Modern Dog

Modern Dog (sometimes Moderndog) () are a Thai rock band formed in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1992. The founders and original line up of the band consisted of lead singer and guitarist Thanachai "Pod" Ujjin, guitarist Maeter "May-T" Noijinda, drummer Pawin "Pong" Suwannacheep, and bassist Somath "Bob" Bunyaratavech, though Bunyaratavech soon left after their debut. Modern Dog's success played a significant role in popularising alternative rock in Thailand, and they are recognised as a major influence on modern rock culture in the country, maintaining a popular following.

With over two million copies sold of their five studio albums, Modern Dog achieved significant commercial success, including multiple number one singles. They eventually signed to the independent Thai record label Bakery Music, and released their first and self-titled album, ''Modern Dog'' (Thai: โมเดิร์นด็อก), commonly known as ''Soem Sukhaphap'' (Thai: ''เสริมสุขภาพ''), soon after in 1994, establishing themselves as part of the Thai rock scene.

The band's 2004 album, ''That Song'', was produced by Tony Doogan (Belle & Sebastian, Mogwai), with the title track arranged by bassist Yuka Honda of Cibo Matto. The album also featured guest appearances by Yumiko Ohno of Buffalo Daughter and Sean Lennon. It featured three singles that went to No 1 in Thailand.

Extending their reach beyond Thailand, Modern Dog played in Tokyo in 2003. In July–August 2006 the band toured the United States, including a show at the Knitting Factory in New York City.

History

As a college band, Modern Dog won the Coke Music Contest in 1992. It was signed to indie label Bakery Music and was teamed with producer "Suki" Kamol Sukosol Clapp. The first album, ''Moderndog'', was released in 1994. A local station, Fat Radio, which had then just switched to an all-indie format, continuously played the album's first single, ''Busaba'' (), for 24 hours straight. Another song from the album, ''...Before'' (, written by Pathomporn Pathomporn a.k.a. Pry), is featured prominently in the soundtrack to the 2004 Thai film, '' Citizen Dog''.

Because of its electronic experimentation, Modern Dog has been favorably compared to Radiohead, and it actually served as the opening act for the British band in 1994 at a concert in MBK Center in Bangkok.

The band took a four-year break after its second album in 1997, ''Cafe'', with founding bass player, Somath "Bob" Bunyaratanavech, leaving the band, and Pod taking time off to do some business abroad. Dispelling fears that the band had broken up, Modern Dog was back in the studio in 2001 to record its third album, ''Love Me Love My Life''. The band then embarked on a national tour, with Bob temporarily rejoining on bass. Since then, the bass-player slot in the band has been filled by a rotating roster of players.

Modern Dog has since been hailed as the leader of Thailand's indie and rock music scene, paving the way for such bands as Loso, Big Ass, Bodyslam and Silly Fools. After more than 10 years with Bakery Music (which was sold to Sony BMG Music Entertainment in 2001), Modern Dog has left the label and plans to release albums on its own label.

Along with its appearances in the United States in 2006, Modern Dog performed on July 28–30 in the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts production of a rock opera adaptation of the ''Ramakien'' national epic, along with Sek Loso and other Thai artists.

In October 2006, in appearances at music festivals in Bangkok, the band unveiled new songs for a forthcoming album. Their fifth album, ''Ting Nong Noy'' was released in September 2008 under its own label Moderndog Co., Ltd.

The band recently announced a short tour of Thailand and Malaysia commencing in early October 2017 with Paul Tillotson (London, England) replacing Somath Bunyartanavech on drums due to the latter's illness. Paul Tillotson has toured previously with Sek Loso and his band.

In May 2020 the band announced that they are on hiatus.

Legacy

Modern Dog's legacy is marked by their transformative role in the Thai music scene, particularly in the alternative rock genre. As pioneers, they helped popularise modern rock sounds in Thailand during the 1990s, paving the way for future generations of musicians. Their influence extends beyond their own success, as they are often credited as the "fathers of Thai alternative rock."'' The Standard'' wrote that since their debut album, "the Thai music industry has not been the same anymore" and that "They changed everything that the Thai music industry can change." ''Thairath'' called them an "icon of the alternative era of the Thai music industry." Chayanit Itthipongmaetee of ''Khaosod'' wrote that "they pioneered electronic sound and paved the way for a generation of rock stars" and "remain timeworn favorites of '90s kids." ''The Nation'' called them a "pioneering alternative rock band" that made "innovative music" and had an "influential role in the Thai rock scene."

Band members

Current members

* Thanachai "Pod" Ujjin (; ) – Vocals, rhythm guitar (1992–present)
* Maetee Noijinda (; ) – Guitar (1992–present)
* Pawin "Pong" Suwannacheep (; ) – Drums (1992–present)

Former members

* Somath Bunyaratavech (; ) – Bass guitar (1992; touring 2001)
* Sarawut Loetpanyanut () – Keyboards

Discography

Studio albums

Discography

''Moderndog-Soem Sukhaphap''

Released April 10, 1994

''Cafe''

Released February 2, 1997

''Love Me Love My Life''

Released July 26, 2001

''That Song''

Released: October 12, 2004

''Ting Nong Noy''

Released: September 9, 2008

Live albums, DVDs and compilations

''The Very Common of Moderndogcumentary''

Live concert album released March 28, 2003

''The Very Common of Moderndogcumentary''

Live concert DVD released September 2004

''Hit You – Ultimate Collection''

Compilation released in 2005

''Wake Up At Ten''

Live concert DVD/VCD released October 28, 2005, from 10th anniversary concert on May 21, 2005, at Huamak Indoor Stadium, Bang Kapi.

Singles

References

External links

Modern Dog
at MySpace

{{Authority control

Thai rock music groups
Musical groups established in 1992
Thai alternative rock groups
Musical groups from Bangkok