Introduction to Jaonaay
Jaonaay, a 24-year-old Thai singer-songwriter, has taken the music scene by storm with his debut single "Sweet Baby" under Sony Music Thailand. The song has collected an impressive 11 million YouTube views and 4.6 million Spotify streams, and even inspired a TikTok dance challenge that caught the attention of K-POP superstars NCT Dream during their last Thailand tour.
The Journey to Success
For Jaonaay, whose real name is Jinjett Wattanasin, the viral success of "Sweet Baby" is not just a fleeting moment, but the culmination of a longer journey. He spent three to four months working with producer Karn von Yented to create the modern R&B track, which captures the sleepless nights and racing thoughts of new love. The result is a smooth mix of classic and contemporary elements, anchored by a Rhodes piano and topped with Jaonaay’s own vocal charges.
Crafting a Hit Song
Jaonaay approached the track strategically, aiming to create what he calls an "Easy Song in the System" that could resonate with typical teen experiences of love. He wanted to make a song that would be easy for the T-pop market to enjoy, and it seems he has succeeded beyond his expectations. The song’s success has proven his instincts to create accessible entry points for new target groups, and he notes that the combination of social media and music has been key to his success.
Artistic Growth and Exploration
While Jaonaay recognizes the power of music and social media as platforms for messaging, he is focused on artistic growth and exploration. He has previously explored romantic topics in his music, particularly in his Valentine’s Day song "February 14" with Juné, which won 34.5 million Spotify streams and was a playlist favorite on streaming platforms. With Sony Music Thailand’s support and a foundation in Pop R&B, Jaonaay is building on his first full album and remains open to genre exploration.
The Future of T-Pop
Jaonaay represents a new wave of Thai artists who are redefining the global footprint of T-pop. While K-Pop dominates international attention, and P-pop from the Philippines is also on the rise, Jaonaay sees a moment of opportunity for T-pop. He believes that the talent and work have always been there, but it’s just a matter of time before the spotlight shines on T-pop. With his unique sound and style, Jaonaay is poised to take the T-pop scene to new heights.
Family Ties and Inspiration
Music runs in Jaonaay’s family, with his father Jetrin Wattanasin being a legend in the Thai music industry. However, Jaonaay’s influence from his father is more practical than romantic. He grew up seeing his father tour and take care of his team, and he was inspired by the beauty of the job and the respect it commanded. Jaonaay’s brother Jaokhun is also rising in the T-Pop scene, creating what Jaonaay calls "very healthy competition" between them.
Exploring New Opportunities
The multi-hyphenate artist, who started as a model before breaking through with music at 17, is also open to opportunities in the film industry in Thailand. He would love to act, and with his charming personality and talent, it’s likely that he will make a splash on the big screen. For now, however, Jaonaay is enjoying the moment, grateful that his musical vision has found its audience, and he is excited to see what the future holds.
