Singular star goes solo
By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb
Did you know
Sin writes songs during traffic jams.
Tosaporn Achawanuntakul (Sin) is well-known as the vocalist and songwriter of the popular duo Singular. In 2003, the guys broke their fans’ hearts when they decided to split up. After a long hiatus, the 29-year-old singer returns to the music scene with his first self-written solo single, “Goodbye.” The song pairs a breezy pop melody with Sin’s gentle singing, while a violin adds to the mellow mood.
Sin also sang the theme song of the TV drama, Lom Son Rak (The Wind Hides Love), produced by the renowned Nueng Narongvit. Sin’s beautiful voice and the popularity of the drama helped the song win the most popular song award at the EFM Awards last April.
Student Weekly recently met up with Sin at the BEC-Tero office where the friendly singer told us about his experiences in the music scene.
Student Weekly: Is it true that you were a shy boy?
Sin: I was very shy. But during junior high school, I joined the Bangkok Opera choir. I had to sing with a lot of people onstage which reduced my shyness. In university, I performed with my friends and found that there was nothing scary about being onstage.
Student Weekly: What did you learn from joining the Bangkok Opera?
Sin: I learned how to work with other people. I had to arrange my time to practice with the choir three or four times a week. The choir was conducted by Western people who were serious about being on time. So, I had to be punctual.
Student Weekly: How did you find your own music style?
Sin: I listened to various kinds of music before I figured out my favourite genres. My music style is whatever I feel comfortable listening to.
Student Weekly: Did you write “Goodbye” for your former band mate Nut Chotiwuth?
Sin: There are personal feelings behind the song, but I would like to keep them to myself. I prefer listeners to feel like it’s their song so they can click with it by themselves.
Student Weekly: What was it like to have ETC’s So Manluck as your producer for “Goodbye”?
Sin: We both took the job seriously, so we worked together smoothly. We could also discuss any ideas we had about the song.
Student Weekly: You seem like a calm person. Do you ever get angry?
Sin: I become quiet, and many people say they can tell that I’m angry from my furious eyes. But some people don’t notice it. [Laughs.] So, I recently decided to speak up when I feel irritated.
Student Weekly: Why did the producer Nueng Narongvit choose you to sing the theme song for Lom Son Rak?
Sin: He said my voice suits the drama because it’s gentle like the wind.
Student Weekly: Do your songs give people encouragement?
Sin: Yes. I was glad when a girl thanked me for writing the song, “Long (Try),” which inspired her to take her exams and continue studying.
Student Weekly: How do you encourage yourself when you have a hard time?
Sin: I read books because they help me to stop thinking too much about my problems. I also talk with people who have experienced the same difficulties as me. When I watch TV or movies, I sometimes pick up some ideas that encourage me.
Student Weekly: What will the Thai music business be like in the future since many people prefer to download pirated music?
Sin: There will be a lot of live performances, but hopefully people will purchase songs online more than before since physical CDs will probably disappear. However, some people might start collecting vinyl records.
Student Weekly: How will you fill the empty space of Nut onstage?
Sin: I’ll be myself and have fun with what I do. There are many solo artists who can entertain their audiences. It’s also my dream to have my own single and a solo album, so I will focus on my songs and do my best.
Vocabulary
- choir (n): a group of people who sing together
punctual (adj): arriving, doing something, or happening at the expected, correct time; not late
click (v): to be understood, or become clear suddenly
furious (adj): extremely angry
irritated (adj): annoyed
vinyl record (n): records made of vinyl, a strong plastic
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