Atomic mass

Atom scores a hat-trick

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb
and courtesy of White Music

Soon after his latest single, “Thang Khong Foon (Dust)” got more than 11 million views on YouTube, Chanakan Rattana-udom (Atom) completed his hat-trick of chart-topping singles. With interesting videos supporting wise lyrics and great writing skills, all his songs have been well-received because fans can relate to the emotion of the music.

Student Weekly recently met up with the enthusiastic 24-year-old singer-songwriter who told us about his work.

Student Weekly: Why did you start playing guitar?

Atom: I asked my parents to take lessons after I saw my friend play guitar in primary school and I thought he was cool. I started learning classical guitar for a year and electric guitar for another year. Mostly, I practiced by myself and there was a time that I practiced a lot and made rapid progress. Now I always carry an acoustic guitar with me because it doesn’t need any other equipment.

Student Weekly: Is the life of a professional singer different from how you imagined?

Atom: It’s more exhausting than I thought. I used to dream about the fantastic life of a singer without knowing the process of making music. But I’m not disappointed. To produce songs and tour around the country is tiring but I enjoy it. I sing songs that I write in my dreams.

Student Weekly: How was performing in Yala?

Atom: At first I was worried about travelling there, but my team wanted to meet our Yala fans. Even though there were less fans than in other places, they paid attention to our show. We used to think that people in Yala enjoyed only rock music, but they liked our music too.

Student Weekly: Were you nervous before releasing “Dust”?

Atom: I felt as nervous as when I launched my second single, “Scar,” but these feelings can’t compete with the first single, “Please.” At that time I was new and curious to hear the response from listeners. “Dust” has more soul and blues and the way I sing is different. Many people have said they like it.

Student Weekly: Was “Dust” written from your own experience?

Atom: Not exactly. It was inspired from a moment in a relationship when I felt offended and thought about letting my girlfriend go so she could find somebody better.

Student Weekly: How do you feel when many listeners say your lyrics portray their experiences?

Atom: I’m glad to hear that. The more my songs match their stories, the more we have in common. I’m happy people can relate to my songs.

Student Weekly: Will you ever write a song that isn’t about love?

Atom: I usually write songs about love because listeners can understand them. But my first three singles have been about heartbreak so my next single should be more cheerful.

Student Weekly: Why do you never perform in your music videos?

Atom: I’m chubby and not handsome enough. [Laughs.] I prefer to be a storyteller, but in the future, if a director dares to let me act in a video, I’ll do it.

Student Weekly: How do you feel when a fan prefers your appearance to your music?

Atom: I don’t feel so good about it. I don’t expect people to scream at me or recognise me. I just hope people like my music. In 20 years’ time, if people talk about their lives and mention my songs as part of that, it would be incredible.

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