Nimol Chhom

Chhom Nimol was born in Battambang, Cambodia to traditional folk singer parents. Her older sister, Chorvin, is a famous singer in Cambodia and encouraged Nimol to sing as a child. Her brother Bunyong is also a famous singer in Cambodia, and her brother Monychout works as a music producer. Nimol won the first "Apsara Awards" in Cambodia in 1997, a contest similar to "American Idol." After her win, she sang internationally in Paris and Australia, and sang for the King and Queen of Cambodia. Nimol also acted in a film produced for Cambodian royalty, playing a young peasant girl. Chhom Nimol is best known as the lead singer for the popular Los Angeles based band, Dengue Fever. She was discovered in 2001 by her future band members in an area of Long Beach called "Little Phnom Penh" where she was singing in Cambodian dinner clubs. Dengue Fever has currently has four full length LPs, and a number of EPs, singles, and remixes.