Blending the vibrant sounds of Cambodian music with American rock, Dengue Fever has emerged as a unique musical force. The band’s origins can be traced back to San Francisco’s Mission District, where guitarist Zac Holtzman discovered an influential compilation of Cambodian psychedelic rock. This discovery sparked a collaboration with his brother Ethan and eventually led to the formation of Dengue Fever. Over the years, the band has evolved, incorporating vocalist Chhom Nimol and exploring new musical territories. Their latest album, “Ting Mong,” reflects their ongoing dedication to both preserving and innovating Cambodian musical traditions.
The Birth of a Musical Revolution
The roots of Dengue Fever lie in the heart of San Francisco's Mission District, particularly at Aquarius Records. In the late 1990s, Zac Holtzman, then a member of Dieselhed, frequented this iconic record store. It was here that he stumbled upon “Cambodia Rocks,” a compilation of psychedelic and garage rock from Cambodia’s golden era. This collection introduced him to a sound that would profoundly influence his future work. Upon moving back to Los Angeles, Zac discovered that his brother Ethan had also been captivated by similar Cambodian music during his travels in Thailand. This shared passion became the catalyst for forming Dengue Fever.
Zac and Ethan began crafting songs that blended elements of Cambodian music with American rock. They soon found Chhom Nimol, a Cambodian-born vocalist who had recently moved to Long Beach after winning a national singing competition in Phnom Penh. Chhom’s voice added a distinctive touch to the band’s sound, becoming the focal point of their performances. Her ability to lead the band while allowing for improvisation created a dynamic and engaging live experience. As the band grew, they embraced opportunities to perform internationally, including opening for Tinariwen in 2017. This exposure allowed them to refine their stage presence and connect more deeply with audiences through varying tempos and moods.
Paying Tribute and Innovating
Dengue Fever’s commitment to honoring Cambodian music is evident in their various projects. One notable effort is the album “Electric Cambodia,” which features 14 vintage Cambodian pop tunes. The proceeds from this release support Cambodian Living Arts, an organization dedicated to reviving traditional art forms and fostering contemporary artistic expression. Despite the long gap between albums, the band remained active, contributing to Lauren Yee’s play “Cambodian Rock Band” and participating in cultural events like the inaugural Cambodia Day Music + Culture Festival in San Francisco.
Their latest album, “Ting Mong,” showcases a blend of Chhom’s mesmerizing vocals and Zac’s experimental pieces. Recorded in a remote cabin near Joshua Tree, the album captures the band’s creative spirit and love for exploration. Songs like “Great On Paper” highlight Zac’s vocal contributions, while tracks featuring Chhom demonstrate her unparalleled talent. The band continues to maintain strong ties to San Francisco, performing regularly at venues such as The Chapel. Their upcoming shows on December 30 and 31 mark a return to the city that inspired their journey, celebrating two decades of musical innovation and cultural fusion.