Taking on life’s challenges

The new single features a speech by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the first visual arts honouree in the inaugural Silpathorn Award in 2004 and National Artist in visual arts (painting) in 2011 and the music video stars Miss Universe Thailand 2016 Chalita “Namtan” Suansane.
“We wanted this song to be danceable with the sound of EDM – electronic dance music – and at the same time to have a rap segment. We also felt that we should challenge ourselves to do something new. So, we thought of Ajarn Chalermchai who has a clear and powerful voice. It has a significant impact on the hearts of people listening to this song,” says Apiwat “Nueng” Pongwat, the singer and drummer of the pop band.
It wasn’t all plain sailing though as Nueng along with his bandmates Manluck “Soh” Toomkanont, Sothinan “Bee” Chailangkarn, Pairoj “Ole” Tammarot and Porrachaya “Mint” Ramyothin, faced time constraints in getting hold of Chalermchai’s speech. The national artist has a tight schedule so when he had two days to spare, the band flew to Chiang Rai to record his speech at Wat Rong Khun.
    “When we sent our demo tape to Ajarn Chalermchai, he complained that he couldn’t hear the words clearly,” recalls Nueng. “He wanted us to be clearer in the part where we sing ‘No matter who you are, rich or poor, you can be successful in your life. Just open your mind to challenges and do something new’,” says Nueng.
    For the music video, the band wanted a fighter who had achieved her dreams. Namtan was the first name that came to mind.
    “This music video tells the real-life story of Nong Namtan who faced plenty of obstacles before achieving success. That’s inspiring. We only live once. Just do it,” says Nueng.
    “This is my first appearance in a music video and I was very excited. It follows my path from my difficult beginnings until I grabbed the chance to follow my dreams and made it,” says Namtan.
    Follow ETC at IG, Facebook and YouTube: ETCband