This is for the Mendesers, Shawnies and Menders out there. We scored an interview with the Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes ahead of his Bangkok show. Tickets to "Illuminate World Tour Live in Bangkok" at IMPACT on Dec 11 are available via ThaiTicketMajor. Let's find out who's on his collaboration wish-list and what advice Ed Sheeran gave him.
Let's go back to 2013 when you started attracting a following with song covers via Vine. Now it's 2017 and you have fans all over the globe and go on world tours. Did you think at all that those six-second snippets would lead to where you are now?
I never for one second thought it would take me this far, but it just all happened and happened so fast. It's really incredible and I'm so thankful.
When did you first realise you wanted to be a singer? Did you grow up in a musical family?
It was really when I was about 14 I think, I started playing guitar and learning it and then just started feeling like it was the only thing I wanted to do. There was no other option. I was so determined. I don't think there has been a particular moment where it felt like I made it, but after selling out at Madison Square Garden I think I did think to myself "wow this has gotten big".
Who is on your collaboration wish-list?
There are so many but I'd love to of course collaborate with John Mayer. Also, Alicia Keys would be incredible!
What's the best advice you ever received from another singer?
I'd say from Ed Sheeran, probably just to never stop working hard, that you have to just put your head down and keep working at it and that's the only way you'll be successful.
Do you have a message for Thai fans regarding your upcoming concert in Bangkok?
I'm so excited to come to Thailand. I definitely am excited to eat the food there and hope the fans can tell me some fun and interesting things to do!
The "Illuminate World Tour" is by far your longest running tour. What have you get from this tour so far?
Definitely. Things have just skyrocketed for me during this tour it feels. I think the best thing I've gotten out of this tour is just becoming a way more seasoned performer. I think I've never felt this confident about getting up onstage and performing before.
