The winning touch

There were plenty of surprises at this year’s Season Awards as the multi-nominees saw themselves losing out to unexpected winners at Monday night’s ceremony at Town-in-Town Hotel
New punk rockers the Yers, who’d picked up five nods but only picked up Best New Artist, were pipped to the post by underground metal outfit Psycho Slim’s grand sweep of three “Best Rock” categories.
“It’s incredible!” said an excited Puntarik “Hao” Jitrapakdi, the metal outfit’s guitarist. Singer Pirawut “Noom” Srimongkol-tarathorn agreed, adding “We’re still kind of ordinary though.”
The band’s other members are drummer Wirat “Tong” Sompakdi and bassist Nat “Aek” Sathienlertyos, who also plays with metal outfit Scum.
Rockers Slot Machine also had several nominations but were happy to go home with Best Duo or Group and Best Album for their latest long-player, “Cell”.
“We’re wearing suits tonight, which isn’t really typical. I’d say our main characteristic is unity,” said bassist Athirach Pinthong, who headed up on stage with singer Sethapong “First” Durongjirakan, guitarist Jenwit Chanpanyawong and drummer Setharat “Auto” Pangjanan as well as producer Montonn Jira. “This is not the first we’ve been nominated for the Season Awards but it is the first time we’ve won. So thanks to you all and we’ll keep on working.”
“I just pressed the buttons,” added a delighted Montonn.
Other winners were Palapol Polkongseng for Best Male Artist for his album “Soundtrack of Life”, Thanida Thamwimol for Best Female Artist for “Dokmai Fai” and Ban Suwanyochin for Best Producer for Chutima Kaewneam’s album “Nithan Rak”. Paradox’s song “Lalala” written and composed by Ithipong Krisadakorn Na Ayuthaya won Best Song while Palmy’s song “Rock Star Syndrome” written by Nathapol Srichomkhwan, Apiwat Ueathawornsuk, Rungroj Pholwa and Palmy picked up Best Recording.
The ceremony kicked off with shows by Monkey Rock, Talad Pru Khru Pleng and Sisters and Friends, a young foursome made up two girls who sang Adele’s “Someone Like You” and two boys, including Thierry Mekwattana’s son Jesse, who performed Season magazine editor Thiwa Sarajudha’s “Khamtob Yoo Thi Jai”.
The rest of the night’s entertainment was provided by Nat Sakdathorn and 123 Soul, Brandnew Sunset, Klear, Tik Shiro and award ceremony stalwart Yuenyong “Ad” Opakul of Carabao.
“Congratulations to all who picked up an award tonight. The Season Awards are the most respected in Thailand. Our song ‘Thalay Jai’ became very popular after winning here,” said Ad.