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As I Lay Dying guitarist, Nick Hipa, has spoken to ThrashHits.com about how his band spent 2008, and what they're up to in 2009.

By Yeoh Wee Teck, NewPaper Reporter
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original article here:
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/show/story/0,4136,125636,00.html
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pics here:
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/picturegallerypopup/0,6303,StoryPage-125636-1,00.html?
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Venus Flytrap: possibly the world's first transgender girl group in Bangkok. In an exclusive interview with The New Paper (By Yeoh Wee Teck), its members spoke in a mix of charmingly-accented English that was enveloped in a flurry of Thai and loud peals of laughter. Except for the over-enthusiastic display of the latest makeup colours on one of its member's faces, the others were lightly made up. Some hands were slightly larger than that of a woman's, the voices were lower and there is always the shadow of an adam's apple.But aside from these details, the five-members of Venus Flytrap could walk down the street and none of us would be any wiser.The group started in Bangkok as a product of an open audition with a twist - you had to be a ladyboy.
(Above, from far left) Venus Flytrap members Bobo, Taya and Amy waiting to go on stage for their performance in Bangkok. (Above) The group showing off their sexy moves. Ladyboy is a term for transsexuals and transvestites coined by the Thais. It hits the image right on - these are women who were men. Some are still men.Taya, Gina, Amy, Sasa and Bobo are the ladyboy version of Spice Girls. They sing a brand of music they call nu-able pop, meaning European dance beats with Thai lyrics.All except Bobo are post-op transsexuals. Once Bobo gets his doctor's approval, the group then technically becomes an all-female band.Still, it doesn't matter to Bobo (real name Ploipaitoon Moukprakaaiphed), 25. He said: 'I'm waiting to get my doctor's approval. I need to get my body perfect before the operation.'I'm not worried - cut or not cut, I'm happy. My family accepts me and I have good friends. I'm happy now.'

The debut album Visa For Love (released in December last year) has done reasonably well and Venus Flytrap has grown to become a regular fixture of TV and stages.News of this transgender group has spread thoughout the globe, with reports and interviews with Venus Flytrap from Japan to the UK.Taya (Dhanade Ruangroongroj), 24, said: 'We didn't expect to be known around Asia but we want the Thais to know us.'So far, the group's countymen have been accepting and the Thai media has been generous with coverage.The baby of the group Amy (Rachakorn Jaroensukin), 22, said that she does not face animosity in school. 'Most of the people accept me for what I am. If certain people don't, I cannot control them, I can't order them to accept me.' But she said she has met disapproving people outside of school.'They came to me to ask, 'Are you man or are you girl?' 'I don't have anything to say to them. I smile and answer them, 'Sorry, I'm a girl.' 'Sometimes I get angry, sometimes it makes me sad. But I don't care because I choose my life and I'm strong.' On being lady boys, Gina said: 'It's never a secret, I always tell people about me. Added Taya: 'We'll always know who we are, we know about our past, we are not going to cheat ourselves.'With Amy, the group represents a chance to do what she loves - to sing.'I was born a ladyboy, so I thought I had no opportunity to be a singer.'For Bobo, father took about three years to accept her. 'My dad was finally convinced because I never got involved with drugs, I'm a good student and when I work, I send money home.'And like all girl groups, they claim to love each other to bits and treat one another like sisters.'Everyone in the group are my best friends,' exclaimed Amy, her eyes shining with near-scary excitement.

PLUS POINTS
Gina listed everyone's plus points: 'Taya is very confident, Amy is intelligent, Bobo is funny and people are always fascinated with Sasa.'The group was formed in late 2005 and spent most of last year getting its act in shape for its debut. They were thrown in together for gruelling singing and dancing lessons.

The beginning stages some friction.
Bobo revealed: 'In the first four months, we had big fights. At that time, we didn't know each other very well. Today, when there is a problem, we'll sit down to talk.'Now that fame beckons, things are slightly different for Venus Flytrap.For one, Gina said she's learnt to be careful of what she says and 'be aware of my image'.As for Amy, the change has been minimal. She is still a university student. She came to the interview still in her school uniform because she had just finished a test.But her classmates are excited about her new-found fame.'But no, they don't get photos or autographs. But my younger schoolmates do though.'For Bobo, the change has been internal. When he first met his younger group members, he said: 'I felt ugly and thought my voice was too manly. Now, I feel more valuable.'I don't need to be famous. I'm happy to have my own album, I'm just happy to work.
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Thank you NewPaper for being brave & open.

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