KHANT Phyo has been making music since he was 18, and before he left Myanmar in February 2008 to go and study in Australia, he released the song Myauk Phyit Chin Tal (Want to be a Monkey) on the group album “Bar Lar Lar” (Whatever). Unfortunately he missed being here to witness the success of the song, but has plans to return with some new songs after his studies have finished. Timeout got in contact with the singer and drummer using online chat.

Timeout: How did you get involved in “Bar Lar Lar”?

I played drums for the band Monopoly and our bassist’s brother is one of the producers of “Bar Lar Lar”. He and the other producers happened to hear my song and asked me to participate in the group album.

Why did you name the song Myauk Phyit Chin Tal (Want to be a Monkey) when the lyrics bear no relation to the title?

Yeah it’s the question everyone asks me. Well, it was based on real circumstances. There was a girl I was fond of but I had to leave her to go abroad for my studies. While I had been composing the song and trying to think about what name I should give it, one day, she got a monkey toy as a prize from a lucky draw at a birthday party. She hugged it all the time so I titled the song as though I were the monkey toy that she loves.

Did you ever think the song would be so popular among Myanmar’s young people?

It’s just like a dream because it’s the first song I composed. Also it’s my first singing experience so I never ever thought that my song would be so popular.

In your opinion, what makes the song special?

What make the song special? I think it’s a very simple song but it seems to resonate with Myanmar’s young people because most are far from the ones they love.

What are your music influences?

I love alternative, modern rock and metal but generally I enjoy any song that is creative and full of emotion.

It’s hard to find fame so quickly. How did you feel when you found out that the song had become a hit?

I was incredibly happy and felt encouraged to take my music to the next level. I even wanted to buy an air ticket and go back to Yangon straight away.

How is life studying in Australia? What’s your specialis-ation?

My life here is study, work, music... study, work, music. I’m major-ing in Acco-unting and Busi-ness Informa-tion Systems. I’ve written a couple of new songs here. I hope I can deliver these songs soon.

What do you miss about Myanmar?

Family, food, places, friends, everything and my fans too. Since music and fans became such a big part of my life, it’s been getting harder to focus fully on my education. As a singer, I want to know how it feels to have fans who love my songs and who talk about my music.

When will you make your next appearance?

Well, I’ll keep composing new songs, improving my vocals, practising guitar and so on. My big plan is to make my own solo album after finishing university at the end of 2010. The album might be suspended to 2011 by the time it is released. In the meantime, I’ll just look for group albums in which to put my new songs in.