Peem and Emma want you to sing along.
Thai people love karaoke. It’s a really fun activity to do with your friends. So it makes sense to create an entertaining game show for those who love music and karaoke. And that’s exactly what music label MBO did with their show MBOke: Suek Wan Ching Mic (MBOke: Mic Battle) on Line TV.
The show is divided into three segments which allow participants to show off their talents and music knowledge. Two teams compete against each other - one is a team of singers from MBO, the other is made up of experienced singers or DJs.
S Weekly met up with two MBO singers - Thannabordee Jaiyen (Peem), 21, and Emika Grant (Emma), 19 - at the MBO office to talk about the show and their experiences as DJs on Get102.5.
Do you enjoy singing karaoke?
Emma: Yes, I always take the microphone and sing when I’m at karaoke. I enjoy showing off my talents. I like to sing songs by Evanescence and other rock bands. I sometimes stand up on the table when I’m singing!
Peem: In high school, I liked to go bowling and sing karaoke with friends. But I didn’t sing much because my friends liked to sing Thai songs, which I didn’t know very well.
Does singing karaoke help you improve as a singer?
Emma: No, but it reminds me why I wanted to become a singer in the first place - it’s fun.
What was it like to appear on MBOke?
Peem: I’ve been on the show several times and it’s always exciting. I enjoy competing with the other celebrities.
Emma: I had fun, even though I didn’t get any right answers!
Which segment of the show is your favourite?
Emma: I like the part where kids mumble songs and we have to guess which song they’re singing. It was so difficult. I’ve never seen this kind of thing on any other show.
Why should viewers check out MBOke?
Emma: It has a fun format and there are entertaining forfeits for the losers. I lost once and had to eat wasabi. I can’t eat anything spicy at all, so that was an experience I’ll never forget.
Peem: It isn’t a serious singing competition. It’s like you’re hanging out with friends. The show has a lot of charm.
Have you always wanted to be DJs?
Emma: Absolutely. My parents used to turn on the radio while driving me to school when I was a kid. One of the stations we listened to was Get102.5. So I was thrilled to become one of their DJs.
Peem: I never expected to work as a DJ, but I’ve found it to be a fun job. I feel comfortable doing it.
What have you learned from being a DJ?
Peem: I learned how to speak like a DJ and how to use all the equipment at the radio station. I have to think more quickly, improve my general knowledge and keep up to date on local and international news.
Why do people still need DJs when they can choose the songs they want to hear on music apps?
Peem: When people are alone and turn on the radio, the DJ is like their friend playing music for them. And I’ve noticed that reaction videos are very popular now. I think they’re popular because viewers want to feel like they have friends watching videos with them.
How would you describe each other?
Peem: Emma is a fun person. We’ve worked together many times and always have a good time.
Emma: Peem is so energetic. His energy levels never drop. He's so young and fresh.
