The Voice singer speaks up
By Suwitcha Chaiyong, photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb
The runner-up of The Voice Thailand 3, Suthita Chanachaisuwan (Image) is admired for her ability to express feelings through her emotional singing. Since the show finished, the 18-year-old singer has been studying hard at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Economics.
Image has also performed at several music events and released a single, “Kae Lom Pak (Just a Word).” She will also try acting in the upcoming TV drama, Song Kram Pleng (Music Battle), with Bom Anurak, the good-looking singer from KPN Awards.
Student Weekly met up with Image and her mom at a caf?, where she told us about her music.
Student Weekly: Is being a singer how you imagined?
Image: Yes. One of my goals was to have my songs played on the radio and have people request them. Now, two of my songs are on the radio. It’s like a dream come true.
Student Weekly: Which music events impressed you the most?
Image: I was impressed with Big Mountain because I’ve wanted to go there with my friends since I was in junior high school. I never imagined that I’d be onstage. It was a huge event and being a part of it was cool. I felt so excited and energetic onstage.
The other event was the International Balloon Fiesta in Chiang Rai. I was impressed by the nice environment and staff and I had a chance to ride in a balloon. I didn’t get up very high but it was fun.
Student Weekly: Why did you decide to work with veteran producer Thaneth?
Image: He contacted me through my coach at The Voice, Stamp Apiwat. At first, his name didn’t ring a bell, but his songs did. I can remember his lyrics because my parents are both big fans. He studies dharma and his songs give me some interesting thoughts. I find it amazing that he can put preaching messages into catchy songs.
Student Weekly: What was it like to record “Just a Word” and “Kham Tob (Answer)” in the studio?
Image: Both were difficult in their own way. For “Just a Word” I worked with a professional producer and musicians. I felt a bit nervous. Thaneth told me to sing the whole song in one take because he wanted the emotions on the song to be connected. If I screwed up, I had to sing again. It took five days to finish.
“Answer” only took one day because I sang one verse at a time and took a break.
Student Weekly: How did you feel about your first time acting in Music Battle?
Image: I’d never acted before. It was very hard. Drama requires real acting skills and I have to get into a character and believe that I’m not myself. While filming, the director, crew and other cast who have more experience always gave me advice. I tried to follow them as much as I could. I don’t know if I’ve improved, but it’s getting easier.
Student Weekly: How was working with Bom Anurak?
Image: At first I always wanted to laugh when I looked into his eyes during a scene. I felt tense. After getting to know him more, it was more comfortable. Bom is nice and funny.
Student Weekly: Does being a quiet person cause you any problems as a singer or actress?
Image: It causes me a lot of problems as a singer but not as an actress. An actress is told you what to say. As a singer, I’m myself and I don’t speak much. It’s hard to entertain people. I’m working on that and trying to speak more.
Student Weekly: What concert have you enjoyed recently?
Image: I saw Imagine Dragons at Impact Arena. Everything was great. The show made me jump up and down so much that after the concert, it was hard to move my legs. I still watch a video of that show when I want to feel more energetic.
Student Weekly: Do you have any message for your fans?
Image: Thank you so much for supporting me. I hope we continue to be in one another’s lives forever. I love you.
runner-up (n): a person or team that finishes second in a race or competition
fiesta (n): a public event when people celebrate and are entertained with music and dancing
dharma (n): the teachings of Buddha
preach (v): to tell people about a particular religion or way of life in order to make them accept it
screw up (phrasal v): to do something badly
verse (n): a group of lines that form a unit in a poem or song
IDIOM
ring a bell: to sound familiar
