Scar tissue

Atom shares his pain

By Arlyssa P. Supangkasen
Photos courtesy of
GMM Grammy and White Music

“Please,” written and sung by Chanakan Rattana-udom (Atom), dominated music charts around the kingdom for months. Produced by Apartment Khunpa’s Ball, the heartfelt single had a hint of soul music. But even before this huge success, the 23-year-old Atom wasn’t a stranger to the music scene. He’s the songwriter behind the great songs of big names like Pop Pongkool, Da Endorphine and Burin Boonvisut.

Atom recently released his second single, “Pae Pen (Scar).” The song is about the deep cuts love has made on different kinds of people. The song has been well received because many people can relate to the lyrics.

Student Weekly recently met the singer-songwriter at a café to ask him about his route to stardom, and his new single, “Scar.”

Student Weekly: How did you start writing music?

Atom: Before I started playing guitar, I enjoyed writing poems. I began adding words to the melodies of other people’s songs. I could eventually compose my own melodies and I’ve grown from that point.

Student Weekly: What was your first song about?

Atom: It was about puppy love. I was let down at that time. I’m not a sad person, but I write heartbroken songs because people relate to the feelings of sadness and loneliness more easily than others.

Student Weekly: Is it true that a movie inspired you to write songs?

Atom: Yes. Forrest Gump is my favourite movie. I like how Forrest falls in love with a girl. The love that he gave to her touched me. It was very strong. It inspired me to write many songs.

Student Weekly: Why did you want to become a singer?

Atom: I just love music. My father plays music and my mother sings. I began to sing in kindergarten for my teachers and friends. But at a young age, I thought the dream of being a singer was out of my reach. The dream later grew and became clear. I learned what I am capable of. So I tried my best and developed my abilities.

Student Weekly: Why do you like soul and blues music?

Atom: When I was young, I mostly listened to look tung because my mom sang it. But as I grew up, I listened to various genres from pop rock bands like Clash and Bodyslam to funk and soul music. During my teenage years, I got into emo and metal music. I even pierced my lip! But my musical style became very clear when I met my producer, Apartment Khunpa’s Ball. Soul and blues are what I like most.

Student Weekly: How does it feel to be famous?

Atom: My first single got a great response, but I don’t think about being a superstar. I just want to compose great music and hope that listeners remember my songs for a long time.

Student Weekly: How did you develop your singing?

Atom: I haven’t taken any singing classes, so I don’t know how to sing properly. I practice often and sing in different styles. The most important thing was to find my own style and the character of my voice.

Student Weekly: Between “Please” and “Scar,” which one took longer to compose?

Atom: “Scar” took a little longer. “Please” only took me a couple of days. But “Scar” took longer to crystallise. I spent about a week on the song. Composing doesn’t really have a specific time frame because it depends on my mood.

Student Weekly: Do you expect “Scar” to be as popular as “Please”?

Atom: I don’t want to compare them. I just hope listeners will like the new song.

Student Weekly: Do you have any message for Student Weekly readers?

Atom: I would like you all to give this new artist a chance, and listen to “Scar.” And please look out for my new songs!

 

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