Wan solo

All-round entertainer returns to music

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs by Varuth Hirunyatheb
and courtesy of Spicy Disc

It has been more than three years since Thanakrit Panichwid (Wan) released his hit album, Asoke. During that time, the pop singer-songwriter seemed to focus on expanding his fan base by acting in TV dramas and movies.

Wan has released several new songs over the past couple of years that he recorded for TV dramas and movie soundtracks. He has also as written and produced music for other artists. However, loyal fans have been waiting eagerly for some new releases from the 29-year-old singer.

Wan recently fulfilled his fans wishes with the release of his new single, “Dao Aunkan (Mars),” which has just been released by the Spicy Disc label. The singer is also gearing up for a long tour around Thailand.

Student Weekly recently caught up with Wan for an interview. The singer was laid-back and friendly as he happily told us about his new music and his new home with Spicy Disc.

Student Weekly: Can you give us an update on what you’ve been doing over the past year?

Wan: I’ve been busy doing all the usual things I do — playing live shows all over the place and working on a new TV drama, which took seven months to complete. I also had an official concert with A-time Media last year which was really fun. Apart from that, I’ve been working on my new single.

Student Weekly: How did you end up signing with Spicy Disc?

Wan: My contract with A-time Media expired earlier this year. We didn’t talk about renewing the deal, so I decided to become independent artist and tried to do things on my own for about six months. I thought that with websites like Facebook and YouTube, artists don’t need to be signed with major labels to release music anymore. But I had so many different things to work on that I couldn’t keep up with them all. I started talking to several music labels and eventually settled with Spicy Disc.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your new single, “Mars”?

Wan: I got the idea for the song last year. At the time I knew a lot of people who worked at office day jobs who always had to deal with a lot of papers on their desks. That sort of job is like boring, routine work where nothing new happens and every day is the same. But their boring lives can suddenly become sunny if they fall in love or start a new relationship. Love makes life more meaningful.

Student Weekly: How would you describe your new sound?

Wan: My music hasn’t changed much, but over the past few years I’ve learned a lot more about chord structures. I became interested in music that uses complicated chord progressions, but that at the same time sounds simple and accessible to listeners.

Student Weekly: What mostly inspires your songwriting style?

Wan: I usually pick up on things that happen around me. It can be anything, and I try to expand those ideas into pop songs. I also love using wordplay in my songs. Sometimes the song title refers to one thing, but the lyrics have a totally different meaning. My new song “Mars” isn’t about space or the planet Mars. It’s about meeting a cute girl on a Tuesday.

Student Weekly: You also write songs for other artists, especially for True Fantasia singers. How does writing for others compare with writing for yourself?

Wan: Writing for others is much more complicated. I need to have a long talk with a person and try to get to know more about them before writing a song that suits their style. But when I write a song for myself, I already know what I want and don’t want.

Student Weekly: When can fans expect your next album to be released?

Wan: I’ve already recorded five or six demos of new songs, which I’ll keep working on. I plan to release another second single in January, and the full album should be finished in the second half of next year.

 

comments powered by Disqus