The Voice singer turns actor
By Suwitcha Chaiyong and Sukrit Khaepimpan
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb
Did you know
Non sings “Rak Glom Klom (Mellow Love)” in the upcoming TV series Top Chef.
Since Tanon Jumroen (Non) won the The Voice Thailand in 2012, he has been busy maintaining his popularity. The 19-year-old singer has released several singles and has a popular song, “Pian Pen Rak (Let’s Change to Love),” in 2014’s high-rating TV series, Rak Tong Oum (Single Parents). Recently, he sang a duet with veteran singer, Pan Piboonkiat, on “Kue Rak Yang Yuen (Long Lasting Love).”
At the 2014 Seed Awards, Non beat big names such as Toon Bodyslam, Stamp Apiwat and Bie Sukrit to be the most popular singer two years in a row.
The winning performer has now started acting. He’s in the star-studded upcoming movie, Lukthung Actually, and is the lead actor in the teen TV series, Part of Love: Rak and Gian Nakrian See Pak on Modern Nine TV.
Student Weekly recently met up with Non who told us about his singing and acting experiences.
Student Weekly: How did you feel about winning at the Seed Awards?
Non: I was surprised and a bit shocked. I cried. I didn’t expect to win because there were a lot of big names that have been in the business for a long time. I’m not that good, but I’m trying. I was just happy to be noticed. The award has encouraged me to work harder.
Student Weekly: Did you enjoy performing at the Thailand-China Friendship concert?
Non: I felt honoured to participate in the show because there were not many Thai performers at the concert. The atmosphere was fun. The experience was an eye-opener because I had an opportunity to listen to Chinese pop songs.
Student Weekly: What kind of performances make you nervous?
Non: I feel excited at every show, but I get nervous when I have to perform with other top singers. At Nuvo’s concert, my heart was beating very fast and I almost threw up. At a show with Koh Mr.Saxman, I was really nervous as well. I’ve listened to these artists since I was young, so I felt pressure.
Student Weekly: What was it like to work with Pan Piboonkiat?
Non: He was easy-going. He made conversation with me and helped me relax. Working with him was fun. I also learnt from him by watching how he worked.
Student Weekly: As a young singer, how do you perform emotional songs?
Non: I’ve listened to a lot of songs. When I interpret the meaning of a song, I use my imagination. A word or action can have multiple meanings. For example, “shaking” can represent either anger or sadness.
Student Weekly: What did you learn from hosting the show, Absolute Siam TV?
Non: It was a special episode that taught me about fashion. It was a whole new world to me. I was at a catwalk show and worked as model. The designers in the show changed my viewpoint about fashion. The experience encouraged me to try new styles of clothes.
Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your character in Lukthung Actually?
Non: I have a dramatic role. There are a lot of crying scenes. This character is different from me because I like to console myself when I encounter a problem. But the character is devastated when a girl breaks up with him. I met veteran actors Shahkrit Yamnam, Ben Chalatit and Noi from the band Pru in one scene. They all gave me advice.
Student Weekly: How is your character in Part of Love?
Non: This is the toughest role because my character, Auto, is a musician who doesn’t speak much. [Laughs.] The story is about people from four regions, and I represent the South.
Vocabulary
- maintain (v): to make something continue at the same level
duet (n): a piece of music for two singers
star-studded (adj): featuring a number of famous people, especially actors
eye-opener (n): an experience that is surprising and shows you something that you did not already know
easy-going (adj): relaxed and happy to accept things without worrying or getting angry
console (v): to give comfort to somebody who is unhappy
devastate (v): to make somebody feel very shocked and upset
region (n): an area of a country
