The Voice contestant takes a big step
By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs by Varuth Hirunyatheb
and courtesy of What the Duck
Did you know
Chart was one of the last members of Stamp Apiwat’s The Voice team.
Although he didn’t reach the final round of the third season of The Voice Thailand, singer-songwriter Suchart Saeheng (Chart) had already won over the judges and audience with his soulful voice and guitar playing skill.
Hailing from southern Thailand, the 26-year-old made his mark on The Voice during the blind auditions, when all four judges turned their seats for him.
Chart has taken another big step towards becoming a pop star with his debut single, “Karn Dern Taang (Backpack),” after scoring a record deal with indie music label What the Duck. “Backpack” is a sweet acoustic pop tune on which Chart compares his passion for traveling with love and relationships.
Student Weekly recently met up with the singer to chat about his new single, musical background and experience on The Voice.
Student Weekly: What have you been doing in the year since you left The Voice?
Chart: I’ve been writing a lot of songs and getting ready to release my first album. I’ve also written a soundtrack for a TV drama called Sud Kan San Rak.
Student Weekly: How did you become involved with What the Duck?
Chart: Producer Komol Boonpienpol approached me while I was still on The Voice. I took a couple of months to make my decision, because I had offers from several labels. But I decided to join What the Duck because they gave me 100 percent creative freedom.
Student Weekly: How long had you been playing music before joining the competition?
Chart: I started learning how to play instruments when I was in elementary school in Hat Yai. I formed my first band in high school and started joining music competitions. Most of my friends moved away after graduating, so I started performing solo in clubs and bars, before opening my own bar, Samnak Ngarn (Office), in Hat Yai, where I perform regularly.
Student Weekly: Why did you decide to join The Voice?
Chart: I did it just for fun. I didn’t care if I was going to win or not. Actually I passed an audition for the second season of The Voice, but I decided not to join the show because it was on the same date as my bar’s opening party. I joined the competition again a year later when my friend invited me to go on holiday in Phuket. The Voice auditions were held there, so I decided to try again.
Student Weekly: Your single “Backpack” is about travelling. How much do you love to travel?
Chart: A lot! I love to go wherever there are mountains, woods or beaches. I love anywhere that has no buildings. I enjoy nature a lot. But as I get older and have more responsibilities, I don’t have enough time for vacations.
Student Weekly: Do you find it stressful to work in Bangkok?
Chart: Yeah, a little bit. I used to rarely come to Bangkok. But when I moved here, my first question was “why is this city so hot and noisy?” [Laughs.] But I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be a singer here.
Student Weekly: What kind of music do you really enjoy listening to or playing?
Chart: It changes as I get older. I love many kinds of music but my favourites are jazz and blues, because I studied jazz when I was younger. But I think doing acoustic pop and folk suits my style better, and it’s easier to connect with a lot more listeners.
Vocabulary
- hail from (phrasal v): to come from or have been born in a particular place
audition (n): a short performance given by a singer so they can show their ability
debut (adj): the first appearance of something
approach (v): to speak to somebody about something
stressful (adj): causing a lot of worry
