Creative Music Production Research “Sounds Along the Mekong”

Abstract

“Sounds Along the Mekong” is a creative music production research project focused on recording and developing a sound library from the cultural landscapes along the Mekong River in Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan provinces. The project's primary goal is to collect 50 unique sound samples from the region’s music, which will then be used to compose 10 original musical pieces that reflect the area's distinct cultural identity. This initiative emphasizes preserving and promoting local musical heritage by creating a sound library that can be widely used in contemporary music. Beyond digitally archiving cultural heritage, it provides a valuable resource for musicians and composers to integrate traditional sound elements into modern works, helping to introduce regional sounds to new audiences. Additionally, "Sounds Along the Mekong" aims to generate economic value by leveraging Isan music and local soundscapes as key assets within the creative industries. This includes applications in film scores, advertising, sound design for art installations and exhibitions, and the international commercial music market. Using a sound library as a foundational tool for contemporary music fosters new compositional approaches and promotes cultural exchange among artists. This project is more than just a sound archive; it is an initiative to create a musical ecosystem that connects the past, present, and future of Mekong region culture through artistic innovation rooted in local identity.