Five talented youngsters are picked to form the Rock Dream Team

They came, they auditioned and now the five most talented youngsters who took part in the "One-O-Eight Music" contest, Thai Public Broadcasting Service's musical phenomenon that's had viewers glued to their screens every Sunday night for the last couple of the months, are officially members of Rock Dream Team.

They are Tanat "Champ" Meatanayanon, who won the accolade for his rockin' guitar, Patcharapong "May" Rueng-hirunwong, best rock bassist, drummer Attapol "Art" Sutta-chai, keyboards player Navin "Jo" Soratchakit and, the only girl to make the cut, Patchara-pon "Arm" Khoatsamut, recognised for her strong vocals.

Their techniques

"I focused on both technique and melody," says Champ whose guitar hero is Paul Gilbert. "And I'm looking forward to proving my abilities with Rock Dream Team."

"I used the slap and double thumb technique," says May, whose favourite bassists are Dream Theatre's John Myer and Mr Big's Billy Sheehan.

"I played a drum solo and showcased my own arrangement," says Art, a fan of '70s blues rock in the style of Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton.

"I just used keyboard as you'd play a guitar. It's a very versatile instrument that lends itself to rock as much as to classical and jazz music," says Jo, who's a piano teacher at Music Practice.

Arm, 17, a student at Kalayanawat School in Khon Kaen, says she entered the contest because she wanted to experience singing rock.

Working on album

The new band recently showed off their new songs "Rocking Romance", "Yoo Thi Jai" and "Rao" at the Art Venue at Esplanade Cineplex. They're currently recording their debut album.

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Ready to play

>> Rock Dream Team will perform at the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of Overdrive guitar magazine on August 16 and at TK Park in September.

>> "One-O-Eight Music" new project "Open Stage" is scheduled to kick off soon. Found out more at www.108Music.tv .