Chhom Mimol Brings the Heat with Dengue Fever: 60's Cambodian Pop, Rocks LA

When you get a chance to meet Chhom Nimol you realize that she is not just your ordinary rock singer and when you hear the music of her band Dengue Fever you realize they are just not your average ordinary rock band. Chhom Nimol was born in Cambodia and immigrated to the US in 2000. She has been living in Long Beach for six years.

It was while sing karaoke at the Dragon House restaurant that the members of Dengue Fever spotted Nimol and asked her to become the bands lead vocalist. Nimol explains, "Ethan and Zack (from the band) heard me sing and then they wanted to talk to me about their band…..they actually enjoy playing 60's Cambodian pop…..we talked and I ended up joining the band."

Make no mistake the Dengue Fever sound is a unique one combining elements of 60's styled psychedelic pop with traditional Cambodian music. Their latest disc, "Escape from Dragon House" is a complete "mash-up" of these styles and can be purchased on their website at www.denguefever.com. Chhom sings most of the songs in her native language Khmer.

When asked what the response to the band and her music has been Chhom shyly states, "It was weird at first. I was only singing in Khmer, the audience was mainly American and they did not understand my dancing but now the audience is starting to imitate my moves on stage….they are starting to get it and there are more Cambodian people coming to the shows."

Chhom is still learning English and she says there will be more songs in English. She also enjoys living in the US and in Long Beach in particular. "There are so many Cambodians living here in Long Beach….it feels like home…..I also appreciate the freedoms I have here living in the US."

Music fans are appreciating her approach to song writing as Dengue Fever seems poised to be the "next big thing" in world of indie rock. The band showcased their talents earlier this year at Austin's south by southwest and the group will be playing shows all summer long including the acclaimed Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle. If you are looking for something musically off the beaten path, look no further than Dengue Fever.

For more info log on to www.denguefever.com