Having been in a pre-artist junior camp at Thailand's major record company for three or four years, 10 teenagers under the name "G-JR" for Grammy Junior, are ready to show their singing and dancing abilities on stage. They've also come up with an album, titled "10 Club", and are scheduled for a concert on Friday called "G-JR Rock You".

The camp includes the Nitipaisarnkul duo "Golf" Pichaya and "Mike" Pirat, and 2003's Big 3 trio featuring Guy Ellis, Chinawut "Chin" Indracusin and Chayawatchara "Jay" Thepchatri.

The successful duo and trio team up with their mates Kenichi "Ken" Kasamatsu, Akakorn "Madiow" Supummarin, Panupong "Ice" Vorravanichaya, Park "Happy" Rattanatithinun and Sarun "Nut" Ladawon under the new name G-JR.

Originally, they all had voice problems. Thai-French Chin had a hoarse voice, Happy was high-pitched, Ice couldn't enunciate clearly, Madiow's voice was breaking, Jay was low-toned, Nut couldn't go for a high tone, while Thai-Japanese Ken wasn't clear in his Thai pronunciation.

But now, with some training, they've all learned how to control their voices and render great melodies.

The 10-track album features a variety of music in their favourite styles: Chin's hip-hop and R&B; Happy's alt-rock; Ice's pop and a cappella; Madiow's rock; Jay's sweet pop; Nut's R&B and pop rock; and Ken's rock. They also sing together on four songs - "Showtime", "Khrub Khrub", "Just Do It Again," and "Take Care Na". "Showtime", "Happy Birthday" and "Khon Mai Na Rak" are three cuts being currently promoted on radio.

All the G-JR boys will be on stage for their first free concert, "G-JR Rock You", at Siam Paragon on Friday at 5pm. The concert is part of MTV Thailand's "Motoalert Session".

Here, some of the boys talk about their work and other things:

When did you first begin listening to music?

Chin: I began watching music videos on TV and was fascinated. I listened to all music styles but hip-hop and R&B in particular. Jazz music lulls me to sleep.

Is it true that today's teenagers prefer Thai to foreign music?

Chin: Not really. For me, I'm more interested in foreign music, which might be my music in the future.

What's your lifestyle?

Chin: I have freedom to try something new or do what I like - maybe because of my French mum and being brought up in her Western way.

How is your school life?

Happy: Some students concentrate on lessons, some don't. Some read comic books or magazines during study time. We don't pay attention to boring teaching, although we go in for our favourite subjects.

What do you think about today's music business?

Happy: It is still slack because of illegally copied CDs. MP3s are cheaper than CDs generally. Teenagers today make copies of a CD album, or send music through MSN. Of course, CDs aren't expensive, but they still won't pay for just a few tracks.

What do you think about the authorities pointing out teenagers' behaviour?

Ice: It depends on each case. Maybe those teenagers lacked good care and teaching from their parents and teachers. Or they live in a bad environment. Parents should pay more attention to their children.

What do you wish the government would do for teenagers?

Ice: Firstly, the education system. People from all over the country should have a chance to study. Secondly, in the family all members should have discussions to find solutions to problems.

What are you interested in socially?

Madiow: At my age, 14, I'm interested in the entertainment media, which make me feel happy. I feel free to do what I like, although sometimes I make mistakes. It's my turning point.

How do you relieve stress?

Madiow: I go to the movies with friends or play guitar, football and computer games.

Do you think today's teenagers have trouble finding idols?

Jay: At first, I had no idol and I've often been asked that question. For me, I think that to find an idol you have to listen to a lot of music and it will come naturally. Now, my idol is Darren Hayes because of his voice technique and character.

Are you given any advice about being in entertainment?

Jay: Yes, my parents warn me to take the care of myself because the entertainment business is maya [illusion] and it is hard to find sincerity. Most importantly, I must know how to conduct myself in this business.

Why did you want to be a singer?

Nut: My interest in music began when I was four or five and listened to Western music that my [elder] brother played at home all the time. Many years went by and I felt that music is my life. I practised singing and dancing. It's my dream.

What about fame and money?

Nut: I'm not really careful with my money, but you have to be careful for happiness.

How about the relationship between parents and children?

Nut: I think that children should change their attitude. Of course, friendship is important, and feeling happy and asking for advice. I think nobody loves us like parents.

Why do some celebrities get bad headlines in the papers over things like drugs?

Ken: I think because of stress, the problems of their job, their work companions and lack of leisure time.

How would you feel if you lost your private life?

Ken: It's okay because I'm happy to work with this group.

Of course, I enjoy spending time with my school mates, but when I come to work, I must concentrate on my job.

Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul

The Nation