Punk to pop

Mila sweetens up

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb

Singer Jamila Panpinij (Mila) surprised her fans recently by releasing "Lovin' U," a new single that has replaced her usual punky style with a decidedly sweet pop sound. To go along with her softer sound, the 17-year-old singer also has a much more feminine image in her latest video.

Sweet pop must be a good direction for Mila to move in, since "Lovin' U" has received plenty of positive feedback from fans.

Student Weekly recently met up with Mila at the Kamikaze label office. Mila told us about her new music and her latest fun experiences.

Student Weekly: What made you decide to record a pop single?

Mila: My taste in music changed. I still listen to punk and rock music, but I like pop and R&B a lot more now. I talked to my producer about my new musical preferences, and he created this song for me.

Student Weekly: Will you always be singing pop songs from now on, since lots of listeners love your new single?

Mila: It depends. My songs are always based on whatever music I like at the time.

Student Weekly: Was "Lovin' U" difficult to record?

Mila: No, it was very easy. I just hung out at the studio and listened to the song, then recorded my vocals very quickly. I felt happy recording this song.

Student Weekly: Do you plan to record an English version of "Lovin' U," as many YouTube viewers have requested?

Mila: Maybe. We'd love to do what viewers ask for, but we need to find a songwriter who can write lyrics in English. I'm not very good at writing songs making lyrics rhyme.

Student Weekly: Does your new sweet style mean that you've fallen in love?

Mila: Yes. I'm in love with my new puppy, Baby Love. I like the model Miranda Kerr and her cute Yorkshire terrier, so I got a similar dog. It was love at first sight as soon as I saw her. She's so tiny and cute!

Student Weekly: How did you feel taking part in the Kamikaze Lover Concert?

Mila: It was Kamikaze's fourth year anniversary, and it was rare chance for all of the label's artists to work together. The venue was packed with people for the concert. It's such a great memory.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your recent trip to the UK?

Mila: I went there to take an American college admission test. The test was fully booked in Bangkok, so I stayed with a friend in London to take the test and do some sightseeing. I like the weather in England. Many people don't like the rain and the gloomy atmosphere, but I really loved it.

Student Weekly: Is it true that you learned to ski?

Mila: Yes. I learned skiing in Austria. Fortunately, I met an 18-year-old German ski instructor who could speak English. After the first day I could turn, and by the second day I could ski down a high slope.

I skied in a spectacular town called Innsbruck, where they filmed the movie, The Sound of Music. I wish I could live there!

Student Weekly: Do you have any special message for your fans?

Mila: I worked hard on "Lovin' U." I like the song and the video a lot, and I'm glad that many of my fans like it. Thank you so much for your great support.