Singer Preeti Barameeanant talks about trading the rock podium for the musical stage
Published: 1/09/2010 at 12:00 AM
It didn't matter how many hits his band Clash produced over their nine years in the industry - vocalist Preeti "Bank" Barameeanant always kept his profile low-key.
Even though he hardly appears in the tabloids, Preeti's iconic looks are not easy to forget. His numerous tattoos, shaved-head, classical Thai facial features, unique vocal styling and often-shirtless body will forever stay attached to his name.
Preeti is now venturing outside his comfort zone - to musical theatre.
"I was a little bit puzzled, when I got approached by Khun Boy," said Preeti, referring to theatre mogul Takonkiet Viravan who offered him the challenge of appearing in his debut musical drama Hong Nua Mungkorn the Musical.
"I thought it wouldn't suit me. In the past, when I heard the word 'musical', I thought of Broadway or New York, or a show for high society. Most men understand musicals as something that only women, people of the 'third gender' or theatre students could enjoy," he added.
"Then, one day, I went with my grandmother to a show, Mae Nak Pra Kanong: The Musical, where I learned my assumptions were wrong.
I realised this kind of performance is definitely high art and requires a professional level of singing, dancing and acting. I have really liked it since then, but still never thought of becoming a stage actor until recently," he recalled.
With his sensual and heart-wrenching vocal style, his transition to the new form of performing arts was easy to imagine. And surprising the audiences with its choice of actors is not something new for producer Scenario. The company's last production, Kinnaree See Rung (La Cage Aux Folle), introduced former pop star-turned-actor Ruengsak "James" Loychusak, who was convincingly transformed into an effeminate role of a drag queen diva "Isabella".
"Even though singing is my career, I have never taken any kind of voice training. Once I accepted an invitation to join the show, I had to take serious singing lessons as well as acting classes. I remember meeting the whole cast of the show, from the lead actors to the ensembles, and when I witnessed their talent, I felt lucky to be working with them," said Preeti.
Hong Nua Mungkorn, the award-winning television drama from the 2000s, is returning in the form of a spectacular musical drama. The story is set in a Chinese community in Bangkok during the early '70s, a time when Chinese residences were considered as second-class citizens. Struggling to make a living in a foreign land, many Chinese had to live under the power of the mafia or other criminals. One day, the "godfather" of a gang was assassinated, and the crown was then passed to his daughter, who had to maintain her family's empire.
Chang Hao, the character of a former gunman, will be played by Preeti, and leading musical actress Suthasinee Buddhinand will portray Lew, the godmother of the clan. The villainous character of Tee Lek has been given to a young blood in the showbiz industry - Phakin "Tono" Kumwilaisak from popular talent show The Star 6.
"Somehow I feel related to the character," said Preeti. "Chang Hao and I shared the same feeling, and the same pain. He has lost his love ones and his family was bullied, while my family in real life went bankrupt and I lost my mother two years ago. So, it is life experience that makes us both strong people," he shared.
Being a musical star is only one challenge currently on his plate. This month, Preeti will also release a new album with his former band Clash, although it will be their farewell work.
"Our parting of ways had nothing to do with my involvement with the musical. Each member of the band came to realise we all want to grow musically - to do what we really want to do," he explained.
Dating back in 2001, the story of Clash begins just like a classic tale - they were a high-school student band spotted by a music label along their journey of collecting prizes from leading music contests.
Today, with six albums under their belts, the legend of Clash is going to start its countdown.
"It has been a great experience," said Preeti. "I remember it was so hard back then for young kids to, compared to today's digital world. We grew up in the cassette era. We listened to one album over and over until the tape almost wore thin. One thing I have noticed among young kids today is that they lack identity. They have a better chance to enjoy music but somehow when things come easily, they take it for granted and don't really fully find out who they are and what they want to do."
While mentioning the word "identity", Preeti then quickly reveals his true calling. The guest vocal slot on the new Thaitanium album is an indication of where he'll be heading musically.
"As much as I enjoyed being known as a rock star and "Bank from Clash", the type of music I have always wanted to do is R&B, and I'm talking about real R&B," he said, which complimented his grooming style during the interview that featured a skin-head, giant diamond earrings and black leather jacket in the style of R&B singers Usher or Chris Brown.
"In my house, most of the CDs are of soul music," he said. "And, in my view, there is no such things as R&B music today in Thailand. That is my goal - to introduce it."
And when asked what he believes to be real R&B music, Preeti answered straightforwardly. "Sex," he said. "There are singers, who have done so-called R&B, and their songs are romantic, but R&B is more than that. It is supposed to be sexy and naughty as well."
Preeti revealed there are a couple of singles from the upcoming Clash album, Nine Miss U 2, that he claims to be examples of the direction his music will take in the future.
Preeti fully understands it might be difficult for some of his fans to let go of Clash, and musical enthusiasts possibly question his capabilities. But he doesn't find it daunting.
"If you have doubt or can't imagine me in a musical, that is perfect," he said. "Come and see the show, and you will be surprised to see me like you have never seen before."
