsupasiri and bassist-singer Tanan "Boo" Boonyatanapiwat, Slur toured Germany in February.

"They enjoyed our music even though they couldn't understand the lyrics," says Boo, whose nickname is also the title of their debut album, now being distributed in Germany by Noise Deluxe Records.

The digital linkage, says Boo, represents equal opportunity for all. "Everyone can have space on the Internet, and every song stands the same chance of being spotted."

"And fans have direct access to us and can comment on our work," adds Aim, noting that online music fuels increased demand for live shows.

Boo, who's also an actor, says Slur are ready to play anywhere on the planet if they get airfare and free accommodations. "We don't care much about making money."