KRUNG's Story
Aiden Kawada, known online as KRUNG, started making music earlier than most, early in middle school. While other kids were learning instruments one note at a time, he was already proficient in cello and mostly self-taught to a proficient level in piano and working on high-level productions inside Garageband, which was the DAW he used to start making music, releasing songs such as Stars (ft. Martinazzo), Always Night, and CYB3R at the age of 12. He was a fast learner, and had only started making music at the age of 12 and already releasing music.
His knowledge in music production grew faster than most people expected. His teachers noticed it. He wasn’t making music for his age, but making music beyond that.
Music became KRUNG’s main way of expressing himself. Through deep lyrics and powerful melodies, he pushed his way through his problems and insecurities.
Evolution
KRUNG first released music under the stage name Amarin, a Thai name that can be interpreted as heavenly, celestial, or boss of the angels. This name is his given middle name.
In an effort to modernize and embrace his status as a producer, he then rebranded to the artist name AK1. This name was simple. His initials, and the number one, symbolizing that he was one of a kind. But let’s be honest here, AK1 is generic. So generic that no one will find him with a quick search of the name.
So here come KRUNG, a unique artist name that means “capital”, “city”, and “origin” in ancient Thai. This also reflects where he comes from; his hometown, Krung Thep (Bangkok), Thailand.
Life and Education
KRUNG’s life begins in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was born before spending his first three months in a small apartment in the area. Soon after, his family moved across the world to Thailand, settling first in Nonthaburi, a city just outside Bangkok. After a few early childhood years there, he moved to Samut Prakan, and later to a border district of Bangkok—where he spent the next five years of his life.
He attended an International Baccalaureate school in central Bangkok before transferring to a private Christian international school. During this time, music surrounded him constantly: his mom is a singer, and his dad is a cellist. He took piano lessons regularly and grew up in a deeply musical environment.
After eight years in the Bangkok area, he and his family returned to the United States, settling in the Greater Boston area. There, new opportunities in music began to open. He picked up the cello in school, but everything changed when he discovered music production. At 12, he began creating songs in GarageBand, teaching himself piece by piece.
As he grew, he began training more seriously. He studied with a Berklee College of Music alum and later connected with a Berklee vocal coach who introduced him to singer-songwriter and rising artist Gracie Modean. She became his vocal coach, mentor, and industry guide. Through Gracie, he met songwriter, producer, and Berklee student Lilah Sesling, who became his production teacher.
As KRUNG’s story continues, he plans to attend Berklee College of Music—and aims to modernize and globalize Thai music on the world stage.
A Producer, Singer, Songwriter, and a visionary
KRUNG isn’t only a producer.
He writes, sings, performs, directs himself, and even coaches himself through tough techniques when he isn’t with a mentor. He pushes himself. Whether it’s nailing a belt, trying out new genres, or arranging complex instrumentals, he rarely ever gives up on a project.
The Mission
KRUNG knows that the Thai music industry can evolve. It can become modern, global, and respectable. He’s realized that the Thai music industry is stuck in a loop of old techniques and can never get out of its old times.
People are already trying to change the Thai music industry; think Lisa, Jeff Satur, BOWKYLION, and NONT TANONT; and KRUNG wants to be a part of this change. Not by copying Western styles, but by transforming T-Pop into something new, sleek, modern, electronic, global. Something the world hasn’t heard yet. Or even prepared to hear.