The Social Dynamics of the Songs for Life of the ZUZU Band

Abstract

This research article was produced to serve the following objectives: 1) to study the history and development of the “Phleng Phuea Chiwit” (Songs for Life) by the ZUZU band, and 2) to analyze the identity and dynamics of the “Phleng Phuea Chiwit” of the ZUZU band. This qualitative study was conducted through extensive documentary research of works related to “Phleng Phuea Chiwit,” and contexts within the field of popular musicology. The data were analyzed using both primary and secondary sources ranging from audio recordings, including CDs, cassette tapes, as well as digital media platforms such as YouTube and Joox. The content and forms of the songs were categorized, analyzed, and described through a narrative approach.

It could be observed in the research findings that ZUZU could be considered a “Phleng Phuea Chiwit” band. As founded by a group of highly experienced and skilled musicians, the band members maintained close relationship with one another and embraced a collaborative, open-minded approach to creativity. This has enabled them to seamlessly integrate a variety of contemporary music genres with traditional Thai folk music, forming a distinct musical identity. The band's creative repertoire was found consisting of 14 albums, comprising a total of 137 songs that could be categorized into 12 musical genres. These genres have undergone continuous development in accordance with the socio-cultural dynamics of each era, with rock and Thai cha-cha-chá (sam cha) being the most prominent. The majority of the songs were found focusing on life-theme stories combined with basic human emotions, accounting for 32.85%, and ways of life, accounting for 21.17%. This could be observed to reflect a phenomenological approach that illustrates life, the way of life, and the social concerns encountered in daily living. Furthermore, the band could also be considered a leading force in social movements significantly through their music, and representing a dynamic social phenomenon in a particularly intriguing aspect. In addition, Rapin Phutthichat could be considered the most important member symbolic to the band.