Dynamic duo

Lipta joins a music marathon

By Suwitcha Chaiyong and Ploy Thamma
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb

Ever since the release of their first single, "Fuen (Resist)," in 2005, pop duo Lipta have made their mark in music with their captivating and soulful songs. The duo - singer Arrom Pohanratanakul (Cutto), 30, and producer-songwriter Taron Lipatapallop (Tan), 25 - have maintained their success with popular hits like "Kod Tuaw Aeng (Holding On to Myself)" and "Pa Ti Sed Yang Rai (Beginner)."

While Lipta's recordings are mostly easy listening pop, their live performances are always fun and energetic. On September 10, fans can see Lipta in action as they join stars like ModernDog, Tattoo Colour, Room 39, Scrubb and Mild to perform at the Bangkok Music Marathon 2 concert.

Student Weekly recently caught up with Lipta at GMM Grammy building, where they were preparing for the concert. The guys told us about their plans for the musical marathon and their upcoming single, "Jai Yak Bok Rak (Wanna Confess My Love)."

Student Weekly: Which of your performances has been the most memorable so far?

Tan: My favourite gig was Lipta Ba Thee Sood [The Craziest Lipta] concert. It was at an 800-seat venue, and we got to work on every element of the show. It was really fun.

Cutto: I like playing at small venues that are packed with a cheering crowd. We recently played at a pub in Chiang Mai and it felt like we were just hanging out with friends. We could chat with the audience, and they wanted to sing along with our songs instead of asking for cover songs.

Student Weekly: How do you feel about performing cover songs?

Cutto: We don't have a problem with it. We pick songs that we like, rather than just covering hit songs. Lots of our original songs are ballads, so we cover upbeat songs so that our shows have more variety.

Student Weekly: Have you prepared anything special for Bangkok Music Marathon 2?

Tan: We'll play songs that we've never performed before, and songs that we've rearranged especially for the concert. The band Room 39 will also perform with us.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your upcoming single?

Tan: It's called "Jai Yak Bok Rak [Wanna Confess My Love]," and it has Lipta's signature sound. It's a soulful song about having a crush on somebody.

Cutto: Tan wrote this song a long time ago. I like it because it's a simple, medium-tempo pop song with minimal instrumentation. It's the type of song that everybody can relate to.

Student Weekly: Have you ever had any negative feedback about your music?

Tan: Not yet. When I write a new song, I always let my mother hear it first. She always gives her honest and frank opinion.

Student Weekly: After working in showbiz for six years, is there anything you'd like to improve?

Tan: We just want to make good music. There's no textbook that can teach you how to write a hit song. We try to go to a lot of concerts to learn new things. There's always a lot to learn.

Student Weekly: Why shouldn't music lovers miss Bangkok Music Marathon 2?

Tan: It's a rare opportunity to see 20 great bands in one day. And every band will give their all for a big concert like this. Many of the bands will also jam together onstage - Room 39 with play with us, Better Weather with Stamp Apiwat, Paradox with Buddha Bless and ETC will jam with Zeal. It will definitely be worth seeing!