Music man

Driven star diversifies

By Suwitcha Chaiyong

Pop star Auttapon Prakopkong (M) is known for his heartbreaking songs, and his latest album The Man features plenty of sad songs like the hit "Khon Bai (Mute)" and the more recent "Khon Thee Thoe Mai Rak (The One You Don't Love)." The video for the latter song stars renowned actor Ray McDonald.

On the new album, M combines his usual pop-rock sound with some new ideas, like the acoustic R&B track "Took Krang Thee Kidthung Thoe (Every Time I Miss You)," which features guest singer Chin Chinawut. M also wrote a song for the album called "Kho Pen Kon Thee Rak Thoe (The One Who Loves You)."

Student Weekly recently met with M at the We Records office, where he told us about the making of The Man.

Student Weekly: Was it difficult working on your fifth album?

M: Yes. I worked with the same music team, but we had to come up with something different so that our listeners don't get bored.

On this album, there's a song that I perform with only a piano for accompaniment. I also wrote a song myself. And on "Every Time I Miss You" with Chin Chinawut, listeners might not recognise my voice because I changed my singing style.

Student Weekly: How did you come to work with Chin?

M: My producer Fong Beer also writes songs for Chin, so we sometimes met at the producer's place. One time Fong Beer was playing guitar and we were humming along. It sounded good, so Chin and I decide to work on a song together. Chin came up with a rap part.

Student Weekly: What do you think of Chin as an artist?

M: He's a talented and enthusiastic singer who always puts a lot of effort into his work. He's also mature despite his young age. I can talk to him as a friend.

Student Weekly: How did Ray McDonald get the lead role in music video for "The One You Don't Love"?

M: The part required acting with facial expressions, without much speaking. Ray was the first actor I thought of because we're in the same racing car team.

Student Weekly: Why do you think your songs do better on the charts in the countryside compared with Bangkok?

M: There's more tough competition in Bangkok, and people in the city listen to a wider variety of music. It usually takes a while for my songs to get to the top of Bangkok radio charts.

Student Weekly: How do you feel about people saying that you should be more famous than you are now?

M: I'm not going to pressure myself about fame. It would be good if I became more famous, but I'm happy with my current situation. It's better than being a big star for only a short time and then fading away.

Student Weekly: What inspired you to write the song, "The One Who Loves You"?

M: My love songs are always sad, so I wanted a positive love song. It's about telling a girl that she's the one for me. It was hard to write. I came up with most of the song in one night, but I didn't know how to end it nicely.

Student Weekly: Do you worry about your future now that you've turned 30?

M: Not at all. I want to be known on the strength of my voice, so age has no effect on my career. Most singers get better as they get older.