Max talent

Singer’s singles attract attention

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs by Varuth Hirunyatheb
and courtesy of I Am

If being talented, smart and good-looking are the key elements for being successful in showbiz, then singer-songwriter Natthawut Jenmana (Max) shouldn’t have too much trouble.

Max stepped into the spotlight when he came second in the semi-final round for the first season of The Voice Thailand. With his good looks and smooth singing style, the 25-year-old musician won over the judges and audience alike with his fine covers of hits by Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and James Blunt.

Since then, Max has signed a recording contract with I Am records and teamed up with renowned producer Komol Boonpianpol (Funn) to record three successful pop singles, released under the name Max Jenmana. Max’s fourth and latest single, “Ta Phra Athit (Dracula),” sees the singer moving in more of an indie pop direction.

Student Weekly recently caught up with Max at La Creperie restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 39 to talk about his new song, his experience on The Voice and his plans for a debut album.

Student Weekly: It has been almost a year since your last single, “Hold Your Hand.” What have you been doing over the past few months?

Max: I took me a while to record a new single because I was searching for a new sound. I wasn’t that satisfied with my previous single, so I’ve been trying to write songs that better suit my style. During the past few months, I kept writing songs and playing as many shows as I could. Apart from that, I also study engineering and work as a columnist for Cheeze magazine.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your new single, “Dracula”?

Max: It’s a fun song that I wrote about nightlife. It’s the kind of song that is meant to be played live with a band so that people can have fun and dance along. I came up with all guitar riffs and I think it sounds more like an indie pop band than a recording by a solo singer. The lyrics are easy to understand. It’s just about meeting a girl at a club at night and wishing that the sun didn’t have to come up soon.

Student Weekly: Who are some of the artists that have influenced your songwriting?

Max: I love many kinds of music, and my tastes keep changing as I grow older. I like singer-songwriters like Jason Mraz and John Mayer, as well as indie pop bands like Keane, Mumford & Sons and Kings of Leon. I also listen to electro groups like M83.

Student Weekly: You showcased your piano and guitar skills during The Voice contest. How many musical instruments can you play?

Max: I’m most comfortable playing guitar and piano. I can also play a little bit of bass and drums. I’m now learning how to use synthesisers and other types of electronic instruments and equipment.

Student Weekly: What did you learn from being on The Voice, and how much did the experience change your life?

Max: A lot, but in a good way. I’ve had the chance to meet a lot of interesting people in art and music over the years. I’ve had so much more experience now as a musician. I used to get stage fright and be really shy during interviews, but I’m much better now.

Student Weekly: What can fans expect from your first full album?

Max: I’m still not sure about my album, but I’ll keep sending out new singles for a while. I’m also working on a side project with my band at the moment. We’ve been writing songs with lyrics in English. We hope to release an EP sometime in the future.

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