Sounds of seduction

Ball bounces back

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs by Varuth Hirunyatheb

It has been five years since R&B crooner Jaruluk Chayakul (Ball) released his groovy debut album, From Now On. Now the 29-year-old singer-songwriter is ready for a comeback with his follow-up album, Ball Jarulove, released through Spicy Disc.

Ball describes the music on Ball Jarulove as sexy romantic pop. Throughout the 11 tracks on the album, the singer's sunny style blends well with an acoustic pop sound inspired by ‘70s and ‘80s soul music.

Ball's latest catchy hit, "Ther Tee Taang (Uniqueness)," has already touched enough hearts around the kingdom to top the Seed 97.5 FM charts.

Student Weekly recently caught up with Ball for an interview to hear about his new album and to ask what he's been doing over the past few years.

Student Weekly: Why did it take so long for you to release your second album?

Ball: Partly because I went back to my day job. I also had these songs ready for a long time, but it took a while to begin the recording process. I asked Tong Montien from P.O.P to produce the album, but he was so busy that it was difficult to find time to work together. I'm just glad that it has finally come out.

Student Weekly: Is there a particular reason why you decided to release the album with Spicy Disc?

Ball: After releasing my first album with Smallroom, I was stuck in a contract with them and I had to wait around for three years doing nothing.

I don't have to rely on music to make a living, so I should have the freedom to express myself artistically without having to follow the rules of a label. I moved to Spicy Disc because they gave me total freedom to do what I wanted.

Student Weekly: Has your sound changed much on the new album?

Ball: It has changed a lot. All the music on From Now On was created with computer programming. I used to be crazy about modern hip-hop, but now I'm more into funk and soul music from the '70s.

For this album, I used a band and we recorded live with real instruments. I think it sounds more fresh and natural.

Student Weekly: How did you come up with your sexy romantic pop description?

Ball: The music sounds sexy and romantic. It's not just a typical pop songs sung by a typical pop singer. The songs all come straight from my heart.

Student Weekly: Do you consider yourself to be a romantic person?

Ball: No, I don't think I'm a romantic guy. I have more of a bad boy kind of character. [Laughs.] But once I get behind a microphone or picked up a guitar, most of my fans say that I become romantic.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your new single, "Uniqueness"?

Ball: It's about how two people don't need to have everything in common to be a perfect couple. People can be different but still right for each other.

Student Weekly: Who are your favourite artists to listen to at the moment?

Ball: I'm really into a Mexican guitarist named Jorge Santana. He's Carlos Santana's brother. His music is really smooth and sexy, and his guitar playing is very creative. His music was a big influence on my new album.