What music do you listen to?
I think it’s fair to say Sek Loso, Pu Phongsit and Add Carabao have influenced me a lot. The thing is I don’t think I’m very good at the guitar so I enjoy simple songs with direct, honest lyrics. I also think that who we are dictates what we like. I’m a “lo-so” kind of guy so these types of songs really speak to me.
Your songs carry strong messages about peace and life; can you explain your songwriting process?
I just finished a new song about the sea and mountains, inviting people to come experience the South. It took me two days to write. But the process does vary; for example, one of the songs I performed on TGT took me about two weeks. I don’t plan ahead, when it comes to me, I just write it down. It often comes together simultaneously: the lyrics, chords and rhythm. When I compose I don’t need nice views or the right atmosphere. I can work anywhere; a tiny room and a mountaintop are the same for me. I don’t play the guitar to drown my sorrows. For me, my guitar is a part of my soul and I don’t want to have it involved with bad things.
Your performances on TGT were captivating; do you have any special tricks for performing live?
I often look at the audience and remember that I’m singing for them. I also always start my set with the song “Nok Pirarb Si Khao” (The White Pigeon), which you might have heard on the program—it reminds me why I’m doing this and where I come from.
What do you make of many Thai artists taking their main inspiration from the West?
As much as you can’t force anyone to play a certain style, I just hope they carry with them some Thainess. It would be great to make a name for yourself internationally and then be able to stand up to the world and say this is Thai. For me, Thai is the right thing for a Thai person to be. I grew up with manora, nang taloong and li gay hulu [traditional Southern performances]; I hear them in my ears all the time. So, I guess this will always be present in whatever music I make. We should make the most of our unique sound from traditional music instruments. It’s something electronic devices can’t imitate.
We heard you were written off by many people in the music industry during your years as an independent artist. Do you feel your success is a big punch in their faces?
Not at all. In fact, I must thank those people. If not for them, I might never have got to where I am. Going through such experiences really makes you strong. It gets you to challenge yourself to see if you have what it takes.
