3.2.1 fun

Pop trio makes a splash

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb

Pop trio 3.2.1 — Chatchaya Songcharoen (Poppy), 18, Gavin Duval, 20 and Jirayut Phaloprakarn (T.J.), 20 — got their big break when they released “Rak Tong Poed Naen Oak (Splash Out)” a single recorded with well-known country singer Baitoey R Siam.

“Splash Out” was the brainchild of T.J., who wanted to mix Thai country music with modern electro dance music. With its catchy lyrics, fun melody and memorable dance moves, the song managed to reach a huge audience almost overnight. The song’s music video, released on May 1, has already notched up more than 22 million views on YouTube.

Student Weekly recently met up with 3.2.1 to chat about “Splash Out” and their upcoming album, Mon Day (Fun Day).

Student Weekly: How do you feel about the huge success of “Splash Out”?

Gavin: We’re proud of it. We worked on this song for a year. We were very fatigued, so we were happy when it was successful.

Student Weekly: How did you feel when you recorded the song?

Poppy: I felt that it was a fun song that would make people want to dance with us. But I didn’t expect there to be so many cover versions.

T.J.: I arranged the song. I thought that if I had fun working on it, then listeners would have fun listening to it.

Student Weekly: What are the song’s lyrics about?

T.J.: It has a philosophical message. We wanted to tell listeners to let go of whatever makes them feel miserable. If they hold on to it, it will affect them in a bad way.

Student Weekly: What was it like working with Baitoey R Siam?

Poppy: She’s nice. We’re both with RS subsidiary labels, so we knew each other before. She’s really dedicated to her work. I was glad to work with her.

Student Weekly: Poppy, is it true that you had to take your high heels off while working on the video?

Poppy: There’s a scene where they wanted Baitoey and I to be the same height, so we both wore sandals. I was tired from dancing all day, so I was happy when they asked me to take off my high heels!

Student Weekly: What does the album title Mon Day [Fun Day] mean to you?

Poppy: It just means fun day. When people think about 3.2.1, they think about fun music that can brighten their day.

Gavin: The title also refers to Monday, which is a boring day for a lot of people. We want our songs will make people feel happy when they have to go to school or work.

Student Weekly: What do you like to do to have fun?

Poppy: I enjoy playing gigs and meeting fans.

T.J.: I like sport. I started playing golf recently and it helps me to focus. Golf looks boring when you see it on TV, but it’s a charming sport when you actually play it.

Student Weekly: Gavin, is it true that you started boxing recently?

Gavin: Yes. I used to do weight training, but now I don’t have time to do it. Poppy introduced me to a boxing gym near my place, so I exercise there.

Student Weekly: How did you feel about being guest performers at the recent RS Meeting Concert Return?

Gavin: It was the highlight of our career so far, and the biggest concert we’ve ever performed at. The veteran singers were awesome. When they performed, they were the centre of attention onstage the whole time. They were also good at chatting to the audience.

Poppy: I never thought we’d get to perform on the same stage with legendary artists. It was a thrilling concert. Thousands of people sang along with our songs. I was really happy.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us anything about your next single?

T.J.: It will be ballad, but I still can’t say which one it will be. It’s up to our management team.

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