Loso — Mediated Wiki

{{Short description|Thai rock band}} {{about||the Charlotte, North Carolina neighborhood|South End (Charlotte neighborhood)#LoSo|the American rapper|Fabolous}} {{more citations needed|date=June 2023}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Loso (โลโซ) | image = | caption = LOSO members from left to right: Rath, Sek, Yai | background = group_or_band | alias = | origin = Bangkok, Thailand | instrument = | genre = {{hlist|Rock<ref name=":6" />|alternative rock<ref name=":4" />|grunge<ref name=":4" /> (early)}} | occupation = | years_active = 1994–2003, 2021–2025 | label = More Music, GMM Grammy (1996-2002) Luster Entertainment (2021-2025) | website = | current_members = Seksan Sukpimai (Sek) Kittisak Khoatkam (Yai) Apirath Sukkhajitr (Rath) Nattaphon Suntharaanu (Klang) | past_members = }} '''Loso''' (Thai: โลโซ) are a Thai rock band fronted by singer–guitarist–composer Seksan Sukpimai (aka '''Sek Loso''').<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=June 6, 2024 |title=T-POP: No one can stop the wave of Thai pop |url=https://asianews.network/t-pop-no-one-can-stop-the-wave-of-thai-pop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606071632/https://asianews.network/t-pop-no-one-can-stop-the-wave-of-thai-pop/ |archive-date=June 6, 2024 |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=Asia News Network |language=}}</ref> The band was formed in 1994 in Bangkok, Thailand.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Serisamran |first=Teerapong |date=April 30, 2021 |title=25 ปี 'โล โซไซตี้' ปฐมบทแห่งตำนานวงการเพลงร็อกไทย 'โลโซ' |url=https://www.beartai.com/buzz/614198 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730043636/https://www.beartai.com/buzz/614198 |archive-date=July 30, 2024 |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=beartai.com |language=th}}</ref> Its name is derived from a play on ''hi-so'', Thai slang for socialites and the upper class (from English 'high society'),<ref name=":02" /> and is meant to reflect the group's humble origins.<ref name=":4" /> They are one of the first Thai bands to achieve minimal recognition beyond Thailand, having played festivals, including South By Southwest and Glastonbury.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2015 |title=8 เทศกาลดนตรีระดับโลก ที่คอดนตรีไม่ควรพลาด! |url=https://www.unlockmen.com/8-music-festival-you-should-go/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229211528/https://www.unlockmen.com/8-music-festival-you-should-go/ |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |access-date=July 31, 2024 |website=Unlockmen}}</ref> Loso disbanded in 2003, and afterwards, Seksan continued as Sek Loso up until November 2021 when they reformed.

In the mid-1990s, Loso established itself as part of the Thai rock scene.<ref name=":6" /> Shortly after signing to Asanee Chotikul's More Music label, distributed by GMM Grammy, they released their first album, ''Lo-Society'', in 1996.<ref name=":4" /> They developed an original sound of fusing guitar-driven indie music, a style previously explored with rock band Carabao, with traditional Thai melodies and rhythms.<ref name=":32">{{Cite book |last=Williams |first=China |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=27Q8DWw3mnEC&q=som+sarn&pg=PA71 |title=Thailandia |date=November 29, 2007 |publisher=Lonely Planet Italia |isbn=9788860401564 |edition=7th |pages=71 |language=Italian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502222506/https://books.google.com/books?id=27Q8DWw3mnEC&pg=PA71&dq=loso+thai&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&source=gb_mobile_search&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiy4vjF_u-FAxV_GTQIHU9-CQs4FBDoAXoECAQQAw#v=snippet&q=som%20sarn&f=false |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Loso achieved unexpected mainstream success in Thailand with their second album ''Entertainment'', described as being a "record for the Thai industry", having sold over two million copies.<ref name=":02" /> This was continued with later albums they released, averaging around a million copies sold in Thailand.

==History== ===Formation (1993–1996)=== In 1993, Seksan Sukpimai was playing in various bands in Nakhon Sawan province while studying at Nakorn Ratchasima Technical College.<ref name=":4" /> During his time studying electrical engineering at Nakorn Sawan Technical College, Sek performed in various pubs across provinces and played for a band named "Diamond", where he met Apirat Sukchit, commonly known as Ratt, a fellow musician.<ref name=":4" /> After Diamond broke up in 1994, Sek and Yai formed a short-lived band named Climax.<ref name=":4" /> When Climax broke up in mid-1994, Sek and Yai relocated to Bangkok to pursue their music career more seriously, both together and apart. Despite their enthusiasm, they faced considerable challenges in gaining recognition.<ref name=":4" /> Their initial attempts to secure a record deal were met with repeated rejections due to their unconventional image and music style, which differed significantly from the prevalent pop and rock trends.<ref name=":4" /> Later in 1995, Sek and Yai joined with Apirath "Rath" Sukkhajitr, completing the original trio.<ref name=":4" />

Inspired by the grunge rock movement, particularly bands like Nirvana, Loso aimed to capture a similar raw, powerful sound while incorporating elements of heavy metal.<ref name=":4" /> Their musical goal was to connect with everyday people by reflecting their struggles and emotions through their music.<ref name=":4" /> The name "Loso" was chosen to symbolize their commitment to representing ordinary people through their work, setting them apart from the mainstream music of the time.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":02" />

===Success (1996–1998)=== In 1996, Loso's fortunes began to change when they were introduced to Saksit Tangthong, a prominent figure in the Thai music industry.<ref name=":4" /> Tang invited the band to perform as a backing group on his album ''Dek Lang Hong'' (Back Room Boy) and later recommended their demo to Asanee Chotikul, a well-known rock musician and founder of the newly established More Music label.<ref name=":4" /> Asanee was intrigued by Loso's distinctive style and sound, eventually signing the band to his record label.<ref name=":4" /> This led to the refinement of their previous demos that were rejected.<ref name=":4" />

Eager to make their mark in the music industry, the band dedicated themselves to perfecting their demos in preparation for their debut album.<ref name=":4" /> The recording sessions for their debut album took place at the Butterfly Studio, a well-regarded recording location in Bangkok, over a 20-day period between January and February of that year.<ref name=":4" /> The band worked closely with Pichet Kruawan, a member of the band "Y NOT 7", who served as a co-producer alongside Loso.<ref name=":4" /> The choice of studio and producer was crucial in shaping the album's sound, which combined elements of grunge with heavy metal influences.<ref name=":4" /> During the recording sessions, Loso focused on capturing both their energetic grunge and powerful heavy metal influences.<ref name=":4" /> The band crafted each track to balance fast, aggressive guitar riffs with slower, more introspective moments.<ref name=":4" /> This approach was evident in songs like "คน" (Khon), which showcased a heavy metal edge, and the grunge-influenced tracks that resonated with the Seattle sound reminiscent of Nirvana.<ref name=":4" /> The recording sessions were marked by a sense of urgency and excitement. Loso's members, Sek, Yai, and Rath, brought their individual talents and distinct styles to the project.<ref name=":4" /> Sek's versatile guitar work and vocals were central to the album's sound, while Yai's drumming and Rath's bass playing provided the solid foundation necessary for their grunge and metal fusion.<ref name=":4" /> Loso's debut album, ''Lo-Society'', was released by the label on April 30, 1996,<ref name=":4" /> and was an instant hit, selling over a million copies in Thailand.<ref name=":4" /> Despite relying solely on posters and word-of-mouth for promotion, the band's blend of rock music and street-smart lyrics resonated with audiences.<ref name=":02" /> Following its release, the album received extensive airplay on radio stations nationwide, generating multiple local hit songs, even without significant promotional efforts.<ref name=":0">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.komchadluek.net/entertainment/thai-entertainment/573271 |title=28 ปี 'LOSO' จากนักสู้หลานย่าโมสู่ร็อคสตาร์ของเมืองไทย |date=April 19, 2024 |language=Thai |publisher=Kom Chad Luek |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421214312/https://www.komchadluek.net/entertainment/thai-entertainment/573271 |archive-date=April 21, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.thaipost.net/entertainment-news/571728/ |title=ลึกซึ้ง-คิดถึง LOSO 28 Year The King of Rock & Roll กับเซอร์ไพร์สใหญ่เร็วๆนี้! |date=April 17, 2024 |language=Thai |publisher=Thai Post |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418025623/https://www.thaipost.net/entertainment-news/571728/ |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Later in 1997, Loso released ''Red Bike'' as the soundtrack album to the film ''Red Bike Story'' starring by Mos Patiparn and Tata Young.<ref name=":3" />

On March 26, 1998, Loso released their second album, ''Entertainment'', alternatively known as ''Loso Entertainment'', through the More Music label.<ref name=":12">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.nationtv.tv/entertainment/378747554 |title=ชาวเน็ตแชร์! คลิปแฟนคลับยอมให้ "เสก โลโซ" 1 แสน ร้องเพลง "ซมซาน" |date=October 21, 2019 |language=Thai |publisher=Nation TV |access-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423065845/https://www.nationtv.tv/entertainment/378747554 |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{cite magazine |last=White |first=Adam |date=13 November 1999 |title=Billboard Vol. 111, No. 46 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fAgEAAAAMBAJ&q=%222+million+copies%22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202095003/https://books.google.com/books?id=fAgEAAAAMBAJ&q=%222+million+copies%22#v=snippet&q=%222%20million%20copies%22&f=false |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |access-date=February 2, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |quote=This year, LoSo won the Season Award, Thailand's annual rock awards, for Best Group, for its second album, "LoSo Entertainement," which Grammy reports has sold 2 million copies—a record for the Thai industry.}}</ref> Commercially, ''Entertainment'' is the band's best-selling album to date, it achieved sales of over two million copies in Thailand{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":52" /><ref name=":0" /<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":42">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.sanook.com/music/2417869/ |title="เสก Loso" โพสต์ซึ้งถึงแฟนเพลง หลังเอ็มวี "ซมซาน" ยอดวิวทะลุร้อยล้าน |date=March 28, 2020 |last=W. |first=Sidhipong |language=Thai |publisher=Sanook |access-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423064246/https://www.sanook.com/music/2417869/ |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2" />}} and earned Loso the Season Award, Thailand's annual rock awards, for ''Best Group'' in 1999.<ref name=":02" /> The album's singles "Som San" and "Arai Gaw Yaum" also gained significant popularity in Thailand.<ref name=":32" /><ref name=":52">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.sanook.com/music/2412905/ |title="เสก-ใหญ่" สานฝันแฟนเพลง โพสต์ภาพรวมตัววง "Loso" พร้อมแคปชั่นซึ้ง |date=October 18, 2019 |last=W. |first=Sidhipong |language=Thai |publisher=Sanook |access-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207015747/https://www.sanook.com/music/2412905/ |archive-date=February 7, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":22" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{cite AV media |url=https://thestandard.co/loso/ |title=เมื่อคำว่า 'เพื่อน' ทำให้ตำนานของวง LOSO กลับมาพร้อมหน้ากันอีกครั้ง |date=October 21, 2019 |last=Chalermpanat |first=Nattanan |language=Thai |publisher=The Standard |access-date=February 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619133617/https://thestandard.co/loso/ |archive-date=June 19, 2023 |url-status=live |via=}}</ref>

===''Rock & Roll'' to ''The Red Album'' (1999–2001)=== In 1999, Rath left Loso for personal reasons, causing Loso to stop touring and go on hiatus for a period of time. They eventually returned to the studio with as a two-man band working with Silly Fool's producer Simon Henderson to produce their third album, ''Rock & Roll''. Sales of the album exceeded one million copies. {{citation needed|date=June 2023}} Following the release of ''Rock & Roll'', bassist Nattaphon "Klang" Suntharaanu joined as a temporary member.

In February 2001, Loso released the fourth album ''Losoland''. Sales of the album exceeded only 700,000 copies.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

Six months later, Loso released the fifth album called ''The Red Album'' in August 2001, so named at the recommendation of Paiboon Damrongchaitham, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GMM Grammy, with an album cover designed as a symbolic expression against the pirating of CDs and tapes in Thailand. ''The Red Album'' included unreleased songs from the previous albums with only a few newly composed songs. The opening song of the album is "Pan Tip", a song written by Sek that ridiculed and satirized the Pan Tip Plaza, a popular venue for the sale of pirated CD tapes in Thailand at that time. Sales of ''The Red Album'' exceeded 900,000 copies.<ref name=":2">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.thairath.co.th/entertain/news/2059564 |title=เสก โลโซ ร็อกเกอร์ดังในตำนาน กับมหากาพย์ดราม่าอื้อฉาวที่ต้องเผชิญ |date=April 1, 2021 |first= |language=Thai |publisher=Thairath |access-date=February 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516191822/https://www.thairath.co.th/entertain/news/2059564 |archive-date=May 16, 2022 |url-status=live |via=}}</ref>

Following the release of ''The Red Album'', "Rath" Sukkhajitr returned to the band after an absence of almost three years.

Three months after the release of ''The Red Album'', Loso's first concert, ''Concert For Friends'', was held on 10 November 2001 at Velodrome Hua Mak stadiums.

===Dispersed (2002–2019)=== After the big concert, Loso continued gigs until January 2002. Loso ceased touring, and in 2003 Sek announced that Loso had disbanded and separated so that he could continue his studies in England.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2011 |title=กว่าจะมาเป็นเสก โลโซ!! |url=https://www.sanook.com/music/69617/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417001403/https://www.sanook.com/music/69617/ |archive-date=April 17, 2024 |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=Sanook}}</ref> After returning to Thailand, Sukpimai released a special album with Thongchai McIntyre ("Bird") titled ''Bird-Sek'' in 2004, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of GMM Grammy. ''Bird-Sek'' achieved the highest album sales of the year in Thailand at two million copies. Afterwards, Sukpimai continued to tour and record as a solo artist.<ref name=":5" />

Following Loso's breakup, Yai and Rath formed the band Fahrenheit together with Pichet Krueawan, a guitarist and former members of Y not 7, and Piraporn "Zai" Prampanas as lead vocalist. Sukkhajitr left Fahrenheit and retired from music shortly afterward due to health problems. Yai, in addition to his work with Fahrenheit, became the drummer for Asanee-Wasan and a session musician. Suntharaanu joined the band Pon La Lak Ruk Oei, and when that band disbanded, he worked as a sound engineer and pursued other business interests.

===Reuniting (2019–2025)=== On 10 October 2019, Sek posted a picture of himself with former bandmates Yai and Rath. The image sparked hope that the band might reunite after 17 years.<ref name=":1" /> Then, on 12 September 2020, Loso members Yai, Rath and Klang attended the wedding of Sukpimai and Karn Wipakorn, where the bandmates joined together to perform for the wedding party.

On 18 December 2021, Loso performed the ''LOSO Reunion Live Streaming'' concert, their first concert in 20 years. Since 2022, Loso has returned to touring throughout Thailand with members Sek, Yai and Klang. Rath has been unable to rejoin the band due to health concerns.

=== Hiatus (2025–present)=== After the supreme court verdict lead to Sek's incarceneration for 2 years and 12 months without suspension, the band forced to gone hiatus.

==Musical influences and impact== Loso's music has been significantly shaped by various influences and has made a considerable impact on the Thai rock scene.

=== Influences === Loso's primary influence was the grunge movement of the early 1990s, particularly bands like Nirvana.<ref name=":4" /> The raw, emotive sound of grunge, characterized by its heavy guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, resonated deeply with the band members.<ref name=":02" /> This influence is evident in their music, which combines powerful, distorted guitars with conscious lyrics that explore personal and emotional themes.<ref name=":4" /> In addition to grunge, Loso incorporated elements of heavy metal into their music.<ref name=":4" /> This blend gave their sound a distinctive edge, characterized by aggressive rhythms and powerful solos. The incorporation of metal influences allowed Loso to create a unique musical style that distinguished them from other contemporary Thai bands.<ref name=":4" /> Beyond these genres, Loso's music also drew on traditional rock elements and local Thai influences, such as the much more experienced Thai band Carabao.<ref name=":32" /> The band's ability to blend Western rock styles with Thai sensibilities contributed to their distinctive sound, making their music accessible and relatable to a broad audience in Thailand.<ref name=":4" />

=== Impact === Loso's impact on the Thai music scene was profound and transformative.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":32" /> Their debut album, ''Lo-Society'', released in 1996, marked a significant shift in the Thai rock genre.<ref name=":4" /> The album's blend of grunge and heavy metal elements resonated with a broad audience, leading to its widespread success and acclaim.<ref name=":4" /> The album not only broke new ground for alternative rock in Thailand but also achieved commercial success, with over a million copies sold and multiple re-releases.<ref name=":4" /> By achieving commercial success with a sound that was both innovative and rooted in traditional rock elements, they helped to pave the way for other rock bands and alternative artists in Thailand. This was further demonstrated with their second album ''Entertainment'', which saw more success and spawned their iconic songs.<ref name=":32" /> Their influence extended beyond music, as their distinctive style and lyrics became a part of the cultural conversation.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":32" /> The band's distinctive sound and lyrical focus contributed to a growing interest in alternative rock in Thailand.<ref name=":4" /> Loso's success helped pave the way for other Thai rock and alternative bands, influencing the direction of Thai music in the late 1990s.<ref name=":4" /> Their music provided a new, relatable voice for Thai listeners, moving away from mainstream pop and exploring more raw, authentic expressions of emotion.<ref name=":4" />

==Band members== ===Current members=== * Seksan Sukpimai (Sek) - lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, composer of all songs of the band {{small|(1996-2002, 2021-2025)}} * Kittisak Khoatkham (Yai) - drum, backing and lead vocals {{small|(1996-2002, 2021-2025)}} * Apirath Sukkhajitr (Rath) - bass guitar, backing and lead vocals {{small|(1996-1998, 2001-2002, 2024-2025)}} * Nattaphon Suntharaanu (Klang) – bass guitar, backing vocals {{small|(1999-2001, 2021-2025)}}

==Discography== ===Studio albums=== Source:<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Phrapetch |first=Itthidej |date=May 18, 2023 |title=เมืองหลวง เมืองไทย และมอไซค์รับจ้าง: 'โลโซ' กับสังคมไทยในพงศาวดารฉบับร็อกแอนด์โรล |url=https://www.the101.world/loso-as-historical-record/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521044833/https://www.the101.world/loso-as-historical-record/ |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |access-date=July 29, 2024 |website=the101.world |language=th}}</ref> * ''Lo-Society'' (1996) * ''Entertainment'' (1998) * ''Rock & Roll'' (1999) * ''Losoland'' (2001) * ''The Red Album'' (August 2001)

===Compilation albums=== * ''Lo-Society'' (Bonus Tracks, 1996) * ''Best of Loso'' (CD, 1999) * ''Best of Loso'' (Karaoke VCD, 1999, 2001) * ''Loso: Concert for Friends'' (VCD, 2002) * ''Loso: Best Of Collection'' (30 April 2013)

==Concert== {| class="wikitable" |+ !Name of the concert !Date !Place !Remark !Citation |- | align="center"| LOSO Concert For Friends | align="center"| 10 September 2001 | align="center" | Velodrome Hua Mak stadiums | align="center"| The first concert of Loso, held for only one performance | style="text-align: center"|<ref name=":52" /> |- | align="center"| LOSO Reunion Live Streaming Concert | align="center"| 18 December 2021 | align="center" | | align="center"| the first concert of Loso in 20 years via Live streaming | |}

==Awards== * 11th Seesan Award (1998) - Best Rock Group Artist Award (Album: LOSO Entertainment) * 14th Seesan Award (2001) - Best Rock Group Artist Award (Album: Losoland)

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{commons category|Loso}}

*[https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076224460924 Loso Official @Facebook] *[http://www.facebook.com/sekloso.official Sek Loso @Facebook]

Category:Thai rock music groups Category:Thai alternative rock groups Category:Musical groups from Bangkok Category:Thai musical trios Category:GMM Music artists