Jirakorn Somphitak (Ae) has had a lot of success over the years singing sweet ballads. But it’s only now at the age of 40 that he’s doing what he really wants to do — sing rock music.
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Let’s rock
Titapa Chaiyakiturajai and Suwitcha Chaiyong
Good things come to those who wait. Yes, there are always a few lucky people who get what they want without any effort. But for most of us, success requires hard work and patience.
Jirakorn Somphitak (Ae) has had a lot of success over the years singing sweet ballads. But it’s only now at the age of 40 that he’s doing what he really wants to do — sing rock music.
Ae saw an opportunity to showcase his rock credentials when he participated in season one of The Mask Singer last year. Appearing as the Black Crow, he made a huge impression. Viewers loved his powerful, passionate versions of rock classics like X-Japan’s “Endless Rain” and 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” He made it to the final round, finishing in second place.
With his latest single, “Pa Sai Nah (Throw My Love in Your Face),” proving a big hit, S Weekly met up with Ae at the GMM Grammy office to chat about his musical journey.
When did you start to play music?
Ae: When I was very young, I didn’t have any toys. But my father played guitar and had a lot of music books. So I started to play as well. At university, I was in a music club, where I got to know more about musical equipment and mixing. I just did it because I enjoyed it. I never thought about it as a future career.
As a lover of rock music, was it difficult to sing pop ballads?
Ae: Not at all. Pop or rock, it’s all music. Even though I’ve wanted to do rock songs for years, I enjoy different genres.
Can you tell us more about the new single?
Ae: It was written by Kob Kajorndej from Big Ass. It’s about a couple who have been together for long time. But the girl takes her lover for granted, making him wonder about their relationship.
Why did you decide to release a rock song?
Ae: I want everybody to know that I’m a rocker. The Black Crow made people realise that Ae Jirakorn could be a rock singer. The next single will be rock too. I’m working with Bodyslam’s Pid Thanadon and Buddha Bless’s Aui Natee.
In what ways did The Mask Singer help you?
Ae: It gave me a path to revealing my true self. The Black Crow has come to mean a lot to me. It shows what I can do.
How has your life changed since the show?
Ae: People recognise me more. Before I was on The Mask Singer, I had some gigs where the security wouldn’t let me in because they didn’t know who I was. I had to point to my face on the concert poster!
Have you had any unusual experiences while playing a gig?
Ae: Yes. Once a guy got attacked by a gang of people. He ran to the stage right next to where I was playing to get away from them. Pid from Bodyslam, who was also playing that night, criticised the attackers in front of the whole crowd. He said that, instead of attacking him in a group like cowards, they should have fought one-on-one.
Which places that you’ve played have made the biggest impression on you?
Ae: I really like the southern border provinces. I played in Yala more than 10 times. Because of the violence down there, they don’t have many people playing shows. There are defensive barriers everywhere. It’s a bit scary. But even though I feel afraid, my job is to make people happy. They really appreciate my concerts down there. It’s a lot of fun.
You also performed in Laos. How was that?
Ae: It was great. They watch The Mask Singer there and they’re fans of the Black Crow. They enjoy both pop and rock music.
