The world is watching The Bangkok Five

Update from Blanco of TB5

2009-04-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Hello World from Beverly Hills Ca where its a cool 60 degrees, the fire truck sirens have ceased just long enough for me to concentrate a bit to write( and eventually send) a little update from The Bangkok Five camp, or more precisely from Blanco & Frost. There is a little excitement in the air at the moment, and Im here to tell you about it. For those of you that have been "following" along online, you may have noticed how often we have been in the studio. For all of our wonderful tB5 fans out there you should know that the new songs are coming along great and we have recorded close to 2 records worth of new material and we arent stopping anytime soon. But thats not the news Im most excited to share with you. For you west coasters, I should also let you know that Ive recently seen some potential tour dates for the end of May, but that also is not what Im most excited to share with you.
At this time I would like to share the following video/ commercial with you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWQ_5LOhbiA

www.Zappos.com

You may be wondering why Im sending you a Zappos commercial. Well let me explain. While writing new tB5 music, Frost & myself came to the conclusion that we had lots of music that needed to come out that wasnt for tB5, so we started a new project. Less than 3 weeks later, we have written and recorded a new record, started a new band, and have the support from Zappos in all of their new commercials.
Black Light Poster Children featuring Frost & Blanco of The Bangkok Five along with new supasta sensation Struggles. Also including a variety of guest musicians and appearances from other amazing songwriters.

Its kind of funny that a few weeks ago I was talking to the owner of Thrust Drums, Mario, about how 2 white kids were making the sickest, fattest black record with BIG drum sounds and funk sprayed all over its face... his response encapsulates the WHY we made this record. "Blanco & Frost have more funk, more groove than most and probably bleed black." Whatever the hell that meant, only fueled our desire to make this record.

A response to other white kids thinking they could make a funk record?
Our desire to go where we feel most fell short?
No other choice than to create and exude what moves us?

So we went ahead and signed a record deal with Authentic Artist and will be releasing our debut album on Itunes on May 12th.

Black Light Poster Children
myspace.com/BlackLightPosterChildren
( we just started this profile and would greatly appreciate the friends :)

All of this has happened at light speed and while a million other things are happening, but we are very proud to present this music for your listening pleasure. If you find yourself enjoying the new tune, bobbing your head, humming along, feel free to spread the disease. Seeing as how even our fans didnt know about this, its crystal clear as to why all the people hearing it on the Zappos commercial for the first time cant figure out who we are. Let them know! on the you tube comments and give them the link to find us. We will be adding more new tunes in the next few days, along with more pictures and art and information so keep checking it out.
Myspace.com/BlackLightPosterChildren
Featuring Blanco & Frost of The Bangkok Five.

This is only the tip of the iceburg. I will have lots more exciting news and updates for all of you in the weeks to come. We will be keeping things as up to date as possible via all social networking sites, but for up to the minute news feel free to stalk, i mean follow me, at twitter.com/rayblanco or facebook ray blanco.

Thank you all for your continual support, your patience, and most importantly thank you for listening to our music, our passion, our art. Lets have some fun :)

~blanco

The Smiths - What Difference Does It Make (TB5 Cover)

2008-09-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

We've posted a new cover of The Smiths track "What Difference Does It Make" on Youtube. This is taken from our series the E-Lab Sessions streaming weekly on LiveVideo.

New show announced at Dragonfly

2008-09-09T17:43:00.001-07:00

We are playing a show on September 20th at the Dragonfly in Hollywood. Check out the banner above for information.

THE PAST - PART 2

2008-08-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

So my good friend (the one with some degree of success in the entertainment industry) had some interesting things to say about his trip "home" to his high school class reunion...

Firstly, he did state that it was absolutely fantastic to see his childhood friends, for the most part, happy and healthy.
Most of which working in the medical field, or in education as it were.
He did say that a lot of them never left the immediate area after high school or college, maybe due to family, or possibly the great, nationally recognized school system for their children's educational needs.

Then came the onslaught...
He seemed to strap on his +3 helmet of bitterness, and let loose on his white picket-fenced classmates.
"How can somebody just settle for the easy road, where everything is laid out for you? Where all your answers are stuffed in your Wal-Mart indulging asses, while being programmed by Fox News every night?...
Go to college, knock-up, or be knocked-up by your sweetheart(makes puke face), squeeze out some puppies, have them destroy your life, spend all your money, and THEN YOU DIE!!!"
Though I saw his point, I thought he was maybe a little frustrated by his "less ambitious than thou" mentality that so many of his (fallen) comrades seemed to exhibit.

I told him he was EXTREMELY lucky to be so goddamm talented,and to have recognized his potential so early in life, and that VERY few people hear that call, or invest themselves into their "spirit mission".

"People don't think enough, with all their bullshit religion,popularity-chasing and materialism... they're crippled by fear and the possibility of FAILURE, if people just went for it, there would be a lot less regret in the world..."
I again saw his point, probably because of our similar occupations and how it dominates every aspect of our lives.
"If people just saw their path,made the right choices, they'd be so much happier!"

"Are you happy?" I asked. After two failed engagements, holding numerous shitty jobs, moving from one to another part of town, watching people getting burned all around him by his business associates, having his name dragged through the mud by some, maxed-out credit cards, drug and alcohol dependency issues, sex-addiction, insomnia, he said: "Yes, and they all treated me like I was famous, or other-worldly, very strange..." He went on; "Their kids wanted my autograph, and pictures taken with me, while I asked their parents if they thought that was appropriate."

Then I saw something in his face change. Had all of those high school classmates of his had finally accepted him, because of their children's approval? "NO!" was his reply. I told him that he symbolized something very important to all of them, even his detractors. He represented the ambition of the 4.0 gpa honor roll student. The tenacity and determination of the state champion wrestler. The social grace and magnetism of the upper echelons of high school society. The artistry, and creativity of the"creepiest", under-achieving genius in the corner, tinkering away... He became something far greater than he could imagine during those never-ending winters and two-a-day football practices in the summer: Himself: Artist, genius, champion, brainiac, warrior. "I guess that's why they were so happy to see me..." he said. His classmates were the ones who inspired him to dig deeper, work harder, get OUT quicker! A good example of not living in the past, but instead, recognizing the impact it has had on the present.

So,the next time you see some old,washed-up, never-has-been doing what they do, maybe they are at the peak of their career :) Contrary to what mainstream American culture tells us regarding everyone being exceptional, or talented, or pretty, or a good dancer, and that the camera awaits us all, Remember... Someone has to operate the camera, click that clicky-thing and yell;

"QUIET ON THE SET!!!"
"STUNTCOCK!?!"

Then the comes the money-shot ;]

Lucky bastard...

The E-Lab Sessions: MGMT's "Time to Pretend"

2008-08-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest E-Lab session with The Bangkok Five covering MGMT's "Time to Pretend".

The Big Bang: Watch Nik Frost paint the studio wall live!

2008-08-22T08:49:00.001-07:00

"I'm going to be painting the south wall of our new recording studio from 8PM to 11PM tomorrow night as the episode of our Fri night show, "The Big Bang!". Check out the live stream at..

www.livevideo.com/thebangkokfive

- Nik Frost / TB5

The E-Lab Sessions - Weezer's "Pork and Beans"!!

2008-08-08T14:48:00.001-07:00

Check out the latest E-Lab Sessions with Weezer's "Pork and Beans"!!

"THE PAST" PART 1 - The Basstard Diaries

2008-08-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

"You take a step back,you step in your own shit."
U.S. Marine Corps. Colonel Guillermo Rios

There are a lot of people who are stuck in their "glory days", whether it be a homecoming queen who has four children from four different fathers, or the '80's hair-metal jerk-off who still wears spandex ,even though their ass hangs down around the back of their knees, while hanging out on the porch at The 'bow...
When you cease to progress as a person, your life and the experiences therein tend to be somewhat limited,or stagnant. Do you still hang out with your high school or college friends? Or do you wear the same lame clothes you once thought were cool because everyone else had them, too? I hope most people can answer a resounding "NO!!!" to these rhetorical inquiries.

A friend of mine who's had a reasonable, maybe even exceptional amount of success in the entertainment world recently was invited to attend his high school reunion. I asked him why he would ever go back to a place he clearly didn't get much out of, other than OUT OF...

He told me that he once had an actual life before pursuing his "dream" of being an entertainer, and that maybe it would rekindle the flames of creativity to run through the town where he ditched cops, screwed cheerleaders(mostly grudge-fucks) did a TON of drugs, and learned about who he was on so many levels...
I thought that was a pretty good explanation, and told him to let me know how it went upon his return from his formative environment.

And so it continues...

Be in the new TB5 Music Video!!

2008-08-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

Be in the new tB5 video!!!

Record yourself with your webcam, singing We Love What Kills Us and partying, flossing for the camera, etc. Have fun with it, take yer clothes off, mug for the camera. The more KOKettes in the frame, doing the coolest shit, the better.

Post to Livevideo.com so we can down load it to edit you in. After, post your performance to Youtube.com and send a link to tb5contest@gmail.com

We will select the hottest performances and edit them together as a finished video. Selected individuals will receive a special edition, signed tB5 CD and be featured on the band's websites.

The E-Lab Sessions - Tears for Fears "Madworld"

2008-07-29T03:48:00.000-07:00

We've posted a new E-Lab Session featuring a cover of Tears for Fear's hit single "Madworld". Check out the clip below...

BASSTARD DIARIES VOL.1,EDITION 2

2008-07-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

RELATIONSHIPS

Greetings, fellow Earthlings!(LOOOVE that band)
Some of you might wonder how people, such as myself, maintain ANY kind of normalcy in everyday life...

Maybe not?

Anyway...

Between constant work to keep the financial wheels rolling in these COMPLETELY FUCKED economic times(thanks Bush administration, fuck you ALL with a red-hot poker) and the total collapse of the "old model" of the record industry, it's tougher than ever to keep doing what my band and countless other artist-types attempt.

One of the most commonly damaged, destroyed, and disappointing aspects of a lifestyle such as mine are the relationships with loved ones and close personal friends. Being in a band is like being married to (usually) two or more people and a manager(and their agenda),an attorney, everyone's "significant others" ,and most of everyone's extended circle(s) of friends.

One can see how that can completely compromise a person's ability to plan and execute any kind of personal satisfaction in everyday life without upsetting, or pissing off SOMEBODY...

I guess my point is that we ALL have to walk in balance on our own and juggle the needs of ,in my case, the band, and the things we have to do to move our careers ahead, or at least be able to keep on rolling. I have seen many an extremely talented individual knock somebody up, have a kid or two, and throw in the towel ,so to speak.. It's a shame, but this life isn't for most people, love it or hate it. Those of you who've been involved with someone in a band probably can relate to the amount of frustration, and disappointment people like myself cause due to our "spirit mission"

People either stick it out, and support as much as they have the heart to do so, or they run screaming and crying that we are self-absorbed douche bags with our heads either in the clouds or firmly up our asses :) All I know is that when I heard Jimi Hendrix for the first time, NOTHING was going to keep me from doing this, no matter if I died in the gutter, or took over the Playboy mansion after Hef bit the dust.

Music is the most powerful force I have witnessed.
It is invisible,tasteless,and weightless yet has the power to make people fight or fuck. I like a combination of the two... I kid,I kid...Love is an intangible force as well,and can have much of the same results as the aforementioned,but it requires a lot of maintenance and dedication.

So this is the impasse we all have to traverse...

How does one who already has a cruel,yet mesmerizing and captivating mistress(in my case being music) deal with love as well as the need and desire that accompanies it? I hope someone figures that one out and writes a book to help all of the rest of us bumbling idiots keep from breaking hearts and having our hearts broken while chasing this dragon called music...

Until next week,
The big red phone to Jesus is always busy,and God's always on vacation...

Fuck 'em,your oven's on pre-heat ];{D>

Coatez

The E-Lab Sessions

2008-07-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

We have a series taking place on every Monday, every week. For "The E-Lab Sessions", we will be filming the live recording/production of songs we dig, streaming live at Livevideo.com/thebangkokfive.

Sessions will be produced by acclaimed producer and founder of The Supreme Beings of Leisure, Rick Torres. We will be recording "New Slang" by The Shins from "Oh, Inverted World", "Mad World" by Tears For Fears and "Time To Pretend" by MGMT off of "Oracular Spectacular" for starters.

If you have a song you'd love to hear us play, let us know and maybe we'll do it (Nothing lame please)

Win a guitar from The Bangkok Five!

2008-07-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

Win a guitar from The Bangkok Five and Fender Guitars!! Email tb5contest@gmail.com with your email address/name/and name of your favorite TB5 song!

The Basstard Diaries Vol.1 edition 1

2008-07-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

"ENTITLEMENT"
I have noticed certain individuals who seem to think the world revolves around them. Some of these people probably think the world is flat as well....I'm sure the Pope would agree. As I was saying... When I arrive at a four way stop, particularly here in the greater Los Angeles area (where entitlement issues reign supreme) A certain phenomena occurs rather frequently.

The person driving an unusually expensive car will blast through, often times not stopping at all, leaving the other drivers confused and bewildered...

NOW... Maybe this person is pregnant and driving themselves, hemorrhaging all over those deep,plush leather seats,to the emergency room, Maybe they are on fire..? Maybe they are a self-absorbed, clueless fuck that needs to be covered in honey and positioned very close to a huge anthill ;] One could say that's a bit harsh,but when one acts like a petulant child and endangers the rest of the world to achieve their oh-so-important endeavors, maybe their behavior should be corrected .

I guess my point is to look around oneself at this very ROUND world, full of other people, and leave room for others to breathe,or at the very least, bleed all over their seats on the way to the emergency room, after going FIRST at a four way stop in a Datsun B210.

Have a sinful weekend,or there won't be anyone to "SAVE"...

Coatez

The E-Lab Sessions (Covers from TB5)

2008-07-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

"We have a series taking place on every Monday, every week. For "The E-Lab Sessions", we will be filming the live recording/production of songs we dig, streaming live at Livevideo.com/thebangkokfive.

First one is tomorrow at 2PM :)

Sessions will be produced by acclaimed producer and founder of The Supreme Beings of Leisure, Rick Torres. We will be recording "New Slang" by The Shins from "Oh, Inverted World", "Mad World" by Tears For Fears and "Time To Pretend" by MGMT off of "Oracular Spectacular" forjavascript:void(0) starters.
If you have a song you'd love to hear us play, let us know and maybe we'll do it (Nothing lame please)"

About our upcoming show on July 16th (The Key Club)

2008-07-13T22:43:00.000-07:00

We have an important show coming up on July 16th at The Key Club in Hollywood, check out this release about the event. Hope to see you all there for this very special event. - TB5

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA, JULY 10, 2008 – The David Lynch Foundation (DLF) is celebrating its third anniversary this year, and in the foundation’s honor a red carpet benefit concert will be held at the Key Club, 9039 Sunset Blvd. - doors open at 6:30pm. DLF Founder and Chairman David Lynch is an award-winning director, writer, and producer whose work includes Eraserhead, Elephant Man, Wild at Heart, Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, Lost Highway, Straight Story, Mulholland Drive, and Inland Empire. Lynch will host the reception and silent auction which will be held from 7pm-8:30pm. The silent auction will feature a lithograph by David Lynch himself, a print of Bob Marley in one of his last photo sessions by photographer Glen La Ferman, artwork by local artists, clothing and music. David Lynch’s “Signature Cup” coffee brand will be served along with food and beverages, and DJ Ana Dim Mak will be spinning. Lynch, who will be announcing the bands, will be joined by Joe Escalante, radio personality on Indie 103.1. The Indie 103.l Morning Show with Joe Escalante (Mon.-Fri., 6am-10am) features David Lynch on-air as he gives the weather report.

Contributing sponsors of the event include Indie 103.1, LA Weekly, MySpace.com, and the Key Club. Proceeds from ticket sales (available at ticketmaster.com $15 general admission / $25 VIP seating) and silent auction earnings will be donated to the DLF.
At 8:30pm, there will be musical performances by Nico Vega, Gods and Monsters, 8MM, The Bangkok Five, Astra Heights and special musical guests.

Welcome to our blog

2008-07-13T16:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our new blog here on Blogspot.com. Here you will be able to stay updated on anything and everything that has to do with The Bangkok Five. Our new album We Love What Kills Us is in-stores now, check it out on iTunes! - TB5