Solo electro

Golf swings into action

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb
and courtesy of GMM Grammy

Back in 2006, top pop duo Golf-Mike had a big breakthrough when they joined forces with J-pop sensation Tomohisa Yamashita to release the single, “Fever to Future,” under the name of Kitty GYM. Now 25-year-old Pichaya Nitipaisalkul (Golf) is ready to move on from being a bubble gum pop idol and pursue a solo career.

In recent times, Golf has been busy producing his electro pop solo album, Invasion. The singer has also released music videos for his electronic R&B song “Take Me to Ur Bed,” his electro rock track, “I Can’t Breath,” and his latest pop single, “Black Hole.” Golf’s efforts were rewarded when he was nominated for best male singer and artist with best performance prizes at the recent Seed Awards.

Student Weekly recently met up with Golf at the Meefah Music School. The solo star told us about his love of electronic music, his solo work and about dealing with gossip.

Student Weekly: How did you become interested in electronic pop music?

Golf: When I was studying audio engineering, a Danish instructor took me to a concert by Canadian electro musician Deadmau5. I was really impressed because he didn’t play other people’s music like other DJs — he played progressive house and electro house that he composed himself. After that, I started listening to more of that kind of music and tried to create my own songs in that style.

Student Weekly: What inspired the title of your album, Invasion?

Golf: I want to invade the Thai music scene with my distinctive sound. I came up with the title when I released “Black Hole,” and I think the titles go well together.

Student Weekly: Why did you ask Golf F**king Hero to write lyrics for “Black Hole”?

Golf: He writes form an unusual perspective and I like his sarcastic sense of humour. “Black Hole” actually ended up being written by somebody else in his team, but I like the lyrics. I asked the songwriter to include stuff about all the gossip that was bombarding me at the time.

Student Weekly: Is there a particular reason why Invasion took so long to finish?

Golf: It was the first time that I’d produced an album, so there were a lot of details to take care of. It was quite stressful.

Student Weekly: What did you learn from performing in the stage play Rak Thoe Samer (I Will Always Love You) last year?

Golf: It boosted my confidence. I used to worry about what to say or do onstage, but since acting in the play I’ve felt much more comfortable performing.

Student Weekly: Do you regret not releasing more music in Japan?

Golf: No. It was a great opportunity, but the music I made in Japan wasn’t really my style. I want to be myself and work on something that I can be proud of.

Student Weekly: How do you feel about people focusing on your private life more than your work?

Golf: I’m sick of it. Some people can’t appreciate the value of musicians. Instead of asking me about the unique music I make, some people just want to talk about gossip. I’m a singer, not a celebrity. And if I take a picture with a female friend, it doesn’t automatically mean that she’s my girlfriend.

Student Weekly: Why should music fans check out Invasion?

Golf: It’s something new for anybody who likes electronic music, which isn’t mainstream music in Thailand. Aside from me, other local artists making this kind of music are Kitsch Cat and Cyndi Seui. With “Black Hole,” I’ve gained more international fans. I hope local listeners will also check out my album.