KROM FACTS (3) SOPHEA CHAMROEUN: “An extraordinary musical and artistic talent”
From the album “Mekong Delta Blues” by Krom mixed and mastered by Musik and Film
Available on Musik and Film Records digitally
Did you know that the unique and original sound that is the music of KROM is the result of a remarkable musical collaboration and musical partnership between KROM founders, Sophea Chamroeun and KROM guitarist Christopher Minko.
Minko attributes the mysterious and almost mystical sounds / melodies of KROM’S music to the truly remarkable musical skills of Sophea who responds beautifully from a composer’s viewpoint to the open delta blues tuning of Minko’s guitar work with her singing often described as “the voice of an angel”. Along with being the co-founder of KROM, Sophea is also the co-songwriter, Khmer lyricist and lead vocalist of KROM.
And yes, there is so much more to Sophea when it comes to the arts.
Studying with the renowned Cambodian Living Arts program since the age of 12, Sophea has grown artistically on many fronts and can only be described as “a truly multi talented and gifted performer”. Sophea is a founding member and lead dancer of the legendary Children of Bassac Performing Group who have been described as the No 1 cultural event in Phnom Penh and listed as a “must see“ by Trips Advisor. Sophea is a graduate of the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh (RUFA) majoring in dance and choreography and is now a regular dancer / performer at RUFA. In addition, Sophea is recognized as one of the nation’s leading exponents of traditional dance and music and can be seen regularly on Cambodia TV. Sophea also fronts her own Khmer band “The Smiley Band “performing Khmer hits from the 60’s along with Khmer pop songs (and a hot band it is !). And, yes, she is an actor also – Sophea recently co-starred in a 2 part series TV series directed by Chhay Bora called SLEK CHAK ( the name of the leaf of a tree which grows in Kampot province).
With all that work with KROM and so much more, Sophea is without doubt a rising star, not only in Cambodia as she is now gaining a loyal following internationally through her remarkable musical work with KROM.