Take Note

Young star thinks big

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs by Varuth Hirunyatheb

Singer and actress Note Panayanggool isn’t just your average pre-packaged pop star. Since getting her start in the music business by being one of the winners on The Star 7, the 19-year-old artist has developed her own unique singing style. She also plays several musical instruments and has a natural talent for acting.

The cute singer has just released her latest single, “Ther Kid Yang Ngai Gun (What Are You Thinking),” taken from her self-titled debut album, released in April this year. “What Are You Thinking,” a romantic pop tune featuring a ukulele and Note’s sweet voice, was at the time of writing number two on the 97.5 FM Seed Chart.

Student Weekly recently caught up with Note at Grammy HQ to chat about her new single, her acting career and her love of music.

Student Weekly : In the almost two years since The Star you’ve released your first album and acted in several TV dramas. How’s showbiz treating you so far?

Note : Quite well actually! I see people respecting and appreciating the work that I do. But at the same time, being in show business is such a new and surprising experience for me. It’s not how I imagined it would be.

Student Weekly : Why is that?

Note : To be honest, I was never interested in show business or watching anything on TV before I signed up for The Star. So it’s all very new for me. I didn’t realise how busy I’d be all the time. I hardly ever have time to go home or hang out with family and friends.

Student Weekly : Do you enjoy acting?

Note : It’s OK, but it can’t compare with how much I love music. Singing and making music is the only real reason why I’m in this business. But it’s good experience to have the opportunity to do some acting. It’s always good to try new things.

Student Weekly : Can you tell us about your new single, “What Are You Thinking”?

Note : It’s about being a secret admirer, which is something I’ve experienced in real life. When I have a crush on somebody, I’m usually too shy to express my feelings, so I keep it to myself.

Student Weekly : What can fans expect from your next release?

Note : “What Are You Thinking” should be the last single from my first album. I don’t know what my next album will be like, but it’s definitely going to be different from this one. My first album is full of catchy pop songs because my label wanted my debut to be accessible for listeners. But I’d love to add something more unusual on my next release.

Student Weekly : What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?

Note : I like jazz, funk, disco and Motown music. My favourite singers are Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole.

Student Weekly : You’re also studying art and design at university. Besides making music, do you plan to have an artistic career in the future?

Note : Absolutely! Making art is something I love as much as music. It’s something that makes me very happy, whether I’m painting, designing or just hanging out in bookstores reading art and design books. It would be nice if I could have my own art gallery in the future!

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