Atom goes solo

Songwriter launches solo career

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs by Varuth Hirunyatheb
and courtesy of White Music, GMM Grammy

After years of writing hit singles for many celebrated artists, 23-year-old singer-songwriter Channakan Rattana-udom (Atom) has finally received the green light from his label to become a pop star under his own name.

Although he’s one of the youngest songwriters at GMM Grammy, Atom has penned hit singles for artists like Pop Pongkool, Da Endorphine and Burin Boonvisut, and toured the kingdom as a chorus singer with Burin & The Old School All Star. When he decided to start writing songs for himself, Atom teamed up with respected musician Gun Rujinarong of Apartment Khunpa, who produces and plays on his music.

The result is Atom’s first ever song, “Please”, a soul-crushing pop ballad that has Atom hoping the girl of his dreams never leaves. Student Weekly recently caught up with Atom to chat all about his music and songwriting.

Student Weekly: Please tell us a bit more about your story. And how did you become an artist with White Music?

Atom: Well it’s pretty much like every other artist. I wrote songs and decided to hand out my demos to different music labels. I eventually got a contract deal at Sanamluang label back in 2012, but unfortunately the project didn’t happen. Grammy, instead, hired me as a songwriter. I just kept working until one day I met with my current producer Gun Rujinarong, and then my project resurfaced.

Student Weekly: You have waited for years to release your own song. Have you ever felt discouraged?

Atom: Yes, many times. Because what I wanted most was to become a professional singer, not just a songwriter. But I knew that I wouldn’t give up. Besides, during those times I had so many amazing experiences — meeting Apartment Khunpa, touring with Burin’s band, not to mention working with so many amazing singers. I learned a lot from that time.

Student Weekly: Can you talk about your first single, “Please”?

Atom: It’s quite a sad pop ballad abut begging and pleading. There’s an element of soul music with some acoustic arrangements, and some vintage keyboard sounds. It’s a heartbreak song, which came from my own experience [Laughs.] I wrote the lyrics for this song when I was in my first year in college, so it’s about my experience during that time.

Student Weekly: How did you get into singing or writing songs, and when did you realise that’s what you wanted to do?

Atom: I’ve always loved singing. When I was younger, I was always playing music, writing songs, and forming bands with friends. I recorded my first demo when I was in high school. One day I decided to leave the band and focus on being a solo artist. And I guess that was also the moment when I realised I wanted to sing on a stage.

Student Weekly: Do you plan to release a full album soon?

Atom: Well, I’m still not so sure about that. I have over 30 songs that I’ve written but still haven’t recorded just yet. But we are currently talking about releasing a new single in the next couple of months.

Student Weekly: Do you have favorite artists or albums to listen to?

Atom: I listen to all kinds of stuff, and so far I have never had a particular idol singer or a most favourite album. But if I have to pick one artist that I really adore then it has to be Amy Winehouse. She’s just perfect.

 

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