Musical muscle

Jack goes out of control

By Suwitcha Chaiyong

Aside from catchy music, image plays a major part in the commercial pop scene. That must have been on the mind of diminutive singer Jarupong Kluaymai-Ngarm (Jack), who recently reappeared with his second album and a muscular new look. Jack shows off his new-found masculinity in the video for his latest single, "Out of Control," which is full of energetic dance moves and powerful singing.

The 26-year-old singer recently came by the Student Weekly office for a photo shoot. Jack's schedule that day was too hectic to include an interview, but we caught up with him later on the phone to hear all about his new music and his manly muscles.

Student Weekly: What inspired you to take up bodybuilding?

Jack: I want to have a grown-up image. I look stronger than before, and bodybuilding has had a positive effect on my singing and dancing. I can sing more powerfully and dance with more energy than before.

Student Weekly: did you get your new look?

Jack: I trained at a gym, four days a week for three months. I also had to eat six meals a day to build up my muscles because I was so thin. It was hard to eat so much at first because I used to not eating much. I've now cut down to four meals a day, but I have to keep working out consistently for at least another year to maintain my muscles.

Student Weekly: Is it hard to keep up with your exercise schedule when you're so busy?

Jack: Sometimes I feel too tired to go to the gym, but I try to have discipline. I just have to arrange my schedule so that I have time for exercise. I don't always have to go to the gym - I can work out by myself at home.

Student Weekly: Is there any part of your life that you feel is out of control?

Jack: Time. I wish there were 30 hours in a day instead of just 24. If I could control time, I'd spend more time with my family and do all the things that I want to do.

Student Weekly: How did you improve your dancing skills?

Jack: My skills improved because I have more strength. You need strong ankles for dancing, so a choreographer advised me to tiptoe 1,000 times a day to toughen up my ankles.

Student Weekly: Did you consider changing your look after the gear you wore in the "Out of Control" video received a lot of negative comments?

Jack: No. Everybody has their own opinion about fashion. My clothes in that video were created by combining ninja clothes with a glam rock look.

Student Weekly: We heard that you're interested in modified cars. Have you ever thought about taking up car racing?

Jack: I'd love too, but my parents wouldn't like it. When I got my first car, they asked me to not join a racing team. I tried to convince them that driving on a racetrack was safer than driving on public roads, but they still didn't want me to do it.

Student Weekly: Is it true that you have pet crayfish?

Jack: Yes. I bought them from Chatuchak Market two months ago. They looked so cute and colourful that I decided to buy them. I have six now, and I enjoy watching them grow.

Student Weekly: Do you have any special message for your fans?

Jack: I'd like my fans to see how much my appearance and performing skills have developed. And check out my next single. It might be a beautiful ballad with touching lyrics.