At the recent Canopy Fest X CULT festival, audiences had the opportunity to discover or rediscover the local band Checkered Past, who has become a prominent figure on the Kingdom's music scene.
Formed in 2018, the band has quickly made a name for itself by blending several ska trends and fusing traditional elements with more modern rhythms.
After an initial period during which they released their ‘Public Announcement’ EP in 2022, the band underwent a lineup renewal. The original members, particularly those in the brass section, left, prompting the band to seek out new talent and reform.
Their reappearance - with new instrumentation including a new ska guitarist, more horn players and major keyboard support - marks an evolution in their sound while remaining true to their ska roots.
Their story reflects both the dynamism of Phnom Penh's musical culture and the ability of local artists to reinvent themselves and drive an increasingly vibrant local music scene.
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