Soundwave is a live music showcase of emerging talent in collaboration with existing Cambodian music stars. The first Soundwave, in June 2018, was a kick-starter for The Sound Initiative.
At Hard Rock Cafe Phnom Penh, we debuted our concept for a vocational music education programme for local singers, songwriters and music producers who want to uplift the country’s music industry through all-original pieces. This first concert was backed by Baramey, sponsored by Prudential, and featured an array of PP’s best-known and well-loved original musicians, including Kanhchna Chet, one of our first and most loyal mentors and supporters. Full details of all the performers can be found in the press coverage by Khmer Times, Night of Original Music.
Prudential Cambodia CEO David Nutman said “Music plays a central role in Cambodian culture, and Prudential Cambodia is proud to support this initiative to develop the professionalism of artists in the Kingdom. By helping to ensure that the music written and recorded in Cambodia is of the highest standards, I am sure that more of the world will get to hear and enjoy the creative talents that Cambodia harbours.”
The first programme started with a month-long boot camp for music training and a selected few proceeded to an eight-month formal programme, including mentoring by international music professionals.
Soundwave 2018 was funded by Prudential Cambodia as part of its ongoing support of educational programmes across Cambodia.
“There’s just so much creativity and enthusiasm among Cambodia’s young music artists just waiting to be unleashed. They just need a platform, a medium for their unique sound waves”
— Agnes Alpuerto, Khmer Times