Two and friends

Busy star sings again

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb

Last year, versatile performer Popetorn Soonthornyanakij (Two) took on some new challenges when he acted in the TV drama Club Friday the Series and worked as a judge on The Voice Kid Season I.

This year, the popular all-rounder has been concentrating on his music. He sang “Your Garden,” written by prominent songwriter Neung Narongvit, for the soundtrack of the recent TV drama, Nai Suan Kwan (In the Garden). Two also recently wrote and released his new R&B single “Puen Gan Took Tee (Just Friends),” which will be featured on his next album.

Student Weekly recently met up with the 33-year-old Two at Channel 3, where Neung Narongvit’s label Chandelier Music has their office. Two told us all about his acting work and his latest music.

Student Weekly: How did you feel about being a part of the last year’s BoydKo Family Christmas Together concert?

Two: The audience was so impressive. The tickets sold out very quickly, and every singer got wild screams from the crowd. People came to Impact Arena early to play games with the Love Is singers before the concert started. It was fantastic.

Student Weekly: What was it like working on your first TV soundtrack song, “Your Garden”?

Two: I was excited to work with Neung Narongvit because he’s such a renowned songwriter. When I first heard “Your Garden,” I could tell that it was a catchy song.

Student Weekly: Did you enjoy working with Neung Narongvit?

Two: I was very happy to work with him. He pays attention to small details, like I do. We spent time discussing his music style. I tried to sing his melody clearly and keep my own style at the same time.

Student Weekly: Do you watch many TV programmes?

Two: I hardly watch TV shows. I enjoy watching movies with good scripts. But acting in TV dramas requires a lot of skill. When I acted, I observed how veteran actors worked. Even though the actors exaggerate a lot in TV shows, viewers believe that what they’re seeing is real.

Student Weekly: Was acting in Club Friday the Series difficult?

Two: My problem was that I couldn’t do it well when I felt tense. But on the set, actress Koi Ratchawin was so professional and relaxed that she helped me to feel comfortable. I could imagine that her character was my girlfriend. Even though I think I could have done some of the scenes better, I was satisfied with the overall result.

Student Weekly: What do you think about people saying that Thai soap dramas are too cheesy?

Two: I agree with them, but it they’ve improved. I think that producers and directors want to challenge themselves and viewers, so they’ve gradually changed what viewers are used to. It takes time, though.

Student Weekly: Are you interested in working on movie soundtracks?

Two: Yes. I’ve bought many movie soundtrack albums, including Tron: Legacy, Somewhere in Time and The Last Emperor. They were all well made. The score for The Last Emperor is brilliant. The music tells the story of the emperor’s life and loneliness with sound.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your latest single, “Just Friends”?

Two: I came up with the melody first. The lyrics were inspired by a song by Kajonsak, called “Ya Kid Mak [Don’t Think So Much].” I first started thinking about falling in love with somebody who doesn’t love me, which then became a story about a guy who has a crush on his friend.

I asked Aui from Buddha Bless to write and perform the rap part, which has a twist ending. Mon from Room 39 also sang on the chorus, and Doubletap’s Mit did some beatboxing to add colour to the song.

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