Which job would you choose - being a singer or flying a plane?
To many, Thanwa Jumpapha (Aum) is a new face in showbiz. But the 30-year-old has actually been around for a while. Unfortunately, he didn’t have much success in his early years. So he decided to pursue his other dream of being an airline pilot. But Aum never gave up hope of making it as a singer. Thankfully, his luck is turning and the pilot’s music career is starting to take off. Now signed to Mono Music, he has just released his first single “Romeo,” an emotional rock ballad about unconditional love.
S Weekly recently caught up with Aum for an interview, in which he told us about his first single, his passion for music and his journey to the top.
Congratulations on the release of your first single. What sort of feedback have you received so far?
Aum: Thank you! The song has had a great response. Most of all, I’m glad that people accept me as a singer, not just a pilot who wants to sing.
Can you tell us about the single?
Aum: “Romeo” is a pop rock song. I wrote it a long time ago with my old band. I’m really glad that it’s finally getting to see the light of day. It’s about making sacrifices for the person you love. I remember when we first came up with the melody. It felt so romantic and made me think of the film Romeo + Juliet. So I named the song “Romeo.”
Did you always want to be a singer?
Aum: I’ve always loved music, but I didn’t know that I could sing until high school. I don’t have a musical background - nobody in my family really cares about music at all. I knew I’d have to become a doctor or engineer to make my parents proud. So I decided to study Civil Engineering at Thammasat University. I left there with second class honours. But deep down I knew that I still wanted to be a singer.
Is it true that you signed to a few different record labels before Mono Music?
Aum: Yes. In high school, I had a friend who was signed to a major label. He introduced me and I became an intern there for a while. I got some acting and modelling jobs, but I never got to release any music. So I decided to quit and form my own band with our own songs.
Is this the band that you wrote “Romeo” with?
Aum: Yes. We sent our demo to another big record label. They loved it. But the day we were supposed to sign the contract, I found out that I’d passed an exam to be a pilot with Air Asia. I’d have to start training with the airline immediately. So I had to turn down the music label. It broke my friends’ hearts. Thankfully, I’ve been given another chance with Mono Music.
What kind of music do you like listening to?
Aum: I enjoy all kinds of music. But British bands like Coldplay and Oasis have always been the biggest influence. I love the way the singers express their feelings on stage - I’ve learned a lot by studying them. Among local artists, I think Burin from Groove Riders is the coolest.
What’s your next move?
Aum: After I’ve finished promoting “Romeo,” the label has agreed to release two more of my singles this year. So, we’ll hit the studio sometime soon to record a new track. And there’ll be more shows to come, hopefully!
