Who knows what the rest of 2020 will bring. But we can say for certain it will deliver us some good times in the form of these five young Myanmar artists.
They are the epitome of the best of modern Myanmar music. Self-taught and plagiarism-free, they are ready to crack the world, as soon as the pandemic is over. Check them out here before you see them live.
Jerrÿ Jay
Chan Thu Won, known by his stage name Jerrÿ Jay, is an 18-year-old producer whose track “I Would Never” featured on a big release from Dutch record label Barong Family in May.
The mixtape “Family Matters Vol. 7” samples Europe’s top DJs and Jerrÿ Jay’s contribution was a collaboration with British DJ Notorious CHRIS.
Yangon born and raised, Jerrÿ Jay learned his skills from YouTube tutorials and flexes them on software called FL Studio. He has played more than 40 gigs in Myanmar; the biggest to date was the 808 Festival 2019 in Yangon, where he shared the stage with dubstep legend Skrillex.
After finishing Pride International School Myanmar, Jerrÿ Jay moved to Australia, where he studies design at the University of Melbourne. He’s got wise words for a teenager.
“In the end, it’s about how our efforts have paid off,” he told Myanmar Mix. It’s not about fame, it’s about having a great time with people you love.”
His music is pounding beats to hype you up. Check out his latest track “Make This.”
LCYTN
LCYTN, also known as Lucy Tun, 22, is Myanmar but grew up in the London. She was the sole singer and writer on her debut EP “Good Nights Bad Stories,” which she also mostly produced herself.
Lucy has started to gain traction in her home country after collaborating with popular local singer Bunny Phyoe on “Broken,” a track she wrote and produced.
Currently in her last year of university in London, she has been playing the piano and violin since the age of eight.
“I’ve been singing since I was eight too. I started producing properly from the age of 17 or 18 and got into DJ-ing in 2019,” the musician told Myanmar Mix. “My musical influences therefore draw from classical piano music, UK pop and R&B, but now I listen to almost everything.”
She aspires to be a role model for young Asian girls everywhere, “especially Burmese girls,” she said. “To show that you can really do anything you set your mind to despite living in a world that can sometimes pull you back.”
LCYTN has “a lot of exciting releases coming up,” as she moves into her next phase of her creative career, she said, but she “can’t say anything yet” about them.
Listen to LCYTN on Soundcloud, YouTube, and Spotify. And check out her track “Broken.”
The Peacists
The Peacists are a fresh breath of Myanmar indie, formed in 2013 and still delivering the catchy goods.
The band comprises Aung Chan Min (lead singer/guitar), Paing Thet Hein (keyboard), Paing Lynn Aung (lead guitar), Nyan Yel Wynn (bass guitar), and Htut Myat (drums). Following their 2018 debut album “9 Night Indie” that also featured fellow band General Tiger Gun, they have released two more records this year—“Journey to the Stars and “Octopus’s Dream.”
The musicians told Myanmar Mix they have composed songs, cooked, and generally had a good laugh during their lockdown time.
“We’re also working on some demos,” said Aung Chan Min, which they hope to record once COVID-19 measures are lifted.
Enter their indie dreamscape via the song “Octopus’s Dream”.
Yung Hugo
Straight outta Yangon, a young rapper named Yung Hugo, from a place called Mayangone township.
Okay we’ll leave the N.W.A lyrics, for now. This promising Karen artist launched into the Yangon hip-hop scene in late 2017 and became an instant heartthrob. His fans call themselves “Yummies.”
Yung Hugo, 21, whose real name is Saw Alex Tu, released his debut album “Blessed” last year—the first step on a path to a world tour, he said.
“It’s quite a high aim,” Yung Hugo told Myanmar Mix. "I really wish to perform in all parts of Myanmar within a few years. I write all of my songs. I never produce beats but I have connections with many producers.”
For his most recent track, the Karen language “Yabwar Kalu” (meaning “our people”), he researched old traditions and interviewed friends and relatives.
These days he is working on videos for “Blessed” tracks and spending time with the “Yummies,” who bring him joy.
“God bless them all,” he said.
Check out the cool video for “Yabwar Kalu.”
Way
Way is a mystery. His music videos go viral on Myanmar Facebook, but his face is always hidden behind a mask, which, to be fair, is a popular look these days.
The artist formerly known as W-A.I, 24-year-old Way came to prominence recently with his video “Blissful Confusion” that he made from the game “Animal Crossing.”
He’s a self-described “extroverted introvert” who has been making animations since middle school.
“I just make whatever I’m feeling at the moment,” he said, counting hip-hop, techno and indie among his broad array of influences.
Way, a University of San Francisco graduate, is working on his upcoming EP “The Colors of Death,” which features four songs on the theme of death and will be accompanied by a 20-minute film he directed with two friends.
He said the tracks come with an 18plus warning and weird visuals.
Check out some of them in that “Blissful Confusion” video.
