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Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Who is Phum?
Born in Thailand but raised in New Zealand since he was nine, Phum Viphurit is the stage name of affable 22-year-old singer and songwriter, Viphurit “Phum” Siritip. Having grown up outside of Thailand, Phum speaks English as his first language and is more comfortable using it when writing and singing songs.
Why is he called Lover Boy?
“Lover Boy” is the name of his latest—and probably his most popular—song from his yet-tobe- named second album. The music video has already earned more than a million views on YouTube—and counting. The song’s popularity is attributed to a combination of sweet lyrics and a catchy Neo Soul melody.
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
What else should we know about him?
Phum credits years of living in New Zealand for his passion for music. The budding musician spent nine years in a small town in the south of Auckland, where the peaceful surroundings and relaxing vibe allowed him to discover how much he enjoys playing music. His music-loving family is also an influence—it was his mom who exposed his ears to Motown, disco and Whitney Houston classics. His early inspirations include Young the Giant, Bombay Bicycle Club and Mac DeMarco. A film student at university, Phum directed the music video for one of his songs, “Long Gone,” which has already surpassed three million views on YouTube, and he is planning to make more music videos for his upcoming album.
How would he describe his musical style?
Phum calls it “sunshine music,” based on the range of feelings and emotions that pop up when he writes a song. It won’t do him justice to limit the young artist to a single genre, but we think it’s fair to say he’s an alternative- Neo Soul musician, given his preference for acoustic guitar and his penchant for mellow melodies.
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
What should we expect from his second album?
According to Phum, this second album is going to be slightly different from the first one, which involved sad melodies and doomed scenarios. The second album, which is still in the works, will be more fun and will focus on things and people he’s come across in life—“hazy sunshine music and moonlight pop,” as he playfully describes what’s in store. The album will be released in the third quarter of the year.
Where can we catch him while waiting for his second album?
Phum is going on tour in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan this month (a move that can possibly cement his status as Asia’s next Neo Soul sweetheart). He does want to perform a live concert in Bangkok soon, although Thai fans may have to wait a while.
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok
Sereechai Puttes/Time Out Bangkok