PAL RAINE

When Nanon Korapat released his latest single “Shiftless” under Riser Music, it wasn’t just another comeback — it was a statement. Directed by Aom Asanachinda, the music video unfolds in a haunting, cinematic world consumed by a zombie apocalypse, filled with tension, symbolism, and emotion. Starring alongside Tata Tarnpol, the newest actor-singer under GMMTV. Nanon offers something far beyond a love song. He delivers a story of survival, emotion, and queer undertones — a combination rarely seen in mainstream Thai music videos.

But what made Shiftless even more striking is how the OhmNanon fandom quickly noticed the parallels between this story and the Bad Buddy Series, where Nanon previously starred opposite Ohm Pawat. Many pointed out that certain visual elements — from the tone and color palette to subtle camera angles and emotional tension — seem to echo scenes from the beloved series, almost as if Shiftless were its quiet continuation in another universe.

Video credit to the original uploader

Nanon has always been a risk-taker, and Shiftless is his boldest move yet. While most Thai pop tracks focus on romance, heartbreak, or youthful themes, Nanon dared to merge a zombie survival narrative with queer emotion — a combination that instantly sets him apart. Under Aom Asanachinda’s visionary direction, the story goes beyond horror tropes, becoming an emotional exploration of what it means to remain human in a decaying world.

Why This Queer Theme Matters for Riser Music

It’s important to note that Shiftless marks a first for Riser Music. Among all its artists, none have yet delved into storytelling that boldly integrates queer emotion in such a raw and cinematic way. By choosing this concept, Nanon isn’t just representing himself — he’s opening a new creative door for his label.

This choice reflects his deep understanding of storytelling and identity. Nanon has never shied away from portraying queer roles with depth and authenticity, and his decision to bring that same energy into his music signifies courage — both artistic and personal. It’s also a subtle message of inclusivity, signaling that Riser Music is ready to embrace broader forms of expression beyond traditional pop narratives.

Through Shiftless, Nanon shows that queer themes aren’t trends — they’re human stories worth telling, even in the most unexpected settings.

The word Shiftless means “without direction” — a perfect mirror to the characters portrayed in the video: alive yet lost, surviving but detached. The zombie apocalypse becomes a metaphor for emotional emptiness and societal collapse. Amid that lifelessness, love — particularly queer love — becomes the only sign of true humanity left.

Fans couldn’t help but link this emotional undertone to Bad Buddy, where love also existed amid social barriers and silence. The way Shiftless uses space, distance, and wordless connection feels like an artistic echo — a story reborn in a different form.

Nanon’s Growth as an Artist

With Shiftless, Nanon is no longer just performing; he’s curating emotion. He’s moving from being a celebrated actor to a visionary artist who uses music as his narrative canvas. Every detail — from the haunting vocals to the visual storytelling — speaks of creative maturity. This is not a song for radio comfort; it’s a piece of visual poetry meant to be interpreted, discussed, and felt.

Queer storytelling has often been limited to specific genres, but Shiftless changes that. It presents queerness not as a label or issue, but as an integral part of human emotion. This redefines representation — showing that queer love belongs not just in romantic dramas, but in any world, any reality, even one overrun by the undead.

With Aom Asanachinda’s direction and Tata Tarnpol’s compelling presence, Shiftless becomes both a local and global statement. It carries the emotional honesty that international audiences connect to, while showcasing the cinematic power of Thai artistry. It also highlights Riser Music’s evolving creative vision — one that’s now more open to bold, inclusive, and socially aware storytelling.

In the end, Shiftless is more than a song — it’s a declaration of artistic and emotional freedom. Through its haunting imagery and queer subtext, it speaks of love that survives even in ruins, and identity that persists even in silence.

For fans, it’s impossible not to feel a familiar ache — the same one that Bad Buddy left behind. And for Nanon Korapat, Shiftless is proof that he’s not just telling stories — he’s redefining how they’re told.