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Published on December 27, 2007

Kevalin "Aon" Cottland has never really bothered with singing lessons, yet the past five years has seen her rise to become one of the most popular country-music singers in the land. Her latest album, "Rak Ter Mod Jai" ("Love You With All My Heart"), is expected to be a big hit with fans.

Kevalin, 28, entered the limelight at just 15 years old as a television drama actress, though she says she always dreamed of becoming a singer. "I really enjoyed my eight years of experience in front of the cameras, but even then I asked if I could at least sing the theme song for the show," she laughs.

After about 36 shows, she opted for a change of direction and with her late father's encouragement took up singing full time. "Rak Ter Mod Jai", Kevalin's third album, took almost three years to complete. Her all-girl band has a style that's best described as "easy folk listening".

Kevalin plays acoustic guitar on tracks that portray the position of modern women.

"I've never been disappointed with my choice of music as a career over the past five years. Some people have given me the name 'Singh Phuthorn', suggesting that my music only works in the countryside. But after being invited to sing in Bangkok I gained more confidence," she says. "I've got great admiration for my fans. They're sincere people and they don't cheat by buying pirated CDs. If they love you, they mean it.

"Some people say I'm just an actress who turned to singing, but I think it was probably the other way round. Despite these two sides to my career, I'm proud of myself. I know that no matter what song I perform, there's always a two-way communication going on with listeners. I enjoy sharing my music with an audience. There's no lip-synching. When I dance, they dance. When I sing then pause for them pick up the chorus, they do so. I love singing and I'll always give my best."

 Of the 17 songs on her new album, Kevalin likes "Jai Mod Rak" ("No More Love") the most, saying the song reveals another part of her. "Each time I listen to this song, I get a different feeling. It's got a magical way of being sweet and sad at the same time, and it goes deep into the heart. When I compose a number with my producer, it's a simple process using pencil and paper, so each song is truly me."

Kevalin is also a family person who's had a caring relationship with her loved ones since she was young. Everywhere she goes, she brings her mother along. So guys out there, remember: if you want to win her heart, there's just one condition - you'll have to love her family too.

Kupluthai Pungkanon

The Nation