Apiwat Eurthavornsuk would never be described as traditionally handsome. But there's something endearing about the combination of his droopy eyes and upwardly curved lips, which give the impression of an etched-in smile, that complements his easy-going, good-tempered, everyman persona.
Apiwat 'Stamp' Eurthavornsuk.
"Cute"— just ask the veritable army of his adoring fans — would be the best-suited term for Apiwat, better known as Stamp, one of the most famous Thai singer/songwriters in recent years. In addition to writing strings of mainstream hits, Stamp's disarming charm and sunny disposition have earned him a huge following as one of the four judges on the televised singing competition The Voice. You can see his face on billboards along the expressway, and hear his voice and compositions for advertisements and numerous artists including Thongchai McIntyre, Moderndog and Fukking Hero booming from the radio.
After more than a decade in the music business, Apiwat released his first full length album, Sci-Fi, last month.
"As everyone knows, the music business has changed drastically, and a lot of artists have opted to release singles and mini albums instead of full length ones. It's more cost effective and easier to promote, as you can concentrate on one particular song for a certain period of time," he said.
"But I've decided to do something different. I was riding around in a car one day and listening to an artist's LP. I felt like that artist told one complete story through his 12 songs, and I wanted to try to do the same. I stopped all other jobs and concentrated on this album."
Apiwat began writing and composing, culling ideas and concepts from his own experiences, stories he hears or cultural products he's been consuming. Songwriting comes naturally to him, and Sci-Fi, which has racked up positive reviews, has given him a long-awaited opportunity to stray from churning out one single after another.
"I'll be completely honest with you here. I'm worried that all the new songs won't be as popular, but what can you do, right? It actually doesn't matter because if these songs don't make it, they don't make it. I feel that every single one of them deserves a full promotional effort, but that's really alright. I think doing a full album gives you space to experiment, to try something new, to shock people while you're still able to give them what they want to hear as well," he said.
So far reactions and feedback have been enthusiastic, with lead tracks such as Hai Tai Si Pub Pa (Gosh Dang It!) and Nukleng Keyboard (Keyboard Mafia) getting regular airplay on radio stations across the country. Sci-Fi also features some of Apiwat's favourite artists, from the "king of love songs-for-life", Pongsith Kampee, to pop princess Palmy and Japanese artist YMCK — as well as Cyndi Seui on-board as a co-producer.
"I always pick my featuring artists for selfish reasons. I pick them because I like them and really want to meet them! I've asked Pongsith to feature in Winyan (Spirit) because the content of the song was so heavy and I knew I wouldn't be able to convey everything I want to as well as he can. Some people even say that I should just let him sing the whole song without chiming in," he said.
Now 32, Apiwat first picked up the guitar when he was 15 years old, intending to follow in the footsteps of his icon, Moderndog, the Thai alternative rock outfit. He fell in love with Britpop and guitar rock, and he chose the instrument because he thought it would make him a lot cooler than being just a singer. He passed an entrance examination to study computer science, but called it quits after a year due to its irreconcilable difficulty. He then enrolled in Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Architecture.
"Members of Moderndog also went to the same architecture school, so it made a lot of sense to me. Also, a lot of musicians during that time studied architecture, so I thought I should give it a go. Then again, I wasn't really a good student, so I wouldn't have known what to do with what I'd studied if I didn't concentrate on music," he said.
And Apiwat definitely took his music seriously. He joined Kluay Thai, a nu-metal band, as its guitarist, and in 2004 formed another group with his architecture school classmates — but 7thScene was short-lived, with only one released album.
"7thScene was more niche than what I'm doing now, and it wasn't just me, so it was quite different. But I can honestly say that there are still 7thScene fans out there, and I believe that our music has a chance to live for a long time, since we really did what we wanted to do. Some day, more people will come to appreciate it," he said.
Apiwat then joined forces with legendary songwriter Boyd Kosiyapong, who took him under his widespread wings. Apiwat had the chance to compose everything from commercial scores to music for boy bands and girl groups. It was Boyd who encouraged Apiwat to branch out on his own and sing.
He slowly gained momentum, surprising cynics as he churned out one hit after another.
"Not all my songs are hits; there are some flops, too! But I think I'm closer to the age of my audience now, so I consume the same things they do and speak their language. I'm worried about the same things, so I can communicate with them quite well, I guess. Maybe five years from now I might lose touch with the younger ones, I don't know. But it doesn't matter — I can still speak to and understand those who are willing to listen."
The Voice, the final seal on his stardom, came as a surprise to Apiwat — and many others. On the show, judge Jennifer Kim takes on the "diva" role, rapper Joey Boy represents the "cool" side and Kong Saharat somehow still manages to hold on to his superstar status after many years.There didn't seem to be much room for Apiwat, who was less-known than the other three. As it turned out, he won the nation over with his childlike humour, genuine enthusiasm and natural quips. It also helps that Apiwat is a well-rounded musician with lengthy credentials, who doesn't rely on looks.
"I didn't expect it to happen at all. I was surprised I got picked. At first I wasn't sure if I should do it, but the opportunity presented itself and I had to take it. The night before the first taping, I couldn't sleep at all. I was in my own corner, and I wasn't used to people who weren't fans of my music. I was quite scared, to be honest with you," he said.
Everything, however, worked out — a member of Apiwat's team, Songkran Rungsan, became the winner of the second season.
"He might not be the best singer on the show, but he had something else. During the blind audition, he didn't perform so well, but after hearing hundreds of great singers, there was something in his voice that pricked my ears and I decided to choose him," he said.
Apiwat doesn't believe in extreme coaching, and he usually allowed his team members to make their own decisions, helping them to do their best in whatever they chose to do each week. He learned a lot from them, he said.
"I've been able to open my heart to new styles of music, and I was able to learn a lot more about musical styles that didn't necessarily interest me before. I've also learned to pay more attention to singing techniques, which really helps improve the songs," he said.
When The Voice — the third season of which is right around the corner — was on air, Apiwat became highly visible.
It was quite difficult to be in public, he said, but strangely, when the show ended, his life returned to normal — he could once again walk around a shopping mall with his girlfriend without being disturbed.
There is, however, a negative side to being under such a strong spotlight.
"I think it's my weak spot. I can't really handle reading all the negative criticism online. I always want to respond, but I know better than to do so. I know it's impossible to make everyone agree with me and what I say. I'm still trying to cope with that," he said.
Apiwat doesn't plan to be in the limelight forever. He's currently considering more possibilities in the music industry, from concert promotion to running a fully-fledged studio.
"You know, sometimes I get worried that if my next songs don't become hits, how I'd survive or put food on the table. I am pretty certain that my popularity will lessen as years go by. Also, what if I start a family and have children? I can't be on the road forever," he said.
"But I'd like to do something with music until the day I die."
