So far, so good

Lula goes electro

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs courtesy of White Music

Thailand’s pop bossa nova queen Kanyarat Tiyapornchai (Lula) is back with a bold new look and a thrilling new sound on her latest single, “Hang Mai Klai (Not Too Far).”

Lula is renowned for her magical blending of bossa nova rhythms and easy-listening pop melodies. Her hit singles like “Took Ka Ta Na Rod (Girl in the Front Seat),” “Wae La Mai Chauy A Rai (Time Can’t Cure)” and “Mong Dai Tae Ya Chob (You Can Look, But Don’t Flirt)” have ranged from sweet ballads to sunny pop. Lula has also worked on several special collaborations and songs for TV drama soundtracks.

This year, Lula teamed up once again with her old producer, Ton Sofa, to create “Not too Far,” a new single with an electro-pop sound.

Student Weekly recently caught up with Lula at the GMM Grammy building to chat about her latest music and her radiant new look.

Student Weekly: This is your first official release since your Spring album in 2011. Can you tell us what you’ve been doing over the past few years?

Lula: I haven’t stopped singing or making music since that album. My fans know that I’m constantly on tour and playing live concerts here and there. I’ve also been working on new recordings, but I haven’t released any songs for a while because of some changes at GMM Grammy. Sanamluang Music no longer exists, so I recently moved to the White Music label.

Student Weekly: What inspired the new style on your latest singe, “Not Too Far”?

Lula: It’s an electronic pop track, which is quite different from what I’ve done in the past. I grew up listening to a lot of electronic and alternative music in the 1990s. I was a big fan of local bands like Siam Secret Service and Kidnappers. So what I’m doing now is like returning to my roots and the music I was always fond of.

Student Weekly: Do you worry about your old fans not being familiar with your new direction?

Lula: The sound is electronic, but my songs are still pop. When people hear that I’m doing electronic music, they often get the wrong idea and think that I mean EDM. But I’m not going that far. It’s not dance or house music. It’s still Lula.

Student Weekly: Did you get tired of doing bossa nova music?

Lula: Not really. I just felt that it was time to make a change. People who have followed my work from the beginning know that I change my direction from time to time. I played rock and indie music before doing pop and bossa nova. I still love Brazilian music and I still sing my old songs live, but don’t want to keep repeating myself when I record new songs.

Student Weekly: Will “Not Too Far” be included on your upcoming fourth album?

Lula: Yes. But I plan to release an EP rather than a full-length album. The way the music business is nowadays, it’s better to release a mini-album.

Student Weekly: How did you end up working with your old producer, Ton from Sofa, again?

Lula: We both know each other’s style well, and it’s easy to work with a friend. I’ve known Ton for a long time — since I was in Matayom 4! He’s the one who got me into bossa nova music. So when I wanted to go in a new direction, I thought of Ton right away.

Student Weekly: Your hairstyle and look have also changed a lot. Can you tell us about that?

Lula: I design all my own artwork, costumes and look. To go with my new music, I replaced my sweet pastel colours and feminine costumes with a simpler, sharper black and white look. I also designed some futuristic-looking prints for my clothes. I hope my fans like my designs!

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about some of the music that you’re currently listening to?

Lula: I’m really into film soundtracks these days. My favourite at the moment is The Secret Life of Walter Mitty soundtrack. All the songs on that album are great. I had a lot of good music in my phone, but recently I accidentally dropped it in the toilet! [Laughs.]

 

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