Live Music Truck: Folk Performance and Inheritance by Inventing Tradition of Isan Youth

Abstract

Live music truck is folk performance which performing modern styles music popular among young Isan audiences. It is mostly used to perform in traditional and religious ceremonies in Isan (Northeast Thailand). This qualitative research examined the relationship between Live music truck, Isan culture, and Isan youth who inherited the Live music truck by inventing traditions. Data was collected by document analysis, field observation, and in-depth interviews. The research finding shows that Live music truck is originated by Isan people those who have economic capital. New Isan social that is created, contexts economically, societally, and culturally, empowering Isan youth with their knowledge capital and economic capital to invent the tradition that made Live music truck to meet contemporary tastes of youth. Live music truck continues to perform in sacred ceremonies and folk media, benefiting community residents. In addition, Invented tradition of Live music truck profits impresarios, as entertainment offers an emotional release and expressive space for Isan youth to enhance music performance skills. In this way, Live music truck becomes invented tradition benefiting all stakeholders.