Knockout Punch

Pop star gets a new act

By Suwitcha Chaiyong

Last year, pop star Vorakan Rodjanawut (Punch) expanded her fan base by acting in her first TV drama, Taddao Bussaya. The-26 year-old entertainer recently returned to music with her sixth album, Khon Sa Nit (Confidant).

Punch is currently promoting her fun, swinging new pop single "Karoona Ya Ma Tae Siang (Don't Come with Only Your Voice)" and her heartbreaking rock ballad "Keb Khwam Huang Yai Wai Chai Kab Khon Tee Thoe Rak (Keep Your Concern for the One You Love."

Student Weekly recently met up with Punch at the GMM Grammy building. The singer, sporting a striking new hairstyle, told us all about her showbiz career.

Student Weekly: When did you first perform in public?

Punch: When I was a kid. Almost everybody in my family plays in a band run by my grandpa, so there was always music around. One day at a party my grandpa let me sing. I was really excited!

Student Weekly: How did you feel when Joe Pancake said that he liked your voice?

Punch: I was thrilled and grateful that he wrote "Don't Come with Only Your Voice" for me. I heard that he tried to write songs for me in the past, but this was the first of his songs to be selected for me to record.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your new album?

Punch: It's a pop rock album that features several different genres of music. There are positive songs and songs about heartbreak.

Student Weekly: What would you do on a first date, like the one in the video for "Don't Come with Only Your Voice"?

Punch: I'd never make a long list of things to do like I do in the video. I'd keep my expectations low and try to be myself. We might go to a movie, enjoy some live music or have a meal. I'd want to be relaxed so that my date wouldn't feel tense.

Student Weekly: Do you think you could have a long distance relationship?

Punch: Yes. With modern technology and communication tools it's easy to keep in touch. Long distance relationships can make you think of each other more. But I'd want to see my boyfriend two or three times a week if I could.

Student Weekly: What was it like filming your music video at a theme park?

Punch: I like theme parks. It was a relaxing place to shoot the video. I didn't feel like I was working at all. And there was no crying scene, so it was a very comfortable shoot!

Student Weekly: What was it like working with the child actor Pream?

Punch: He's adorable. Even though he's shy, he can follow instructions quickly and accurately, even for crying scenes. He's very easy to work with.

Student Weekly: Has your performance style changed after six years in the music business?

Punch: I didn't used to talk to the audience much because I was worried about their reactions. But now I talk, entertain and try to get close to the audience when I perform. My singing technique has also improved, but I still maintain my own style.

Student Weekly: Are your drama fans different from your music fans?

Punch: Yes. Lots of drama fans are working people, whereas music fans are often students. And my drama fans usually know me by my character's name. But now my drama fans are also getting into my music. It's really good to see people of all ages at my gigs.

Student Weekly: What type of character would you like to play next?

Punch: I want to play a character that's similar to me, like Taddao Bussaya. Somebody said that it's difficult to find roles for me because I can't play sweet characters. I'm a bold and straightforward person. But I'm not interested in action dramas because I don't want to get hurt.

Student Weekly: What's your goal for the future?

Punch: I want to keep singing. I'm also thinking about starting a business to support my family in the future. I might open a restaurant.