Thailand's northeastern musical instruments create a chorus of foot-stomping sounds that showcase the crux of the region's rich cultural and historical heritage. Isan music and its rapid-fire rhythmic vocals and funk-like beats have steadily gained the attention of Western producers, one of whom is British lyricist and executive producer, William Robinson. 

In the music business since 1993, Robinson has collaborated with big names such as the late Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees and has also penned the Glory, Glory Man United Medley, which featured Korean violist Jenny Bae, among his long list of achievements. More recently, he is the CEO of Thai-based record label, Tune Asia. Little did he know that this chance meeting would inspire him to set up his "Isan Project", a collaboration of Thai and Western music that is available for download. Its aim is to combine traditional Isan musical sounds with modern Western lyrics and music, and eventually take it to the world stage. 

The music executive was then introduced to Thai musicians Fatboyz Ford and Koh Mr Saxman, who helped him understand more about Isan music. After attending numerous local gigs, he decided to visit the Northeast. It was during this period that Robinson brought along a camera crew to create a video blog. He started to develop a few of his own musical ideas, utilising sounds from Isan and fusing them with the contemporary music heard abroad.  

Robinson explains the three encounters he had that brought about the Isan Project into existence.  

http://www.bangkokpost.com/lifestyle/music/719920/rhythms-of-isan