Numbers up

3.2.1 hit the big time

By Suwitcha Chaiyong

3.2.1 haven't looked back since releasing their fun and catchy single, "Kae Tee Rak (My Boo)." Chatchaya Songcharoen (Poppy), 16, Jirayut Phaloprakarn (T.J.), 18, and Gavin Duval, 18, have become big stars since the "My Boo" music video was viewed on YouTube more than 7 million times.

The group has since released a balled called "Mai Mee Krai Phan Ma Thang Nee (Pause)" and the upbeat dance track "Mai Tong Hai Thang Lok Rak Rao (No Need)," both of which were well received by fans. 3.2.1 celebrated their success with a concert at the Centerpoint Playhouse on March 18.

Student Weekly recently met up with 3.2.1 at the RS office to hear all about their popular songs and their busy lives in the music business.

Student Weekly: When did you guys decide that you wanted to be professional singers?

Poppy: I've been interested in singing and dancing since I was 9 years old. After having music lessons for years, I participated in auditions until I became a member of 3.2.1.

T.J.: I've always wanted to be an artist. By the age of 15, I already had a home recording studio. I recorded some songs and posted them on the Internet, and somebody from a casting department heard them and asked me to come for an audition.

Gavin: I love music and singing. When my friend told me about the audition for this group, I took a chance and went along.

Student Weekly: How do you feel about the huge success of "My Boo"?

Poppy: We're very happy. It was beyond our expectations because "My Boo" was only our second single. A week after it was released, we performed a concert and everybody in the audience was singing along!

Student Weekly: Was it difficult to record "My Boo"?

T.J.: Yes. It was written before Poppy and Gavin joined 3.2.1. Our lyricist Piyawat took about six months to finish the song, because he didn't want it to sound childish, but at the same time, he didn't want it to be too serious.

Student Weekly: How do you feel when people say that 3.2.1 are similar to the band Bazoo, who were popular in the past?

Gavin: They just say that because Bazoo also had one girl and two guys.

Poppy: We respect Bazoo, but the characteristics of our group are different from theirs.

Student Weekly: T.J., do you remember the first song you wrote?

T.J.: Yes. It was a hip-hop song about problems in my life. It was nonsense. [Laughs.] Hip-hop is great for expressing emotions and telling stories.

Student Weekly: Gavin, is it true that you're into wakeboarding?

Gavin: I love water sports. My parents said that I learned to swim before I started walking! I first tried wakeboarding last year. It's really good exercise, but I haven't had time to do it recently.

Student Weekly: Which of your music videos is your favourite so far?

T.J.: "No Need" is hilarious because I play a mob leader!

Poppy: I like "No Need" too. It has great dance routines, and I got to play two different characters - a cheerful person and a nerd.

Gavin: "My Boo" is my favourite because we imitated scenes from famous Hollywood movies like Twilight, Star Wars and Gone with the Wind. I also got to do some kung fu.

Student Weekly: Has working in the music industry affected your studies?

Poppy: I have to manage my schedule carefully. I told our staff that I can only work during the evening. I have do my homework after we finish our work.

Gavin: I drive from my university in Nakhon Pathom to the RS office very often, because I want to work as much as study. I think I can manage it, though.

T.J.: I'm taking a break before going to university. I'd like to study business in the future.