Upbeat act

Namm makes more music

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb

Though Ronnadet Wongsaroj (Namm) is well known for his acting in TV dramas like Duang Jai Akanee (Akanee’s Heart) and Manee Dan Suang (Angel), his first love is music and he thinks of himself primarily as a guitarist.

Before developing his acting career, Namm released the albums Mai Khai Na (Not Just Pretty Face) and Be with You. He also co-wrote and sang on TV drama theme songs like “Thoe Ja Rak Chan Rue Pao Mai Roo (Don’t Know If She Loves Me),” which was featured in the high-rating drama, Khun Chai Puttipat.

Now Namm has returned to the job he loves the most with the releases of his upbeat new pop single, “Ror A Rai (What Are You Waiting for?).”

Student Weekly recently met up with Namm at the White Music office to chat about his music and acting careers.

Student Weekly: Why did you choose “What Are You Waiting For?” to be your new single?

Namm: I like the melody, and the lyrics are easy to sing along to. I also arranged the music for the song. The lyrics tell listeners that if they have feelings for somebody, they should just tell that person.

Student Weekly: How did you develop your guitar skills?

Namm: Whenever I had lessons with an instructor, I always practised what I was taught. I also learned by watching guitarists on various DVDs.

Student Weekly: Did you develop your singing skills in the same way?

Namm: I was trained by professional instructors who taught me different singing techniques. I also listened to myself singing and always tried to improve. One instructor taught me how to improve the power and vibrato of my voice.

Singing and playing a guitar at the same time is difficult. It’s easy to make a mistake!

Student Weekly: What’s the difference between writing a song for a TV drama and just writing one for yourself?

Namm: When I write for a TV soundtrack, I have to know the story of the show, as well as when the song will be played in the drama. Then I can come up with a melody to suit a cheerful or miserable story.

I can be a lot freer when I’m writing a song for myself. I always like to come up with catchy melodies.

Student Weekly: Did you enjoy seeing the recent performance by American guitarist Steve Vai?

Namm: Steve Vai’s music isn’t like the style of music that I write, but I still listen to him because he’s a prominent guitarist and songwriter. Despite the sound system being too loud at his concert, he was fantastic and a great entertainer.

Student Weekly: Which concerts have you enjoyed watching the most so far?

Namm: Eric Clapton and Phil Collins. Eric Clapton is my idol. I reserved front row seats at his concert to get as close to him as I could.

Phil Collins’ performance was also fun. He appeared wearing ordinary clothes, but his singing was beautiful. His band was fantastic as well.

Student Weekly: Has your attitude toward acting changed since you’ve become successful as an actor?

Namm: Yes. In the past, I didn’t want to be an actor because I was worried that people wouldn’t take my musical abilities seriously after that. But I acted in a TV drama after releasing an album, and I found that it was fun.

Student Weekly: What did you learn from your acting coach?

Namm: I initially thought that acting in a TV drama was similar to normal, everyday behaviour. But actors in dramas have to exaggerate a lot. In a scene where I showed anger, I had to yell and express my feelings much more than usual. I also learned a lot about the effects of different camera angles.

Student Weekly: How do you think acting work compares with singing?

Namm: The two careers are similar. They both involve performing. When I sing a sad song or act in a dramatic scene, I’m not necessarily feeling sad at the time. In both cases, I just express feelings through acting.

Student Weekly: Did you enjoy performing in Laos?

Namm: It was very fun. My Lao fans knew the dramas that I’d acted in, and they could also sing along with my songs.

Student Weekly: Is there anything you’d like to say about your new single?

Namm: I wanted to make “What Are You Waiting for?” different from other songs, so I added some colourful guitar playing. It’s a fun song with a new style of music video. Please give it a listen, and if you like it, recommend it to your friends!

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