Thai indie singer-songwriter WIM (Karn Kasidej Hongladaromp), has embarked on a bold new journey with the release of his debut solo album, NOICE, following the disbandment of his successful duo HYBS. Known for hits like “Tip Toe” and “Dancing with My Phone,” WIM’s evolution into a solo artist marks a significant shift in his music, embracing both personal growth and artistic experimentation.
The album’s title, NOICE, reflects his introspective journey—playfully riffing on the word ‘noise’ to capture the complexity of his transformation from a duo to a solo act. The album represents not just a musical exploration but a quest for clarity in his identity, as WIM moves beyond external pressures and embraces authenticity. "NOICE" symbolises a reset, an opportunity to reclaim control over his sound, free from outside influences.
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Having spent three years as part of the Thai pop duo HYBS, WIM is no stranger to success. However, the transition from collaborating with a partner to going solo presented its own challenges and rewards. As he explains, "When you’re in a duo, there’s always this shared energy—you bounce ideas off each other, and decisions are made together. But going solo meant stepping into a whole new space where every choice was entirely my own." This shift allowed him to fully dive into his personal story and experiment with new sounds, leading to a more personal and honest musical expression.
Songs like “Mr. Feelgood” and “Weirdo” showcase WIM’s emotional depth, navigating the highs and lows of life and self-reflection. “Mr. Feelgood,” in particular, speaks to a fresh sense of freedom, drawing from WIM’s own journey of embracing the joy of missing out (JOMO) and finding peace in life’s quieter moments.
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The themes of NOICE reflect WIM’s evolution, with an overarching narrative of optimism, renewal, and self-discovery. Tracks such as “Magic” and “Golden” illustrate his ability to balance upbeat, feel-good vibes with deeper introspection, inviting listeners to find comfort in embracing imperfections. The album’s tone is a reminder that it’s okay to start over, and that personal growth often involves taking a step back to recalibrate.
The collection’s focus track, “Sweetest Potion,” stands as a perfect representation of this ethos—uplifting yet introspective, its melody encapsulating the spirit of WIM’s journey. Each song is an invitation for listeners to join in on his personal evolution, finding their own sense of joy and empowerment along the way.
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One of the key aspects of WIM’s creative journey has been his transition to working independently from his home studio. While this might seem like a natural step, the change in mindset has been profound. WIM shares, "As an independent artist, I have the freedom to push boundaries even more and dive deeper into ideas that feel true to me." This newfound creative freedom has resulted in a raw and authentic sound, free from the constraints of industry expectations.
The intimacy of working from home allows WIM to take his time and trust his instincts, creating a space where experimentation and authenticity can flourish. "There’s no filter or second-guessing; it’s just me creating what feels good in the moment," he reflects.
Looking ahead, WIM is excited about the direction his music is taking. With plans for new material early next year, fans can expect further sonic evolution, as well as new collaborations that will shape his sound in unexpected ways. He also just concluded his APAC tour, with stops in Australia, South Korea, Taipei, Singapore and Malaysia, which gave fans a chance to experience his unique blend of indie pop, R&B, and soul live.
The journey is just beginning for WIM, and his debut solo album NOICE is the perfect soundtrack for anyone seeking inspiration to embrace new beginnings and personal growth. As he continues to redefine his identity, there’s no doubt that WIM is an artist to watch in the years to come.
NOICE is available now on all major streaming platforms.
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.