Word Glossary
The goal of this word glossary is to provide context on how concepts from Southeast Asian music, electronic music and machine learning are used in my work. This glossary is not intended to be a “textbook definition” of the term, rather it seeks to help fans understand how these concepts inspire my approach. They are written as if I was explaining it over a cup of coffee (preferably cold brew).



กราวใน [Kraw · Nai]
A distinct rhythm used to portray the march of demon armies in classical Thai Dance (Khon). All forms of dance music, whether traditional like Irish step dancing or modern like breakdancing, have distinctive beats which are instantly recognizable and synchronize the movements of that dance form. The Kraw Nai rhythm plays a similar role as an “essential beat” for demons and giants in Thai Khon dance. 
กราวนอก[Kraw · Nok]
A distinct rhythm used to portray the march of monkey armies in classical Thai Dance (Khon). Like the “Kraw Nai” explained above, the Kraw Nok rhythm is an “essential beat” for monkeys in Thai Khon dance.

โขน[Khon]

Khon is a Masked Dance Drama from Thailand. It is a classical performing art that weaves together Thai arts across music, vocal performance, literature, dance, mythology and costume design. I often describe it as being on the same level of grandness as a European Opera, Beijing Opera or a high-production Broadway Musical. The performance normally depicts tales from the Ramayana Epic and feature a cast of characters including giants, demons, monkeys, humans and gods. Each of these characters have unique dance styles and costume designs which evoke their character. 

Traditional Music
Personally, I prefer to use “classical Thai Music” or “classical Southeast Asian Music” over “traditional music” to describe my sources of inspiration.
Microtonal Music
Personally, I prefer to describe my music as “rooted in Southeast Asian tuning systems” or “Thai tuning systems” over “microtonal”. 
ปี่ใน
[Phi · Nai]
Personally, I prefer to use “classical Thai Music” or “classical Southeast Asian Music” over “traditional music” to describe my sources of inspiration.The Phi Nai is a type of reed instrument that belongs to a larger family of “phi” wind instruments. The Phi Nai has a distinctive sound and its closest equivalent in other cultures would be a European Oboe, Indian Shennai or a Chinese Suona. In Khon music, the Phi Nai is the primary melodic instrument of the ensemble. I am particularly drawn to the Phi because its piercing sound can go to toe-to-toe with heavy electronic bass music. 
ฉิ่ง
[Ching]

The Ching is the essential time keeping instrument in Thai music. It dictates the speed and tempo of the performance and has two distinctive metallic sounds: the “Ching” and the “Chap” sound. You can think of it like a cowbell in Salsa music or even as a “metronome within an ensemble” since the “Ching” sound is loud can be heard above all the instruments. Important forms in Thai music revolve around how long the “Ching” and “Chap” sounds are spaced apart.