Ready to rock

Saran succeeds with soundtracks

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of GMM Grammy and Duck Bar

Saran Anning introduced himself to the world last year with his emotional slow rock song “Mong Tae Mai Hen, Fung Tae Mai Dai Yin (Ignore and Turn a Deaf Ear).” The song’s video was well received, with more than 15 million views on YouTube so far. With its heartbreaking lyrics, many listeners can relate to the song.

So far this year, the 18-year-old singer has released two more singles, both of which are featured on soundtracks of TV shows. “Rak Tae Mee Yuu Jing (True Love Exists)” is featured in the drama Kad Chueak (Old Thai Boxing), while “Ta Kwam Kid Thung Kha Kon Dai (If Missing You Could Kill Me)” is a cover of a song by Oak Smith that is featured on the soundtrack of the romantic comedy series, Kaew Ta Wan Jai (Sweetheart).

Student Weekly recently met up with Saran early in the morning at the GMM Grammy building. The Thai-Australian singer told us about his new songs and about working with the music producers Pon Kachapak, Yak Anan and Soom Sukrit.

Student Weekly: When did you first become interested in singing?

Saran: At the age of 4, I liked to sing in the car with my dad, who introduced me to rock music. Now I’m into heavy metal.

Student Weekly: What attracted you to heavy metal?

Saran: After discovering rock music, I tried listening to funk. I was looking for something more exhilarating, so I started listening to metal. I’ve been addicted to it ever since!

Student Weekly: Have you ever had singing lessons?

Saran: Yes. When I was 13 years old, my mom saw me try to play a guitar, so she asked me if I wanted to take music lessons. I then studied bass. After that, mom probably felt annoyed when she heard me singing at home, so I had some singing lessons. [Laughs.]

Student Weekly: How did you end up working with GMM Grammy?

Saran: My mom took me to an audition. I dreamed of being a rock star, so I agreed to audition. I then became a trainee singer for a couple of years, and I had opportunities to work with different producers.

Student Weekly: Was singing songs for TV soundtracks different from what you’d done previously?

Saran: No. “True Love Exists” was written especially for me. It’s a slow rock song that encourages listeners to believe that they will find true love one day. I’m glad that it was chosen for a TV soundtrack.

“If Missing You Could Kill Me” is a pop song, but it was arranged as a rock song to fit my style. I didn’t have any problems recording those songs.

Student Weekly: Which of your three producers was the strictest?

Saran: Pon Kachapak. He’s nice, but he wants the work to be perfect. He might complain or get mad if I don’t get things right. But if I can do what he expects the next day, he’s fine.

Student Weekly: What were the other producers like to work with?

Saran: Yak Anan has great sense of humour. He comes up with gags to tease me all day. Soom Sukrit is quiet. He prefers listening to the music.

Student Weekly: How did you feel about your first live performance?

Saran: I was thrilled because it was my first experience performing as a professional singer. My first show was in Khon Kaen with Bodyslam. I think the audience had fun when I performed because I heard some screams!

Student Weekly: Is there much difference between performing in pubs and on big concert stages?

Saran: Yes. I prefer concerts because the audience is there for the music. People go to pubs to hang out with their friends and drink, so I have to try to get their attention by talking to them.

Student Weekly: How do you see your future as a rock singer?

Saran: The main income for singers comes from performing at big events. We can’t expect to make money from people downloading our songs. “Ignore and Turn a Deaf Ear” has been watched more than 15 million views on YouTube, but it has been downloaded less than 10,000 times. Singers have to make songs that listeners can easily relate to. If we become famous, we can add more artistic elements into the song.

Student Weekly: Do you have any special message for our readers?

Saran: Please check out and download my singles. You can also follow my Instagram account @saranzzz and my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sarananning.

 

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