Hyde Kawin on Open Mics, Happy Toes and a First Song

Hyde was born in Bangkok and has lived on Koh Phangan for five years. Back home, he played guitar for himself, in his house. Then, on his first night on the island, a friend took him to an open mic.

Today he plays open mics every week, performs at a couple of venues around the island, and runs a video channel called Happy Toes, where he films other musicians singing in places that suit their songs. On October 23, he releases his own first song. We sat down with him to talk about all of it. You can watch the full video interview below.

How did you start playing in front of people?

In Bangkok I only played for myself. I didn’t even know about open mics. The first night I got here, a friend took me to one, and I was like, what is this? Anyone can just play and sing? I played with some friends I met that night, and after that we kept going back. The owner liked how we played and invited us to host the open mic. Other places saw me and invited me to play there too.

What does your week look like?

Every week I play at Plantasia, Gypsy Bar and The Lake House. Those are all open mics. For live music, I play at Harmony Beach Club and Vani Resort. I always need singers, because I can’t sing a whole set myself, so I have a different singer all the time. Most people don’t stay long. They come here, and then they go.

Where does Happy Toes come from?

Since I got here I’ve met a lot of amazing musicians. People who sing really well, even covers, and you feel they sing from the inside. I wanted to capture that and share it. The name comes from my toes: when I play, they are always dancing. A friend started calling me Happy Toes, and I liked it.

What matters when you film someone?

The location. It doesn’t have to be epic, just a perfect place for the song. And I always ask the singer to pick the song they feel the most in that moment, because I want to capture that feeling. There are so many good musicians who never show up online. It’s like finding a diamond. It’s really special to see people who aren’t famous, capture that and share it with the world.

Is the channel still going?

I paused it for now because I’ve been focused on my own live shows. But I plan to come back and post more.

What is the music scene like on Koh Phangan?

I’d say about 60 percent is kirtan and medicine music, and the rest is mostly pop. We don’t have many jazz musicians, but we have a few. For me, the best part is connecting with people from all around the world. I like to learn from them. They have so many things that are different from Thai people. Not better, just different: the way they play, the way they sing, even the mindset.

Why did you end up here?

I heard there were musicians here from everywhere, and that sounded interesting. I planned to stay one month. Here we go: five years.

Your first song comes out on October 23. What is it called?

“A Lullaby.” To me it sounds like a lullaby, and I really like the melody. The lyrics are basically a complaint. I had been trying to write a song for a very long time and nothing came, because I was overthinking and pushing too much. So I started playing some random chords, and I started to complain, and it became a song.

Most of the time I put a cage around my mind, and that’s why I never finished or released my music. This time I finally said, I want to do it.

Who worked on it with you?

I’m not great at lyrics, but I’m okay with melody. I gave the chords and the lyrics to a friend who is an amazing producer. He did his magic on the laptop, a lot of MIDI, so now it’s not only guitar and my voice anymore.

What advice would you give to other musicians?

Try not to forget why you play. When people work with music too much, it becomes a job, like “I have to,” and they lose the passion. Remind yourself why you do it. In my opinion, try to find another job too, and treat music more like a side quest. Remember why you play and why you sing: because you love it, because you want to have fun. Not to impress anyone. Money too, of course.

Just keep playing. Keep singing. And remember why you do it.

Anything for someone about to play their first open mic?

When you feel nervous, it’s a good thing. It’s a sign that you’re about to level up. So do it. And come to the open mic at Plantasia.

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Hyde Kawin’s first single, “A Lullaby,” is out on October 23.