Like Lola Akinmade, Ian MacKenzie is a Brave New Traveler that we luff. More than that, Ian is the founder and editor of Brave New Traveler, which was recently taken under the wing of Matador Travel. And because that doesn’t keep him busy enough, he also works in other new media from viral videos to short films. He also produced one of our favorite year-long adventure sites, One Week Job (in which Sean Aiken traveled the world to perform 52 jobs in 52 weeks with all of his wages–a cool $20,401.60–were donated to charity).
And if THAT wasn’t enough, he also gave us some great sounds of Southeast Asia complete with photo montages on the following five YouTube sites: I II III IV V.
“In spring 2006, I set off for Southeast Asia with my girlfriend. We were both new to the continent, and were quickly amazed by the beauty and serenity, as much the heat and the noise. In two months, we traveled across Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, and have the photos to prove it. I then spent two months post-trip putting together a slideshow of our journey, and a carefully chosen soundtrack to accompany the vibe.
Here’s a few highlights that I feel truly evoke Southeast Asia:
- E-Pro–Beck
There’s just something dangerous and unruly about this song, from the way Beck smoothly delivers the verses, to the cheekiness of the chorus. That’s pretty much how it feels to strap yourself into a $5 rented motorbike and whip off down the uneven pavement of Koh Phangan. Don’t even bother asking for a helmet - they’ll only laugh at you. Instead, just swing by the local mini-mart, grab a six pack, and cruise along until you find an open stretch of gorgeous beach. - Northern Lights–Lux
Towering limestone cliffs and glistening spiders as big as your head. That’s probably not what you envision when listening to this chilled out track. It’s only when you’ve spent a few nights in Khao Sok National Park that you enter relaxation mode, and lose the ear-splitting hum of Bangkok from you system. - One Night in Bangkok–Murray Head
Speaking of Bangkok, it’s impossible to forget the 80’s synth beat from your memory as you cruise Khao San Road amid the teaming mass of locals and backpackers. A few bucks scores you a couple beers and a fistful of street-fried bugs. The world truly IS your oyster. - Aqueous Transmission–Incubus
By all accounts from guidebooks and other travelers, they say you should avoid the slowboat down the Mekong river to Luang Prabang, Laos. Of course, that doesn’t stop anyone from doing it anyway. At least with this soothing track on your iPod, the 2 day journey will be slightly more bearable. - Soul Meets Body–Death Cab for Cutie
South of Luang Prabang, the beaten backpacker path passes through Vang Viang. Also know as “the place you get drunk and hang out on the river.” I’m still not sure if the locals approve – I have a sneaking suspicion that’s why they allow the infamous tree swing to continue operation…they’re hoping a few backpackers break enough bones to keep them from coming back. - Tropicala–Beck
Another Beck tune is the only track that fits the absurdity of “Buddha Park.” This statue-filled garden outside Vientianne, Laos is like a religious Disneyland…on acid. - Dusk–Matthew Good
There are only a few places on earth that can truly be marked “evil” - and the killing fields of Phnom Penh is one of them. Set to the haunting piano notes of Matthew Good, the barbed wire and blood-stained cells are a sobering reminder of the cruelty of men. - Sweet Lullaby–Deep Forest
The ancient ruins of city of Angkor, Cambodia, are a sprawling maze of human achievement, capturing beatuifully in this track by Deep Forest. As you wander the crumbling hallways, it’s hard not to imaging the sweeping footprints of history echoing from the past. - Slip Into Something More Comfortable–Kinobe
Once again returning to the silky blue ocean of Thailand’s western edge in Phuket, you truly feel like you’re slipping into something more comfortable. This track makes you want to grab a shaken martini and save the world at the same time… - Better Together–Jack Johnson
The ukulele was made for sunsets. So was Jack Johnson. What better way to end a trip to Southeast Asia than with both?
Photo courtesy IM
