THESIS

IN THE SCENT OF MUD AND BUFFALO: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDY ON THE LEGACY OF PAIBOON BUTKHAN

This project celebrates the legacy of Paiboon Butkhan (1918-1972), one of the most prolific songwriters of Thailand. The researcher analyzed and synthesized a comparative study case study “Klin Klon Sab Kwai” (The Smell of Mud and Buffalo) is the title of a song that Paiboon wrote to reflect on the disparity between social classes in Thailand, observing the contrasting lifestyles that divide rural and urban people. His work reflects the Buddhist philosophy of modesty, patience, and contentment with what one has. It is a reminder that the farmer class should not be overlooked because it is and has been the foundation on which all of the Thai cultures evolved for a long time. In other words, the researcher interpreted it himself. Paiboon’s phrase “Klin Klon Sab Kwai” is worthy of praise and serves as a symbol and reminder of the importance of Luk Thung songs which connects us to the working-class culture of Thailand and should not be overlooked by the young generation of Thai people their social and cultural background

This creative project is based on a study of the concepts and literary aspects of Paiboon’s work combined with elements borrowed from the evolution of Luk Thung songs written during the writer’s life. Several distinct aspects observed in the prose and poetry of Paiboon are translated to music. These include 1) The use of metaphors, 2) The atmospheres evoked by the words 3) The spiritual and philosophy 4) The emotional dimensions 5) The use of onomatopoeia. Those elements are applied to music composition through a suite of eclectic musical and sonic pieces reflecting the social and spiritual elements essential to Paiboon’s rich legacy. This work, is written in four movements including, 1) Like a Grass in a Field, 2) Concrete Jungle, 3) The Candles Shed Tears and 4) the Smell of Mud and Buffalo, which combines acoustic and electric instruments, electronic sounds, and field recordings along with speech elements. sound design, and soundscape.