- Title: THAILAND: POP MUSIC BAND PRU ARE TAKING HOME AN MTV ASIA AWARD
- Date: 8th February 2002
- Summary: BANGKOK, THAILAND (FEBRUARY 8, 2002) (REUTERS) ***FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** VARIOUS OF BAND MEMBERS AT PRESS CONFERENCE (2 SHOTS) SV/CU BAND MEMBER TALKING INTO MICROPHONE (2 SHOTS)
- Embargoed: 23rd February 2002 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: BANGKOK, THAILAND
- Country: Thailand
- Reuters ID: LVAEFDD2HFLZ0JMA70ONU60E74QA
- Story Text: They are the fresh face of pop music in Thailand and still smiling after taking home an award at the recent MTV Asia awards. They are called "Pru" and their managers believe the four-member band is destined for stardom.
They haven't been on the 'music scene' for very long in Thailand, but in just one year pop-group "Pru" has managed to take home an award at the recent MTV Asia awards held in Singapore.
They were named 'best Thai artist', despite competition from bands who have worked in the industry for many years.
The four member band, consists of guitarist Kamol Sukosol Clapp, his brother and lead singer -- Krisada Sukosol Clapp, drummer Kaninyarn Chandrasma and bassist Yodthao Yodying.
And they are all 'over the moon' about their recent success at the MTV Asia awards.
Their first and only album, also called Pru, was released in April has year, and it wasn't long before their songs hit the Thai music charts.
Lead singer, Krisada, says his band didn't have a big budget to promote the album, but it was word of mouth and their concerts which increased their profile.
"Well I think the most distinctive thing about us aside from our music is actually the performance which I guess many people have not seen our performances yet. But if they see it I think it's the most distinctive area in our group. For instance I might combine a certain, some people think I do ballet or tap, which I don't, I actually just watch videos but I combine that with a certain, some people say martial arts, but it's not. I'll do these funny things that people find it entertaining I suppose. And the band itself has power, is very strong," he said.
He says it's difficult for Asian artists to break into the bigger world stage, unless they sing in English. But his band prefers to sing in Thai, even though that limits their audience.
"I think breaking International with Thai music, chances are minuscule, none actually. Because we're not like Mandarin where a Hong Kong artist can sell into mainland China or Taiwan or they can swing from singing Mandarin to Cantonese.
Their market's larger. This is Thai music. If you sing in Thai, people are not going to respond to it."
Despite his frustrations with the international music scene, Krisada says his band does have plans to release their album in Singapore, where they have a small following.
The band is also planning a concert tour through Thailand over the next few months, and then the hard work will begin on their second album. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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