Bangkok is a city brimming with talented and fascinating people. In 27 Questions, we interview notable Bangkok personalities, learning about their whims and aversions, important life moments and their hopes and dreams, all revealed in about the same amount of time it takes to sit through a round of speed dating.
Alternative indie music insiders will recognise him by his name, yet most others across the globe are likely to know him by a nickname that stems from a single sweet lyric: lover boy.
A master of said sweet lyrics, Bangkok-born singer-songwriter Phum Viphurit catapulted to international fame with the release of his Lover Boy single in 2018, and has since taken the world of neo-soul by storm. Dreamy compositions, boyish charm, and a smile to tug on all kinds of heart strings, the self-proclaimed song bird with an acoustic guitar is a real one to watch.
After all, Phum has fluttered from the local Bangkok screen to the big scenes in just a few years. The effortlessly hipster heartthrob started writing his own songs when he was just 17 years old, seeking inspiration and influences from various genres. He began performing in 2014, and slowly won over fans with both his original and cover songs posted to his Youtube channel. Phum followed up with his first full English album Manchild in 2017 – which was entirely crowdfunded, no less – before landing two hit singles: Long Gone and Lover Boy. Tours across Asia, Europe, and the US followed in a whirlwind of whim thereafter, for the young musician who has a soothing voice that feels like a Sunday.
Capturing every emotion from teenage love and angst to journeys into adulthood (he’s 23) and more, Phum Viphurit is his music and his music is him. Here, we get a small peek inside his melodious mind. Call him Bangkok’s very own indie lover boy.
All images via Phum Viphurit
Name: Phum Viphurit
Age: 23
Neighbourhood: Chatuchak
Occupation: Singer-Songwriter
“Don’t worry, be happy”.
Mango and sticky rice.
My family.
Freelance film scorer.
Water.
Never.
A night owl.
Tuna spread.
Not sharing my art sooner.
Rush hour.
Once a month.
Animal faeces.
Ice cream.
Little Miss Sunshine.
Extremely lazy.
First international show in Japan, 2018.
Social skills, being a great compromiser and a good drinker.
American Boy by Estelle.
Unjust people with power.
My bedroom.
Nothing, I’m pretty sure they know everything.
Apple pie and cinnamon.
Mr.Cook, my music teacher in high school. He taught me to do what I love, and that the rest doesn’t matter.
I’d rather never be alone for a single moment.
Meeting Will Smith as the character Genie from Aladdin.
20+, and I wear my Converse High Tops most.
This current moment as you are reading.
Phum Viphurit will be performing at Siri House this Sunday 16 June. More information here.
