Canadian pop sensation Shawn Mendes is a very modern type of star. He learned to play guitar by watching YouTube and became famous by posting covers online. After only a few months, he had attracted millions of followers.
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Bright light
Suwitcha Chaiyong
Canadian pop sensation Shawn Mendes is a very modern type of star. He learned to play guitar by watching YouTube and became famous by posting covers online. After only a few months, he had attracted millions of followers. He soon signed with the major label Island Records and released his first EP in 2014.
The following year, aged just 16, he released the full-length album, Handwritten. It was a huge success. Shawn became one of the youngest artists ever to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with a debut album. He followed this success with last year’s Illuminate. The album has been another big hit and features the chart-topping singles “Mercy,” “Treat You Better” and “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back.”
The 19-year-old is currently busy with his world tour, but he took the time to chat to S Weekly via email ahead of his show at Impact Arena in Bangkok on December 11.
Why did you name the album Illuminate?
Shawn: Because I believe that music can bring light to people during their darkest moments.
Have you ever had this kind of experience?
Shawn: Absolutely, it happens to me all the time. Music gets me through each day. Whenever I’m feeling down, it’s the one thing that can always cheer me up. It’s such a universal thing that I think anybody can relate to.
You wrote the song “Three Empty Words” in only three hours. How?
Shawn: I can’t explain it. It just happened that way. It came together so quickly and naturally.
You’ve written many songs in hotel rooms. Why do you do this?
Shawn: I just think it’s inspiring to look out on a new place from my hotel window. If there’s a nice view, I feel like I’m a part of the city and I just get lost in it for a moment. I’ve written so many songs in hotel rooms that I can’t even count them. [Laughs.]
During a recent show in New York, you performed “Mercy” with Ed Sheeran. How was it?
Shawn: It was amazing. I couldn’t have wished for a better moment on the tour. Ed is one of my favourite singers.
What was it like to perform at The O2 Arena in London for the first time?
Shawn: It was a bit surreal. My mom and her family are all from there, so that made it extra special. It was cool that I got to play two nights there.
Do you prefer to perform in big venues or small ones?
Shawn: I think they can both be great. It just depends on the mood I’m in.
What do you do to entertain yourself while on tour?
Shawn: I go to the gym every morning. I also try to go sightseeing as much as possible and explore each place I visit. Whatever I can do that involves being outside and walking around is great.
Which of the places you’ve visited so far on tour have been your favourites?
Shawn: It’s so hard to name any favourites. I just love being able to explore somewhere that I haven’t been before.
Do you have a message for your Thai fans?
Shawn: I’m so excited about coming to Thailand. I’m really looking forward to eating the food there. I hope the fans can recommend some fun and interesting things to do!
