Sassy star rocks Bangkok
By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of BEC Tero
Did you know
Avril wrote the song “Alice” for the 2010 movie Alice in Wonderland.
At the age of 17, Canadian pop punk singer Avril Lavigne broke into the music business with her debut album, Let Go, which featured the smash hit singles “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi.” More than a decade later, the 29-year-old singer-songwriter has five albums and numerous smash hits singles under her belt.
Last year, Avril released her latest album, Avril Lavigne, which features various music styles ranging from her trademark pop rock with “Here’s to Never Growing Up,” to the ballad “Let Me Go” and the electro pop of “Hello Kitty.”
Thai fans will be excited to see the spunky star, known for her heavy eye make-up and powerful voice, live at Impact Arena on February 11. To get geared up for the show, Student Weekly recently conducted an exclusive email interview with Avril. She told us all about her latest album, her collaborations and her fashion shows.
Student Weekly: What were your impressions of Thailand during your previous visit here?
Avril: The Thai fans were really fun. I went shopping when I was in Thailand and bought some cool Thai decorations for my home. I’m really excited to be coming back.
Student Weekly: Have your live performances changed much since the time of your Let Go album in 2002?
Avril: I have more material to choose from now that I’ve released five records. I’ve grown as a performer and I’m more comfortable onstage.
Student Weekly: Why did you decide to call your latest album Avril Lavigne?
Avril: I decided to self-title my latest album because it shows all the different sides of me.
Student Weekly: How does this album differ from your previous releases?
Avril: I experimented on this album and tried new styles of singing. I wrote songs about so many different topics and there are new sounds on the album, too.
Student Weekly: What inspired you to make “Hello Kitty” an electro pop song?
Avril: I just wanted to try something new. It’s a fun and playful song.
Student Weekly: Where do you generally get your inspiration for writing songs?
Avril: Whatever I’m feeling on that particular day. Life inspires me.
Student Weekly: What is it like writing a song with somebody else, like your husband Chad Kroeger?
Avril: Writing can be more difficult when there are too many people involved. I like to write one-on-one best. It’s always fun to have a writing partner.
Student Weekly: How did you feel working with Marilyn Manson on the song, “Bad Girl”?
Avril: He’s very artistic and I love his style. I plan on performing this song live on my tour. It was an honour to have him perform on the track.
Student Weekly: Do you enjoy going to fashion shows for your clothing line, Abbey Dawn?
Avril: Fashion shows are so cool and it’s awesome because I get to play my music for the models on the runway.
Student Weekly: What can Thai fans expect at your concert in Bangkok?
Avril: I’m going to play all my hits from over the years, as well as some new material from my new album.
Student Weekly: Do you have any special message for your fans in Thailand?
Avril: I want to say thank you to my fans in Thailand for supporting my music. I hope to see you all at my concert!
Vocabulary
- spunky (adj): brave and determined; full of enthusiasm
gear up for something (phrasal v): to prepare yourself or somebody for something
collaboration (n): the act of working with another person or group of people to create or produce something
decoration (n): a thing that makes something look more attractive, especially on special occasions
experiment (v): to try new ideas, methods, etc. to find out what effect they have
playful (adj): full of fun
one-on-one (adj): between two people only
artistic (adj): showing a natural skill in or enjoyment of art
awesome (adj): very enjoyable
Idiom
to have something under your belt: to have already achieved or obtained something
