Hanu Hansa is the nomme de guerre of TJ Blake, a visual artist and musician based in Atlanta, Georgia. Known for his work in various mediums, he is perhaps best associated as a member of Lotus Plaza (Kranky) and Lyonnais (Geographic North, Hoss). Sonically, his music explores the intersection of ambient and electronic modes, often drawing inspiration from the contemplative nature of his visual work. Sonically, his music explores the intersection of ambient and electronic modes, often drawing inspiration from the contemplative nature of his visual work.
Bangkok Blues represents a collection of serene, ambient compositions recorded between 2018 and 2023. While the tracks stand on their own as a testament to Blake's meticulous sound design, they are also a tribute to memory. Loosely dedicated to the memory of his grandmother, the album captures a sense of quiet reflection and nostalgia. Offering a deeply personal and meditative listening experience, the music here is heavily influenced by the minimalist soundscapes of Brian Eno, the texture and rhythm of Aphex Twin's Selected Ambient Works, and the tranquil environments of Japanese ambient pioneer Hiroshi Yoshimura.