How did you end up in Pattani?
I’m not a photojournalist. I do more artistic projects. And I don’t really choose a subject; I choose a destination. The other places I had covered were in Japan and this was my first time in Thailand. I was curious about the South because I had this image from the media of bombings, death, things like that. I had no idea of the South’s culture or history. I was driven by my curiosity.

How long did you stay there?
I was there several times, for about four months overall. I started in Yala and from there I bought a bicycle and went through Pattani and Narathiwat. Then by chance, I found some locals who showed me a very old house, they called it the palace. I was eventually invited by the family there to live with them and stayed a couple months.

This exhibition covers just the house?
Yes. There is an Islamic shaman and healer staying there but it’s a large compound which used to belong to a raja. So you see the people coming to visit him, living around the house. It’s very intimate. It shows the culture, the superstitions, the Malay culture, the Chinese culture.

Where you witnessing poltergeist-like exorcisms?
It’s a very intense atmosphere but not particularly scary. These people are actually very friendly. I think I presented that. But I saw incredible stories. One son who was a drug addict and stole from his parents. A woman abandoned by her husband. Villagers who had relatives arrested by the army for two years, without trial, and they don’t know how to get them back. A woman who couldn’t walk at all from a motorcycle accident. She had been at the hospital. She was carried to the shaman by her husband and one day she was able to walk. I think he has real abilities to heal but it wasn’t only magic, he does massage.

Could you feel the political tension living there?
There were young guys staying, in a separate part of the compound. They would enter from underneath, through a different staircase. One morning, the military stormed into the house and took them. But you don’t hear much. In the South they have a kind of law of silence, like the mafia in Sicily. But I wouldn’t want to discuss the army on the record. Let’s just say it’s not just what you see on the surface. My work is not a political statement, though. I try to give a different view of the South. Of course, you can dig deeper. You can look at the history behind the pictures and it goes back hundreds of years, before the area was annexed by Siam.

As a child: I always had a problem with any kind of authority.
In your pocket: I’m afraid I can’t answer that question without my lawyer present.
Never leave home without: Jesus.
Stupidest trend: Wobblers. Just kidding.
Favorite audience: Anyone who is willing to listen to music without prejudice.
Happiest moment: Getting engaged to my fiancé.
Best gig you’ve ever been to: JB and Dark Angel at Café Democ in 2002.
In 20 years: I hope I will still be Djing.
All time fave song: “For all of us” by PFM.
On a night out you: Pass the dutchie on the left hand side.
Last lie: I would never do such a thing.
Rule for life: Be like Nike and “just do it”
Day job: Teacher.
First Job: DJ.
Idol: Satan.
(Would like to be) remembered as: A guy that played really good music.

I don’t have a nickname. My family just calls me Virat, which was my name before I changed it to Thawatchpon. They still call me Virat today. When I have kids, I definitely plan to give them nicknames.

I was a shy boy in class and even got teased by friends who called me “buff” (buffalo). Muey is the name that my high school friends gave me. I don’t really know why.

I became a singer accidentally while watching my friends’ band rehearse in a studio. The singer didn’t show so I just took over.

Our teacher forbade us to play at the school festival, but we brought all our equipment and started playing on the field anyway. He tried to stop us but our friends formed a circle around us to keep him away. We were allowed to play after that.

I didn’t know much about the arts because I studied math and science in high school, but I managed to get into Silapakorn University. I wanted to get into a university that had a cool music environment.

My classmates and I liked to go check out ghost houses around town. It first started out as a bicycle gang, then we moved onto motorcycles and finally cars.

After one visit, everyone got into an accident. I am still not sure if it was a coincidence or not. Still, we never saw anything.

Ball [Torpong Chantabupha] was my senior and was chairman of the music club. I begged him to teach me about music. We became close friends and started doing music together as Scrubb.

Eventually we wanted other people to hear our songs. So after graduation we looked for a label that would sign us.

We made our own tape to sell at record shops, posted our songs on websites and sent demos to record labels. We got a job at GMM as sound editors, but still no album.

The turning point was giving Ted-Yutthana Boon-aom, a Fat Radio executive, our self-funded tape. They played it on-air right away. We also played for free at Fat Festival and people in the audience asked for our CD. Then we signed with Black Sheep records.

Our first album was experimental. We mixed everything together. We couldn’t believe we got a chance to do a second album.

We got bored playing our first single “Tuk Yang,” at every show. But, we later realized that we just can’t be fed up with it. Fans love to hear their favorite songs. Now after ten years, we’re still trying to balance what the fans want and what we want.

I have great memories of music festivals. Once in Hua Hin, people were standing in the sea to watch us as the tide was coming in.

I use my everyday life to communicate with people through my songs. It’s like a diary.

Anything can make me feel down, from fighting with my girlfriend to issues with my family. They want me to take over the family business. I still can’t figure out how to bring it together with my music.

I go to bed very late. It’s a good time to do things like write songs, listen to music or surf the net. I just watched Dae Jang Geum on Youtube because I was curious why people are so crazy about this series. Turns out, I love it!

I have started growing a goatee because I admire Yokee Playboy. I won’t keep it forever but I would feel weird if I didn’t have it on my face now.

I don’t like confrontation. If I get mad, I just walk away. Changing locations usually dissolves any bad feelings.

I would love to have an exhibition because I love to paint. But I don’t feel confident about showing my work. Many artists are better than me but don’t get the acceptance they deserve.

Bangkok is a hectic city but it’s full of opportunity. Everything is right here.

I would give more support to music and arts if I were governor. If we have more of these things, kids would be better at thinking for themselves and not just follow trends easily. We wouldn’t have the Krispy Kreme phenomenon if kids learned to be different.

Love is a good inspiration. It gives us a goal. It can help us discover things about ourselves that we never knew we had inside. Interview by Monruedee Jansuttipan and Rattikarn Suwithayaphan

How was the shoot?
Exciting, of course. For three years since Academy Fantasia ended, I have been mostly involved in music. I’ve only recently had a chance to act in TV shows and in this movie. It was a totally new experience, particularly the movie, because of the acting itself, the Northeastern dialects and the fact that I played the lead. I also had to ride a buffalo. Even though I love animals, it was still difficult. For example, when everyone was ready, I got my lines right, the emotion was there, but the buffalo would simply turn around or eat the grass.

Are you similar to your character in the film?
We’re rather different actually. I’ve never lived in Isaan, so I needed to learn about his motivation. And some things surprised me. I was like, ‘Really, he did that because of that?’ I suppose the one thing that lets me identify with him is the sincerity we both have.

Are you proud of the movie?
The screenplay received the top prize from the Thailand Script Project. There’s the romantic relationship between the two main characters, His Majesty’s sufficiency economy concepts and the conflict between two fathers. We also have a top comic cast like Mom Jok Mok and Runglawarn Tonahongsa. Also, the landscape of Roi-et is really beautiful.

What did you learn from this shoot?
I learned that Thai-farang weddings are not only about money. If they love each other, it’s more about the heart. Kanyanun Sunglaw

How did you first get together?
Min: We used to be in the TU Folk Song Music Club at Thammasat University. After we graduated and started working, we realized that the fun had gone and we needed music back in our lives.
Joe: There are actually 11 of us in total.

Why did you choose the name?
Min: It comes from “alumni,” but that was too plain, so we changed it to “Alarm9.” It’s also about waking some members up at 9 o’clock so they can make it to our meetings at noon!

Why did you pick “Too Much, So Much, Very Much” as your opening song?
Min: We believe that we’ve got talent, but we were afraid that we wouldn’t get that much attention, so we chose a fun and well-known song to cover.
Joe: First, we just wanted to make a single, enjoy the single, and then have someone listen to it. So we started by doing a cover.

What changed after the feedback from YouTube?
Min: We’ve had lots of work come in. The first day the clip went out, a friend who owns a pub called us to go and play.
Joe: We were invited onto many shows—like Chao Doo Woody. It was a real shock because it was our first time on TV and everything was live, but it was fun. We also have to adapt a lot. Managing our time and being energetic for both our day jobs and practicing the music after work.

What are your plans, apart from doing covers?
Min: First I want Alarm9 to become a production house and let someone else do the marketing, because we don’t have any investment.
Joe: It’s a pity that many talented juniors and friends we know may have to work in a career far from music or not what they love doing. We feel that what we do today could give them a new, better option.
Pomme: We understand that our routine won’t make that much money or last long, but we want to prove that you can live a normal life and still enjoy doing music after work.

What is about making music that you love so much?
Note: It’s not only the music, but it’s the moment making music together with friends.
Nath: Being able to present songs from our perspectives, like making it darker, brighter or even turning a sad song into a fun song.

Can you give any clues to your fans about your next MV?
Min: You’ll be amazed by the song Note has picked, the concept and the MV’s lead actress. It will be out right after Songkran. Interview by Rattikarn Suwithayaphan.

Watch their videos now at www.youtube.com/alarm9group

So can we expect to see a new album very soon?
I’m planning to launch my own album by the end of this year. I’m also helping on a documentary program called Kra-jok-hok-dan. I prefer doing only one thing at a time but, well, I have to do both for now. So I need to manage my time if I want to get a new album out to my fans. Plus, I’m working on another music project with May-thee, a member of Moderndog, and would love to have it done by this year as well. It will be an EP album, just like May-thee did with Pray previously.

How would you describe your sound?
During my first and second album, it was the period of grunge, so my sound reflected that. But personally, I love very heavy rock as my passion for music was inspired by Iron Maiden, an 80s British heavy metal band. So, for my next album, I’m planning to have heavier rock that yields deep feelings but retains a sweet melodic tone.

Who is your favorite band these days?
Although I am into a very heavy sound, sweet guitar lines really charm me. I love the band Kings of Leon. They are young, but talented and their music covers a variety of styles.

How do you feel about playing with We are Scientists?
It’s always a great chance to play with an international band or even with Thai bands as we can share our experiences with each other and with the audience. Listening to We Are Scientists, I feel they’ll be great live. It should be fun.

What’s your dream bill for next year’s Tiger Translate?

Placebo is one of my favorite bands and I’d love to play with them. Unfortunately, I missed them at last year’s show. And, of course, if I have a chance to play here again next year, I’d love to play with Kings of Leon.

What do you like best about being part of Mono?

Being able to do what we love to do for a living and meeting friends around the world. There was a time when touring internationally and releasing records was just a small dream. We're very grateful for the opportunity to spend our lives making music.

What’s it like collaborating with the legendary Steve Albini?

We've met a lot of amazing, talented people over the years but there is only one Steve Albini. He just really understands the sound we are trying to create and helps us keep it as organic and live as possible. It's always a pleasure to work with him and his team. They are very kind and welcoming.

How does touring feel like?

We are constantly on the road so touring has become a part of our lifestyle. It does take a lot of energy, but at the same time it's exhilarating and rewarding in so many ways. It makes us happy to revisit the crowds that take time out of their schedules to hear us play.

Playing live or recording? Which do you prefer?

Playing live. There is an interchanging of energies during a live show that just cannot be imitated during the recording process.

Who is your musical hero?

Beethoven. It's hard to explain but I find myself admiring his unusual visionary talent.

Which artists would you like to work with (that you haven’t yet worked with)?

There are so many talented artists out there. I think we may be interested in collaborating with someone in the film world. Perhaps a filmmaker with a similar vision as we do.

We can feel so much of emotional depth in your music and a great cinematic vision in songs like “Ashes in the Snow” and “The Battle to Heaven” from Hymn to the Immortal Wind, in your opinion what makes a great song great?

The approach for Hymn to the Immortal Wind was different because the songs and the story chapters are based on one another. In my opinion, songs that I have grown to love are the ones that make me feel, make me visualize, and make me empathize with its creator. Some of the greatest songs in history demonstrate the kind of human resonance we seek in a good book, film, or spiritual experience.

You are busy with your sixth studio album; what can we expect?

We're trying to write new songs with a new vision, while still keeping the essence of our sound. I'm very happy with what we've created so far.

I’m out maybe two to three times a week. Because everything is moving so fast in this market, guys are opening up new bars, there are new concepts. If you miss the boat, things move on with or without you.

My old friends from school ask me, “Bart when will we get the chance to see you?” Well, there are 3,000 coffee shop owners in Singapore and about 1,000 bar owners, so there are not enough days to go around.

I’m quite free and easy. I’m not very formal.

I was first at Proctor & Gamble for 10 years then five years at Johnson & Johnson. After marketing to a core audience of mums, and skin care products, it was a good switch to selling things to normal guys like you and me.

You only get one crack at life.

The move to the beer industry, people said, “Are you sure? You have a very stable career in a sector that you’re keen on. What happens if it goes really wrong?” No looking back, no regrets. The principles for marketing any product or brand are essentially the same. It’s just the final execution of it. First you need a fantastic quality product or service—the core must be right—and after that you have to send the correct message to the target audience in a meaningful and relevant way.

A woman looking for a skin care product is looking for hope, looking for assurance. A guy buying a beer just wants to have a great time with his pals, something that will take him through the night after a long week. We just have to communicate that slightly differently.

You know how marketing works: It takes six times before consumers actually get the message.

My favorite spokesperson is Steven Gerrard. Obviously we are affiliated with him, but this guy sticks with his club—tough times, good times, crazy times. Money is not the key issue that drives him. He leads by example. He’s a good role model.

I was asked this question: “Who is your idol? Who do you really respect?” I respect the simple guy who constantly does his work, is responsible, brings home the bacon, takes care of the kids, the everyday guy.

I don’t do too much Tweeting and sharing. It’s a way of staying connected, an extra medium to SMS and phone calls. But I believe it should be a means to an end. The actual interaction should be out there. You still want to meet up with the guys.

If you make a mistake, learn and get over it quickly. Just try not to do it again. No need to belabor it. No need to get down about it. If you need to apologize, quickly apologize to the people you have let down. Say it sincerely. I think people can feel it.

I have this theory: Everyone wants everyone to succeed. When you do a presentation, actually everyone in the audience is rooting for you. Sometimes you beat yourself up. ”Will I do well? How will they see me?” They want to hear a good presentation.

I admire Mercedes Benz. Five years ago, they had to change its positioning. It was for the mature successful 50-year-old guy, your dad’s car. But now, it’s sharp, it’s cool. The young private banker is happy driving her coupe, top down. At the same time the very successful businessman in his 50s is happy driving his S class. Everyone is comfortable, everyone feels at ease with the brand and says “This is me.” They’ve done fantastically well shaping their future without ignoring their roots.

If I were PM for a day, I would declare a National “Get Outdoors and Play” day. Singaporeans should seriously remember to slow down and smell the roses once in a while … and remember what life should be all about!

How long have you been playing the role of Buddy Holly?
Well, the first time I put on the big glasses and strapped on my Fender Strat was 1989! I was very young and had gone to an open audition for the part of the drummer in the stage show Buddy, which went on to become a worldwide hit. The director of the show took a long look at me and said, “Never mind about the drummer. Go and get a big pair of glasses and a guitar and come back for tomorrow’s audition.” I did and six months later, I was starring in London’s West End. I spent three years in the West End and toured Canada, Australia and Europe. Not bad for a drummer! After that I put the guitar down and spent the next few years working on other projects in film, TV and stage productions but I missed the buzz of playing Buddy’s music so when this opportunity popped up, I thought I’d e foolish to let it pass me by.

What was the first thing you did to prepare yourself for this role?
I went out and bought every album and all the video footage I could find relating to Buddy. I spent two weeks locked away in my flat going over and over every chord, every hiccup and I found that I had a lot to learn. I had to get it right. If you’re playing somebody who’s lived, it’s a very different approach to playing a fictional character. Buddy was a perfectionist in a time when the equipment he was recording with was very basic by today’s standards. Everything had to be done in one take and if there were any mistakes, you had to do it all over again. He pushed the recording boundaries as far as he could and was relentless in his pursuit of the right sound for his music. I believe Buddy was the first artiste to experiment with ‘overdubbing’ on his vocals.

What aspects did you find most challenging in terms of portraying Holly’s character and charisma?
Getting the accent right was tricky. He had a soft Texan twang that just seemed to sound like he was smiling the whole time. The people I’ve met who spent time with him never had a bad word to say about him so trying to maintain his good-natured approach to life was essential. Although I’m older now, I still approach the portrayal of Buddy Holly with the same respect I had for him the first time around. He was a great performer, a prolific composer for someone so young, and a very gifted musician.

What are some of Holly’s songs that have touched your life?
I wouldn’t say there was any particular song but there have been many occasions where I’d be out and about walking past a shop or driving late at night and his music starts playing. When I hear his songs, it still puts a smile on my face. It feels like I’m meeting up with an old friend.

What would you say is Holly’s trademark?
It’s got to be the Fender Strat guitar he always played, and of course, the big glasses. The story goes that Buddy was being told by managers he wouldn’t make it as a pop idol if he kept wearing glasses on stage. It didn’t look cool or sexy. Buddy’s response was to go out and buy the biggest glasses he could find and make a statement. “I wear glasses, so what?” It didn’t do him any harm. Apparently, John Lennon began wearing his own spectacles on stage after seeing Buddy on a TV show.

With Lewis, you had to portray something entirely different from Holly’s choirboy image? What were the challenges you faced?
When I took the offer to portray him, I was very naïve. I didn’t know enough about his life or his music and I was starting to think I’d made a huge mistake. For starters, I didn’t even play the piano. I could thump out a few chords but when I started to listen to the complexity and sheer genius of his playing, coupled with a lifestyle that was the blueprint for rock ‘n’ roll living, it began to dawn on me that I was way out of my depth! It took months of practice to get all the pieces in the right place and I realized I was never going to be able to copy him note for note but I got close!

What do you admire about Lewis?
His complete self-belief and extraordinarily natural musical talent.

If you could meet only one of them, which one would it be?
If I had the chance to meet Holly, I’d have insisted on playing a couple of songs with him. There are still a couple of his tricks I’ve never quite nailed on the guitar. I had the opportunity of meeting Jerry Lee a few years ago but I felt like I was being circled by a very big, hungry shark! He is a force of nature and you can’t help but be a bit tongue-tied and in awe of him. He’s the last surviving member of the original innovators of rock ‘n’ roll and I think many people in the rock industry realize that whatever they do, they’ll never top him for personality or longevity.

You’ll be playing a dual role in Buddy vs The Killer. What are the challenges like?
Physically, it’s going to wreck me so I’ll grab as much rest and relaxation as I can get between shows. Mentally, I dread to think! I’m playing an age range of 19-55. It’s going to test me beyond anything I’ve ever tried to achieve onstage. I may fall flat on my face but I hate the idea of letting the opportunity pass me by for fear of failure. Both these men were supremely self-determined pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll music so I’ll hang onto their coat tails and give it everything I’ve got! Hidayah Salamat

Be sure to catch Buddy vs The Killer on May 5-8, 5pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm at Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Rd., 6337-1886. $100-120 from Sistic.
 

How much prep work went into Macbeth?
Nikolai Foster (the director) and I started our initial meetings for the project way back in December last year. From then on we've had many face-to-face meetings between ourselves and many Skype meetings with the Singapore team to get it ready.

What were some of the challenges you faced while recreating medieval Scotland at Fort Canning Park?
The extreme weather conditions at Fort Canning Park massively affect the way it is designed. We've a very shiny black glossy floor that will get very hot during the day, so it's been constructed from a very heavy-duty fiberglass to hopefully withstand this. Also, the pyrotechnics and effects used during the show will be heavily affected by elements such as wind—something you don't have to consider in a conventional theater.

What were some unusual inspirations for the production design?
I look for inspiration everywhere. One of the costumes for the witches came from a music video I was watching while on the treadmill at the gym. Other design elements were borrowed from everywhere, including the architecture of the Park where the audience will be watching the performance—see if you can spot them.

Your favourite scene from the play?
The Banquet. The tension that Nikolai has created is thrilling to watch.

Catch Shakespeare in the Park—Macbeth through May 1, May 4-8, May 11-15, May 18-22, 7:30pm at Fort Canning Park, Cox Terrace., 6332-1302 $38-75 from Sistic.