What is your full name? And age?
Ryan Kemp, Thai name “Singto” (Lion), 26 but looking and feeling older.
What is your current Job Position?
Owner of The Saxophone Lounge Hua Hin with my partner and friend David Heap, day to day job involves organizing bands, events and playing music.
How long have you lived in Hua Hin or been coming to Hua Hin?
I first came to Hua Hin around 4 years ago, I moved all over Thailand but eventually decided to settle here.
What did you know about Hua Hin before you moved here?
I knew there was a large expat community, it was coastal and without the sleaze of Pattaya and Phuket which I wanted to avoid. I had made a few trips here and enjoyed the place. You just got to find the good people and you have cracked it.
What do you like most about your profession?
My work is pretty fun all day through, from practicing in the day to playing during the night. Booking parties and chatting with the customers. My favorite part of the job is when people genuinely enjoy the music and their night out with us. It feels like a job well done come the end of the night. I also enjoy working with my team day to day, as it is a creative atmosphere.
What do you like the least about your profession?
Sometimes the hours are “hella” long, organizing the events during the day and then playing during the night, it can be pretty full on, but I consider myself lucky as there aren’t many things I dislike about what I do. Doing what I do has always been a dream of mine since I was a marketing manager for nightclubs in the UK.
What do you like most about Hua Hin?
Its got to be the people, out of all the places in Thailand I have lived the people seem more proactive in charitable events and communication with the government on local issues. There is great charitable awareness, whether it is Rescue Paws charity working with Soi dogs, or dizzy bizzy Lizzy working for Thai children through Multi Culti. There is an enthusiasm and drive in people and the community. This seems to be growing exponentially and it will be exciting to see what comes of it all.
What is your favorite Restaurant locally and why?
I am a huge fan of Thai Wai based in Pak Nam Pran, Sunday afternoons they have a great jam session with fantastic pizza and Thai food in their garden. All the local Hua Hin expats get together there and it’s a good excuse to get out into the countryside.
What do you like to do in your free time and why?
I am an academic at heart, I like to keep the brain engaged and so do a lot of reading on Psychology (My Degree) and current affairs. I am just in the process of setting up a debate society too, so if anyone is interested get in touch at the lounge.
What would you recommend to new comers to do in Hua Hin? And Why?
Get involved in projects, as there are plenty around and they are a great way to meet people and network.
Tell us a surprising fact that public might not know about you?
People probably don’t realize it but I’m pretty useless at formal learning, for example I have never taken a music lesson in my life despite the fact i seem to be able to get away with playing the saxophone on stage everynight! Recently I have actually had two lessons with a friend who is a superb professional saxophonist.
What is the most outlandish thing you have ever done? Why?
Being a hedonist and downright eccentric, if you can imagine it i have probably done it, if not, invite me and I’ll try it.