Dengue Fever - The Basics:
Formed in 2001 by brothers Ethan and Zac Holtzman, who were inspired after a trip to Cambodia, Dengue Fever combines psychedelic and surf-rock with vintage Cambodian pop music to create a unique and genre-bending sound. With a Cambodian lead singer, Chhom Nimol, who sings primarily in Khmer, and a backing band of American rock and rollers, Dengue Fever's sound is unique and addictive.
Personnel:
Chhom Nimol - Lead Vocals
Zac Holtzman - Guitar, Vocals
Ethan Holtzman - Electric Organ
Senon Williams - Bass
Paul Smith - Drums
David Ralicke - Brass/Horns
Trivia:
The Holtzman brothers discovered lead vocalist Chhom Nimol singing in a nightclub in Little Phnom Penh (a Cambodian neighborhood of Long Beach, California). Nimol is actually well-known in Cambodia as a karaoke singer, but lives in the United States. Nimol's English was practically non-existent at that point, though she began learning the language shortly thereafter.
Dengue Fever in Pop Culture:
Dengue Fever's songs have been featured in both television shows and movies, including True Blood, Weeds, Broken Flowers, and City of Ghosts. In addition, a documentary about the band's travels through Cambodia was created, titled Sleepwalking Through the Mekong.
Discography:
Dengue Fever - 2003 (Compare Prices)
Dengue Fever EP - 2005
Escape From the Dragon House - 2005 (Compare Prices)
Sip Off the Mekong EP - 2006 (Compare Prices)
Venus on Earth - 2008 (Compare Prices)
