Thailand's music scene is immensely vibrant and diverse, and through the years, it has only grown. At the forefront of it all is indie label What The Duck. 

Founded in 2014, the record label was built on developing a new concept and model for artists. Centred on passion, teamwork, and innovation, the What The Duck team supports their artists' creativity and independence, wanting them to forge their own, unique path in the music industry. 

"We see What The Duck as a label that champions the "underdog" artist. When we sign an act we give them 100 percent control over their creativity, so what we have here is different to other record labels. We are an open space where artists with great ideas can fully showcase their talent and potential," What The Duck Founder and Managing Director Moy Samkwan tells Bandwagon. 

"All our artists have to be creative, hardworking and focused with a single vision of their goals. The real value of an artist is themselves; their uniqueness and their personalities. We always say it's easy to start a record label, what is difficult is maintaining your presence in the market. There is so much more competition nowadays, so it's vital you have artists who reflect your ambition and drive."

Beyond housing some of Thailand's most exciting artists, What The Duck also continuously innovates on a larger scale, having been one of the first in the country to host an online concert at the height of the pandemic in 2020. Never stagnant and always, the indie label is leading the next wave of Thai music and artists. 

"We are always looking for the next trend, the next band, the next technology. Most importantly though, what makes What The Duck stand out is that we believe in the potential of the younger generation. We have built an amazing team at What The Duck, most of us are Gen Zs, we are all young, enthusiastic and outward-looking," adds Moy.

"We always say it's easy to start a record label, what is difficult is maintaining your presence in the market."

Get to know the artists behind What The Duck here. 

BOWKYLION

Even if you're just getting into the Thai music scene, BOWKYLION is a name you've definitely come across. Considered one of the most notable artists in Thailand today, the singer-songwriter is known for her enchantingly husky voice, her signature retro pop sound, and of course, her lion-like bob (which even inspired a part of her stage name). 

BOWKYLION started her musical journey posting covers on YouTube before joining the band SKIPIT in 2011. After the band's disbandment four years later, the 'Longjai' hitmaker went on to pursue a solo career that's proved to be as fruitful as ever. 

THE TOYS

A musician through and through, THE TOYS is about as multi-talented as it gets. With skills in a wide range of instruments and innate artistry, the 26-year-old was always destined for musical acclaim. So, it definitely comes as no shock when his debut single 'Na Nao Tee Laew (Last Winter)' gained instant attention all across Thailand in 2015. 

Since then, THE TOYS—who is most regarded for his easy-going R&B, pop sound—has continued to rise through the ranks of Thailand's vibrant music scene, delivering a sense of fun and playfulness with each and every release.

WHAL & DOLPH

If there's anyone making waves in the Thai music scene, it's the beloved duo Whal & Dolph. Taking their names from amicable marine animals, Por and Namvon have been creating ripples throughout the country with their signature feel-good indie-pop sound. 

Considered a story of friendship and a mutual passion, Whal & Dolph hope to share their music with the rest of the world. Centred on the belief that music is a universal language, the duo, in an interview with Bandwagon, says, "I hope one day our songs will reach audiences worldwide. They will eventually know what we are trying to say in our melody and music."

MUSKETEERS

Reminiscent of carefree nights and youthful recklessness, Musketeers are all about letting your inner child run free. With their signature vintage and nostalgic rock sound, the alternative band make music to remind listeners that life doesn't always have to be so serious. 

Formed during their college days over a decade ago, Musketeers—which comprises Ten (vocals), Pooh (guitar), Doi (bass), and Big (guitar)—have grown to be one of Thailand's most popular bands. They are most known for their hits 'Pleased', 'Dancing', and 'Day & Night'.

LANDOKMAI

Comprising long-time friends Ant and Upim, LANDOKMAI started as a passion project back in 2018. Today, the duo are a go-to act for summer vibes and dreamy soundscapes. 

From YouTube covers and quaint bar gigs to working with some of Thailand's biggest acts, LANDOKMAI tell a sunny story of relentless passion and a deep-rooted love for music. Together, the pair have released hits like 'Please Be True', 'The Diary', and 'On The Train', all of which feel like a ray of sunshine and a sprinkle of fairy dust.

VALENTINA PLOY

Centred around her personal experiences through love and loss, Valentina Ploy has a way of turning some of life's most heart-aching moments into a sweet, comforting melody. Known for her honest lyrics and charming vocals, the Thai-Italian singer-songwriter makes music that soothes the soul. 

Since her appearance on The Voice Thailand and X-Factor Italy, the 'Drunk Sleeping In Taxis' hitmaker has taken her emotionally intimate tracks all around the world. Through her music, Valentina hopes to lead by example and show her fans that it's okay to let your walls down.

CHART SUCHART

There are a few people in this world destined to do music and one of them is Chart Suchart. After capturing the nation's hearts in the 2nd season of The Voice Thailand, the multi-instrumentalist found himself under the wings of What The Duck in 2015. 

Since then, Chart has been almost everyone's go-to artist when you want a good cry. Weaving the worlds of pop and alternative rock, the 'BACKPACK' act is known for his acoustic melodies, straightforward lyrics, and raspy vocals that tug at the heartstrings. 

QLER

QLER is every aspiring artist's dream come true. In 2019, the singer-songwriter gained viral success with the release of his single 'จีบ’, which brought his self-produced indie-pop music from his bedroom to the top of Thailand's music charts. 

Armed with unique beats and a knack for writing heartfelt love stories, QLER has become one of the country's most exciting, emerging artists. Continuously standing out from the local music scene, the producer is known for his tracks 'จีบ', 'Dear You', and ‘กอด’.

PAE ARAK

Calm, cool, and collected, Pae Arak is easily one of Thailand's most versatile acts. Whether it's on the silver screen or behind a guitar, the singer-actor has made for himself across all avenues of the country's entertainment industry. 

As a musician, Pae Arak started as the guitarist for an indie rock band before embarking on what would be a successful solo career in 2010. With a diverse musical palette, the ARAGOCHINA hitmaker is known for always pushing the limits of his artistry, be it in his musicality or songwriting. 

PANGO 

While Pango is most known for her acting, she first gained attention for her music. The singer-songwriter started sharing covers of popular pop songs on YouTube, amassing a dedicated community. In 2017, Pango released her self-titled debut EP, which was noted for its calm, laid-back soundscape that beautifully complimented her sweet vocals.  

Some of Pango's most popular hits include 'Moon', 'ฉันจะมีเธออยู่', and 'พื้นที่ปลอดภัย'.

LOSERPOP

Simply describing themselves as "six best friends making music", loserpop centre around fun, friendship, and a common love for '80s Thai bands. Comprising Bank (vocals), Aum (guitar), Touch (guitar), Korpai (bass), Praew (keyboard), and Puen (drums), the indie-pop outfit are characterised by their seamless blend of soul and pop that feel like a serene summer road trip. 

Lyrically, loserpop traverse arenas of bittersweet relationships and the ups and downs of falling in love—which they all compiled into their debut album aptly titled Stupid Love Song. With their contrast of sad stories and light-hearted melodies, the band has become one of Thailand's most distinctive acts. 

PLASTIC PLASTIC

Dreamy, idyllic, and fun, sibling duo Plastic Plastic make music that feels like a vividly saturated summer adventure. Comprising siblings Pokpong (guitar) and Tongta (keys), the bilingual indie-pop act are known for weaving together an intricate web of jazz melodies and 70s pop beats. 

Since their formation in the early 2010s, Plastic Plastic have become a mainstay in Thailand's music scene, recognised for their youthful charm and feel-good tunes. 

MINTS

Taking on their own individual colour and style, Tonhon and Ud come together to make the vivid blend of charms and whimsy we know as mints. Characterised for their upbeat and infectious melodies coupled with their playful artistry, the duo are one of the most energetic acts to come out of the city of smiles. 

In their musical career, mints have released an array of hits including 'fine.', 'Should I', and 'lovephobia'. 

HERS

Coming from their own musical paths, Gig, Jean, and Ploy join forces to form the ever-mesmerising Hers. With powerful voices and enticing beats, the trio create the perfect music to soundtrack a peaceful spring day. 

Hers skyrocketed into popularity with the release of their 2017 singe 'ยังคงคอย'. Since then, the group have continued to release well-received hits including 'ปลอบ', 'You Made Me This Way', and 'I Know'. 

MIRRR

Known for their groovy beats and seamless blend of R&B and pop, Mirrr are of Thailand's biggest acts today. Before joining What The Duck in early 2021, the duo—which comprises Toh (vocals, synths) and Now (guitar)—have been a common name amongst the country's vibrant music scene but it wasn't until they released their 2020 single 'Nicotine' when they shot up in popularity.

Since joining the indie label, Mirrr have been continuing their momentum of sonically diverse bangers that include  'Firework', 'NOFOREVER', and 'Ninja'.

DE FLAMINGO

De Flamingo have always been one to pave their own path. With poetic lyrics and their signature pop-rock sound, the indie act have grown to be one of the most prominent bands in Thailand.

Comprising Bonus (vocals, guitar), Pom (guitar), Jahr (bass), and Beam (drums), De Flamingo came together in 2016 and released their debut EP The Four Men Go the same year. Since then, the band have reached airwaves all around the world with hits like 'Decision', 'If I', and 'Once'. 

MORVASU

Passionate, determined and ever-evolving, Morvasu has been a mainstay in Thailand's music scene thanks to his soothing vocals, impressive musicality, and versatile sound.

The singer-songwriter first garnered attention as part of the band Ten to Twelve before branching out as a soloist in 2018 with his single 'Karma'. Throughout his career, even as part of the country's underground music scene, Morvasu has been well regarded for his artistry and innate creativity. 

UNCLE BEN

While they're relatively new to the scene, Uncle Ben have already gained a following for their charming pop-rock sound that's reminiscent of sunset drives and peaceful summer nights. 

Formed in 2018, Uncle Ben are made up of Nupp (vocals, guitars), Adib (guitars), North (bass), and Bas (drums) and are one of What The Duck's newest artists, having joined the label last year. The band are most known for their hits 'Tyrion', 'Dawn', and 'Present'. 

Keep up with What The Duck through their official website here!