Tor+ tries something new.
Being famous can be hard. When you make it to the top, how do you stay there? After a decade in showbiz, singer and pianist Saksit Vejsupaporn (Tor+) began to find things difficult. He’d lost his passion for music and was struggling to come up with new songs. So he decided that it was time to try something new.
Tor+ acted in some stage plays and appeared as a judge in the TV shows We Kid Thailand, The X Factor Thailand and The Mask Singer Thailand. Chinese artist Joshua Jin did a cover of Tor+’s song “Waiting for Love” and then invited the Thai star to perform with him in Beijing. Tor+ also performed at the festival Music Matters in Singapore. He’s clearly enjoying a new lease of life.
S Weekly caught up with Tor+ at Yamaha Music School where he told us about his self-doubt and how he turned things around.
Is it true that you thought that your music career was over?
Tor+: Yes. After I released my last album Add 9 in 2013, I felt disillusioned. I thought there was nothing new to do. I realised for the first time that good things can come to an end. I felt that my time at the top was over. I wasn’t sure what I would do next. I thought I might start working behind the scenes.
How did you overcome your doubts?
Tor+: I talked to people I respect and listened to what they had to say, even if it was something I didn’t want to hear. My producer, Po Posayanukul, said that my music was out of date. At first, hearing that made me feel down. But after I thought about it a bit more, I decided to open myself up to new ideas. I went to see more concerts and tried new activities to help develop my skills.
Can you tell us about your upcoming album, Chapter 1?
Tor+: In the past, I always felt I had to prove myself as a composer. So I would do everything on the album. But for Chapter 1, I decided to relax and let things go. I look at myself as a new artist. So, for example, my songs don’t have to begin with the sound of piano anymore.
What was it like to perform with Joshua Jin?
Tor+: It was great. I’m glad that Joshua was interested in working with me. I always wanted to sing in Chinese. I went to Taiwan in 2011 to study Mandarin. The songs in Chapter 1 were written to suit Chinese lyrics. In Beijing, the Chinese fans were surprised to see me singing in Chinese. I think people there are more aware of Thai stars than we realise.
How did you prepare for the performance?
Tor+: I tried to get into the right frame of mind. I knew the audience wouldn’t be as familiar with me as Thais are. It’s challenging to win over a foreign audience. So I told myself not to expect too much and just enjoy my time onstage.
What was it like to play at Music Matters in Singapore?
Tor+: It’s a big event so I was happy to get the opportunity to play there. Lots of new artists perform there, so the music is modern. I was awarded Best New Artist, which I really appreciate.
Did you enjoy being a judge on We Kid Thailand and The X Factor Thailand?
Tor+: Yes. It’s great to see a new generation of talent coming through. Some viewers criticised me for being too kind because I gave everybody compliments. But I was once a music student. I know how much hard work it takes to realise your dream. I want to encourage participants and give them advice, so they can improve.
How did it feel to act on the stage?
Tor+: It was a really good move for me. Acting got me off the piano. And it allowed me to become another person and meet new people. Performing onstage really helped me to change and develop. But I’m still a musician. I won’t change my career to acting.
