In the heart of Bangkok’s indie scene, Wicked Lights, the brainchild of Two Charuson, emerges with their latest soulful indie-pop gem, The Underlying, extracted from the newly-released EP, ‘Have A Nice Dream.‘ Two Charuson, the artistic force behind the outfit, bares his soul with unapologetic honesty, narrating tales and confessions that traverse through the intricacies of the human experience.
The Underlying marks a continuation of Two Charuson‘s path into soul-stirring and subtly intense songwriting. Featuring acclaimed drummer Aaron Sterling (known for collaborations with John Mayer, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, Miley Cyrus, and Fiona Apple), the track seamlessly blends melodically romantic grooves with the delicate prettiness of acoustic textures. Yet, the lyrical intricacies cast a shadow of cryptic complexity, inviting listeners to delve into their own interpretations. The accompanying verité-styled video captures the essence of longing and connection, depicting the journeys we yearn for in life. The breathtaking song is accompanied by a fittingly immersive and emotionally resonant documentary-style musical experience.
In a conversation about the inspiration behind The Underlying, Two Charuson shares, “Through the pandemic, a lot of things got taken away from us. Especially with making journeys, seeking new cultures and experiences or connecting with loved ones. I wrote this song to remind the listener and even myself that the joys in life are still out there and that we should not lose our sense of curiosity. And there is nothing better to remind us than when things have been taken away. Not having travelled anywhere for three years and to be able to start another journey again.
To me it was so liberating. Having travelled so much before. To be able to enjoy the little things again that you can easily find anywhere new or even old places re-visited. For me the biggest joy is to connect with a total stranger, to be able renew the senses, just like how creating music is. We could die at any point in time. Life is uncertain for everyone. But even the best of us can forget the feelings, our values and philosophies if we stay still in the same place for too long. Everything around us changes every second. When you travel you are constantly moving, seeking, absorbing and connecting with people and places. To me that is the Underlying.”
The new EP, Have A Nice Dream, was meticulously crafted in collaboration with producer Montonn Jira (known for his work with The Neptunes, Hugo, Slot Machine, Kenna, and as the Director of Wonderfruit Festival) at Unisonic Sounds Studio. Mastering was handled by John Davis (renowned for his work with The Killers, Gorillaz, The xx, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Blur) at The Metropolis Studio in London, resulting in a sonic bliss that encapsulates the essence of Wicked Lights‘ musical evolution.
Wicked Lights, also known as Two Charuson, has dedicated three decades to honing his craft, learning multiple instruments along the way to craft his unique sound. Born in Thailand and privately schooled in the British countryside, Two’s exposure to diverse cultures shaped his musical journey. From church hymns to influences like Eric Clapton, Prince, Jeff Tweedy, Neil Young, Elliott Smith, Radiohead, and Joy Division, Two’s musical palette is as diverse as his upbringing.
Wicked Lights‘ music is a reflection of a life lived, touching on themes of disillusionment, joy, love, sadness, courage, and playfulness. Today, based in his native Bangkok, Two Charuson uses his music to navigate the conflicts of identity while exploring the ever-changing cosmopolitan landscape of the Thai capital.
