From the Thai word meaning “airplane,” Khruangbin (pronounced “KRUNG-bin”) combines various international influences into a very rare, psychedelic funk sound. The trio, Laura Lee on bass, Mark Speer on guitar, and drummer Donald “DJ” Johnson, got their start in Houston, Texas, converging over their shared love for music and the kaleidoscope of genres they gain inspiration from. For a time since its origin in 2010, Khruangbin gained many of its followers from places like Thailand and Peru, where they derived much of their influence. Their timeless tones and effortless flows garnered the attention of well-known artists like Jay Electronica, the Wu-Tang Clan, and Jay-Z. Their niche indie following that came after their first studio album, “The Universe Smiles at You” in 2015, expanded more and more with the release of their second album “Con Todo El Mundo,” which features a blend of Spanish and Iranian funk.

Khruangbin told the New York Times, “we wanted to make an album that didn’t sound like any one place this time, we wanted to have a record that sounded like everywhere and therefore sound like Houston”. Khruangbin went on to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artist chart in February 2020 with the release of their EP, “Texas Sun.” Their quick rise to stardom is refreshingly contradictory to the band’s lowkey and laid-back style. It’s no wonder why the show I had the opportunity of attending was absolutely packed.

I grew up listening to all kinds of music in my youth, but especially the funk, soul, and psychedelia records my grandmother would spin on her old school turntables. I had not heard much about Khruangbin before they came to Charlotte, but at the recommendation of a friend, I dove into their discography and was entranced with the combinations of genres I was hearing. I quickly tuned into the Spanish influences I was hearing, as I had grown up listening to many genres of Latin music, but was pleasantly surprised to learn more about the Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and reggae touches in their music. Hearing them live was a transcendent experience. From the moment I stepped through the gates of the venue, I was transported to the most ethereal, cosmic, Woodstock-esque place anyone could imagine. The crowd was beautifully diverse, truly representative of Khruangbin’s multiregional sound and reach. Everyone was fully immersed in the groovy textures and resonance that blanketed the amphitheater that perfect early summer night. The breeze carried the rhythms far past the lawn where I sat on my blanket, absorbing the energies within and around me. All night, the crowd swayed to Khruangbin’s funky stylistic renditions of 80s and 90s classics.

On that night, we were all one collective consciousness, energy in its purest form; we were love. Their performance was a beautiful display of the vast richness of AAPI culture, which too often gets boiled down into a single narrative. They have shown us how combining different aspects of cultures can bring people together in such a special and meaningful way.

The North American leg of the tour wraps up in October, with many European tour dates marked between June and July. If you’re into groovy, earthy, and multidimensional vibes, catch a flight with Khruangbin while you can. If concerts aren’t your scene, no worries! Khruangbin’s got you covered with curated playlists for your various daily activities such as cooking, bathing, and gardening. Check out those far-out, psychedelic beats on the “Shelter in Space” section of their site.