In the last quarter of 2023, Sonray debuted the most stellar boy group in the Thai Industry – the shiniest one, BUS because of you I shine. The members consist of the winning contestant from 789 Survival, produced by TADA Entertainment; Alan, Marckris, Khunpol, Heart, Jinwook, Thai, Nex, Phutachai, Copper, AA, Jungt, and Peemwasu. The group’s concept was about street smarts and pop culture that met with Thai excellence which made them shine the brightest.
BUS brought sparkling stage presence, visual impact, unique concept, and a promising future of the TPOP industry. The group has been only a year old, but their outstanding dynamic brought them an award from Asia Artist Award 2024, ‘Artist of the Year’.
The group debuted with the digital single, ‘Because of you, I Shine’. The single hit the internet like a shooting star, as they delivered the promise of what the group could bring.
The rise of number followed up with their second digital single, ‘Watch Your Step’ and as the warning said, the netizens failed to watch and slipped into their charm. The single’s success was also credited to a BEUS, N’Mind, as she popularized the fanchant in a TikTok post that results as classic flag ceremony chant in every school.
Although BUS is 12, the group has introduced sub-unit divisions. BUS5 has shown a melodramatic vibe with ‘No Matter What’, consisting of Marckris, Heart, Jinwook, Phutachai, and Jungt. The song was heavily inspired from western 2000 city pop, which consists of complex compositions in a ballad genre.
‘No Matter What’ was highly approved, which heightened the hype of the next sub-unit debut. BUS7 conquered expectations with ‘Brother Zone’. The sub-unit was composed of Alan, Khunpol, Thai, Nex, Copper, AA, and Peemwasu. This sub-unit concept shows us the highschool Japanese vibe.
The success leads them to make a collaboration with an exchange live session performance with Billkin and PP as the couple has just also released their comeback single, ‘Surrender’.
As BUS became more successful in music, they also became partners with brands such as OPPO, Garnier Thailand, Nestlé Pure Life, 4U2 Cosmetics, AIS 5G, NPP BOX, and Sunsu. Members became part of the brand family, this member became the ambassador of this brand and this band partnered with this member. One of the collaborations brought BUS a promotional single for Nestlé Pure Life, titled, ‘Feeling Bab Wa Ooh!’
BUS produced their iconic reality show, Bussing Thailand. BUS traveled around South Thailand and throughout the show we were shown the beauty of nature, environment, and friendship. The show’s success provides BUS a sequel to their BUSSING series, more details to that later. 😉
BUS also recorded two OSTs for the show
Throughout their busy media exposures and shows, BUS came back to their music game and this time BUS showed a darker tone concept. This time the sound became more complex as they explored their different sides.
Their comeback skyrocketed that even the international audience took notice. This also led to their Asia Artist Award 2024, ‘Artist of the Year’ award in which they also performed their recent singles, Liar and Transformer.
In the same year, BUS has been in solo concerts and a fan concert tour. BUS 1st Fancon Tour ‘Knock Knock Knock’ was the first tour they made inside Thailand and back-to-back in the last quarter of 2024; “Happy BUSDAY” The 1st Year Diary Concert. The burst of concert doesn’t stop there, the group held their first solo concert, Light The World. Composed of the group effort to perform in group and solos. Before the diary concert, BUS released an endearing single dedicated to their relationship with BEUS:
Are you also a BL fan? Well, fan fact! Thai Chayanon had played the character of Pause in Friend Forever. He also appeared as a guest in Y-Destiny as Khaoniao. Moreover, if you watched I Told Sunset About You series of Billkin and PP, Khunpol may be familiar as he played the role of Bas. (Not BL but aside from Thai Chayanon and Khunpol, Copper played as Sky in My Sassy Princess: Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty series.)
Speaking of Boys Love, BUS had the opportunity to sing the soundtrack of Gelboys titled, ‘No Status-Status.’ The group was the embodiment of the series as it portrays Gen Z aesthetic, lifestyle, sound, and story – just as perfect as this OST:
The boys had released BOW WOW in the first quarter of this year. The song tunes with a joyful but longing for love vibe.
As we follow, the group has released their first album, a compilation of their discography at that time. It comes in digital and physical release (full, mini, and vinyl) with two versions; Warm Ray Shine and Star Light Shine. Following the success, the group finally debuted in Japan where they also released the Japanese version of their debut single, Because Of You I Shine.
This follows up for their continued Japan promotion including their new reality series, BUSSING JAPAN. It was a spin-off of BUSSING THAILAND. The series premiered on August 7 this year.
The series followed with a joyful and youthful soundtrack.
And guess what? Back to back, baby! The group released their anticipated comeback as fans expressed their longing for edgier and strong concepts. They released Boss in the Building wherein BEUS had a grip for Alan’s powerful aura (durian).
The power doesn’t stop there, as they continued it with BB, with Heart as the center, the concept was more darker and sexier. The song had a bass hitting vibe, perfect for a party night out.
As of latest, the group came back with a sad, endearing, and tragic film music video. It talks about chasing a dream and fulfilling it. The group had one dream, to chase the star. But, it’s a life or death situation – a mission ‘no turning back’, literally and figuratively.
BUS has been significant to the TPOP industry, becoming a staple introduction of what the industry can offer. All of BUS’ growth was all dedicated to their growing fanbase, BEUS. The group will be having an anniversary concert, Happy BUS Day: The Sophomore. And with the upcoming excitement for their sophomore year.
Written by: Sky Sassitorn
Thaimazing Manila 