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Meet SANIMYOK — From Chiang Mai to “Free Bird”

FREE BIRD CHIANGMAI
Oct 17
3 min read

Updated: Oct 18

ARTIST

SANIMYOK is a band from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Starting with punk covers in high school, the group developed a sound that embraces extended rock and blues solos and improvisation. Its members also studied art. This feature introduces their music and art, the origin of the band’s name, the song “Free Bird,” and their connections with Japan.

Edited by FreeBirdChiangMai · October 13, 2026

SANIMYOK artist photograph
Watch the official music video on YouTube — SANIMYOK. Photograph published on the official FreeBirdChiangMai website. Photo source

Contents

A name inspired by the green patina on amulets

According to the band’s introduction, amulet collectors call the green patina that develops on old amulets “Sanimyok.” The band took its name from that term.

The Guitar Mag (January 6, 2018); introductory material supplied by FreeBirdChiangMai

From punk covers to rock and blues

In high school, they played punk covers and performed at live venues in Chiang Mai. Their listening broadened while studying art at university. Drawing on that background, they also became involved in running an art gallery.

Cream, Nirvana, The Beatles, The Allman Brothers Band, The Doors, Pink Floyd, Neil Young and Muddy Waters are among their influences. Their live performances include extended solos and improvisation.

Working with FuzzyFuzz Record led to the EPs “Slide and Roll” and “Our song.” Their rock and roll draws on everyday events and the society in which they live.

The Guitar Mag: the band’s account published January 6, 2018; introductory material supplied by FreeBirdChiangMai

Collaborations growing from connections with Japan

In a 2025 interview, Japanese singer-songwriter Eito recalled meeting SANIMYOK at the Shambhala festival in Chiang Dao. Hearing the band’s “Free Bird” there left a strong impression on him.

After making a Thai version of “Kousui” together, they discussed recording one of SANIMYOK’s songs in Japanese. The song they chose was “Free Bird.”

They recorded in Chiang Mai. Looking back on the peaceful setting, Eito described a booth with views of the mountains and sheep nearby.

They also performed together as “SanimYok × Eito” in Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai and Pai. After being played on stage for more than a year, the Japanese version of “Free Bird” was released on September 5, 2025.

Eito’s official website (September 5, 2025); Tourism Authority of Thailand interview with Eito (October 3, 2025); introductory material supplied by FreeBirdChiangMai

Listen to the music and watch the videos

Listen to the original Thai “Free Bird” alongside the Japanese version sung by Eito. The selection also includes the Thai “Kousui,” early songs and live performances.

On stage

A musician playing electric guitar under purple stage lighting
Playing guitar in purple light.
A musician singing into a microphone with a guitar under red lighting
Singing and playing guitar on a stage lit in red.
Musicians on stage, seen from the audience
A view of the full stage from the audience.
The musicians and audience viewed from behind the drum kit
Looking out over the stage and audience from behind the drums.

From Chiang Mai to stages in Japan

The band toured Japan in 2018 and 2024. It appeared at JERSEY EIGHT on October 19 and 20, 2024, as part of the Music Exchange initiative run by Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency.

In 2024, they also performed in Kamakura, Shonan, Fukui and Osaka, and appeared on Japanese radio. The Japanese version of “Free Bird” followed in 2025. Their connections with Japan have continued beyond the tours.

Creative Economy Agency’s introduction to the 2024 Japan performances; introductory material supplied by FreeBirdChiangMai; Eito’s official website (September 5, 2025)

SANIMYOK’s official accounts carry news of new songs and performances. For places to hear live music in Chiang Mai, see the music and events guide as well.

 
 
 

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