Prim and proper

New band climbs the charts

By Tatat Bunnag
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb

After spending a year developing their sound with eminent music label GMM Grammy, the new pop-rock group Prim have finally released their debut single with the long title, “Mai Mee Krai Pood Kam Wa Puen Dai Jeb Tao Ther (Nobody Hurts Me With the Word Friend as Much as You Do).”

The group is led by 20-year-old vocalist Janthip Sangrungsri (Primprao) who’s been chasing her dream to become a successful singer like her idol Da Endorphine. After scoring a record deal, Primprao recruited her friends — guitarist Teerasak Suntornpakasit (Boy), 25, bassist Pojanun Klinkesorn (Golf), 28, keyboardist Phachara Klaiduangkhea (Kong), 22, and drummer Ekkapol Hiranklailas (Ton), 26 — to complete the Prim line-up.

With their single climbing the radio charts, Student Weekly recently caught up with the young quintet at the GMM Grammy office where they told us about their history and music.

Student Weekly: Does the name Prim have any particular meaning?

Primprao: The name is taken from the first part of my name. We were originally called Prim and the Silent Hill, but the label said the name was way too long, so we decided to use just Prim. It’s catchier!

Student Weekly: How did you guys meet?

Boy: Me and the rest of the guys were in a band called Silent Hill which played in bars and nightclubs for more than four years. We met Primprao at one of our gigs and she said she was looking for a band to play with her.

Ton: We got along well and shared our passion for music. The band had been playing rock music for a long time, and Primprao added a pop element when she joined, which is really good.

Student Weekly: Primprao, is that true that you have entered many singing contests?

Primprao: I joined a lot of competitions but didn’t win all of them. There were two competitions where I caught the eye of GMM Grammy which were MIFA Top Singer Competition and Monkey Town Dance Academy.

Student Weekly: How did you get your deal with Grammy?

Primprao: When I first came to audition here, they were looking for members for a new girl band. I can sing and dance too, so I auditioned. But somehow my character didn’t fit with the rest of the girls [Laughs]. So they thought that being a solo artist might suit me more.

Student Weekly: Why did you end up forming a band instead of being a solo singer?

Primprao: I enjoy being in a band more. I can play a bit of a guitar and I think it’s fun to be in a rock band and play music with a group of friends.

Boy: We all enjoy listening to bands like Scrubb, Big Ass and Silly Fools, so we thought it would be fun to play music like that together.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your first single “Nobody Hurts Me With the Word Friend as Much as You Do”?

Primprao: It’s a sad song about falling in love with your best friend. You have to keep that feeling inside because you're concerned about losing their friendship. It hurts when the one you love keeps reminding you that you’re just friends. I’m sure a lot of people have had this kind of experience before, and we hope they’ll love the song.

Student Weekly: Primprao, is it true that you’re a huge fan of Da Endorphine?

Primprao: Absolutely! Most of my friends and I grew up listening to her music. She’s the reason that I wanted to become a singer. I love how talented she is and her beautiful voice. I can listen to her music all day.

Student Weekly: What is your live show like?

Ton: Fun and full of energy. We make people dance when we play a fast song, and they can easily weep when we play our ballads.

 

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