Salin – Rammana

Today, acclaimed JUNO-nominated drummer, producer, and composer Salin returns with “Rammana,” the captivating title track and final preview from her highly anticipated LP, Rammana, releasing today.

“Rammana” draws inspiration from a traditional folk song of the Urak Lawoi, the indigenous sea nomads of South Thailand. This powerful song, integral to the Plajak Ceremony, marks the beginning and end of the rainy season, invoking spirits of the island through a hypnotic blend of violin, drums, and vocal chants. Salin invites listeners to join this celebration, encouraging them to chant “ma-chai-yo!” (มาไชโย), meaning “cheers!” in the local language.

Salin’s vision extends into a visually stunning music video reimagining the traditional Rammana, historically performed by men, and placing women at the forefront of her modern interpretation. “I wanted to shift and explore how women could lead this ancient tradition,” Salin explains. “I wanted to express the complex challenges we face in the modern world, while at the core we can relate to each other. Even when the world has become so chaotic, we can still come together to celebrate just as the Urark Lawoi do.” This sentiment is brought to life through the video’s central concept, “Harmony of the Souls,” through four musicians, each embodying a spirit from the four regions of Thailand:

North: The candle dance (การฟ้อนเทียน) harmonizing with the violin.

Northeast: The Phi Ta Khon (ผีตาโขน) festival is depicted resonating with the Phin guitar.

Central: The Khon (โขน) masked dance drama aligns with the sound of the trumpet.

South: The Manora (มโนราห์), a mythical bird princess is resurrected from the sea is synchronized with the rhythmic Rammana drums.

“These spirits are at the heart of these regions,” says Salin. “Their connection is essential to understanding the cultural narrative of ‘Rammana’.”

Salin will also be heading on the road for live dates this summer, with performances in Los Angeles, Denver, Rochester, and more.

Live dates: 
June 15         Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room
June 20         Denver, CO @ Cervantes’ Other Side
June 21         Boulder, CO @ Flatiron Sounds Festival 
June 27         Aspen, CO @ JAS June Experience 
June 28         Rochester, NY @ Rochester Jazz Festival 
July 5            Montreal, QC @ Festival de Jazz de Montreal

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