JUST ADD SALT!
This is an exciting time. The Cambodian Space Project kicks off its first Cambodian tour since an almost six-year hiatus from the live scene. Anyone following this blog will know that we’ve stayed busy during this time; there’s been recording sessions, new releases in the pipeline and a fabulous tour out to Australia. But here, now, back in the Kingdom of Wonder we’re back where things started, dusting off amps, drumkits, sound systems…loading up the Tuk Tuks and getting the show back on the road. For the first time in Cambodia, we’re joined by Khmer Aussie singer Thyda Chea and cooking up a set of old and new CSP.
With the Space Project back on Planet Earth, we’ve decided to kick off live dates close to home and will perform 2 nights out in the Salt Fields of Fish Island. Fans won’t be disappointed that’s for sure, as the band is sounding better than ever and sensational vocalist Thyda bears an uncanny resemblance to Ros Sereysothea with her stunning stage outfits. True to form, the CSP touring promises some very special guests and surprises. Speaking of surprises, it was fantastic to see Thyda’s surprise homecoming (kept secret from her family) and the moment she turned up at her Mum’s house having not seen each other since 2017..wow! what a big surprise!!
CSP has always been a family band on the road and this year we’re welcoming Thyda and her family members onboard. We’re starting out with a couple of little warm up shows at our very own Fish Island Community Arts Centre and this will be a great place for any intrepid fans, to travel to Treuy Kaoh (Fish Island) and check out the CSP in a rural setting, performing to the local village audience and friends of FICAC. Those of you who’re in Cambodia and thinking of joining us this weekend can even book accom on the island – from 5 star resort Amber to Fish Island Bungalows (call Mr. Leng) to “Club Tropicana” aka កុម្ភៈរ័ត្ន ត្រើយកោះ Kampheak Roath Treuy Koh Bungalow.
SALT, SWEAT, & CAMBODIAN ROCK’N’ROLL
Aboard, The Cambodian Space Project 2023 tour is some very cool stuff, not least the Salt Fields Trash Fashion Show. This is a stunning visual display of costume design, videography and is presented by young artists from Fish Island Community Arts Centre, strutting their stuff on the catwalk and showing off their amazingly creative Salt Fields costume designs. There’s much more to this show and the people and stories behind it than I can write up right now but it’s a hugely exciting body of work for all involved, and proudly presented by The Cambodian Space Project.
Cambodian Space Project landing in Phnom Penh
This year’s Garage Fest! Is back at the Villa Grange. This will also be the official Fish Island Records Launch Party and means there’ll be cool stuff and giveaways on the door. Grab tickets fast as they’re super limited. The shows will be short and sharp with some support acts soon to be announced.
The Cambodian Space Project / Garage Fest is an epic two-night event to include lots of new music in the CSP set plus loads of merch goodies such as limited edition prints on funky Cambodian cushions manufactured by V-Furnishings for our new “Analog Cambodia” designer label.
This label is a tribute to all things analog… Vinyl records, iconic images from the golden era recording artists, through to a celebration of the actual devices music, retro sound and imagery was captured on… polaroid photos, Kodak cameras, Revox tape machines, Fuji film etc… this endeavour will support handmade printing on paper and fabric with sales supporting the cool, grassroots media production we’re creating here in Cambodia such as Fish Island Community Arts Centre and soon to be Fish Island Records shop.
So, it was an awesome surprise to turn up last night to our Past // Present // Future event and to see that my friends John and Vattey had already printed an amazing set of awesome looking Analog Cambodia cushions! What a fun way to get all this rolling. I’ll be sharing a little video documentary interview with Vattey and her journey behind setting up her own success story @ V furniture and why she’s supporting this new label idea. Stay tuned!
Making life more cushy!
Siem Reap Calling
Well, it looks like we’re setting the coordinates for Siem Reap but can’t confirm it will be full CSP band just at this minute. However, it will be a live music event on Fri 7th in Siem Reap and also we’ll be supporting the staging of Salt Fields Trash Fashion show on Saturday 8th of April. Stay tuned for details.
