Jeff Satur is a name we know all too well.
Whether it's on our screens or on our playlists, the Thai singer-actor has risen to be a global name for both his role in the popular Thai drama series, KinnPorsche and his sweet tunes on love and life. With fans all over the world, his whirlwind success is a fact that the Warner Music Thailand act hasn't come to quite process just yet—something he further expands on as part of Apple Music's Here To The Dreamers series.
"It surprised me too because I didn't expect so many people to connect with my songs. Fans from various places warm my heart," Jeff tells Bandwagon. "Were there moments where I thought, 'Wow, this is unreal'? Of course, it happens often."
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Bandwagon caught up with Jeff Satur to talk about his whirlwind international success, balancing his many hats, and his dreams for the future.
You recently made your acting debut on KinnPorsche, what was it like going into a different creative field for the first time? What are your biggest takeaways from this experience?
Before this, I had experience with acting, like short themes and mini-series. I think the takeaway from this is that in acting, preparation is key, kind of distinct from music-making. When you're an actor, you lose yourself at the front door before stepping onto the stage and in front of the camera. You can absorb experiences from the characters you play, which can even inspire new songs. This crossover between music and acting is cool; it's my biggest takeaway from this experience.
How did your creative process for acting differ from when you make music?
For me, I think the biggest realization is that storytelling is at the core, just in different forms. With music, you share your story, your experiences, while with acting, you're telling someone else's tale. It's different yet the same. How does your creative process for acting differ from making music? Yeah, let's discuss that. It's different because for a character you play, you need to figure out their history. Sometimes I even use music to complete their journey, to understand them. Making music is distinct; you search within yourself, finding experiences to deeply convey a story.
You wear a lot of hats, from being a singer to an actor. How do you balance everything while still maintaining your creative spirit?
There are times when creativity runs dry, so resting is necessary. Forcing art isn't right; instead, I seek inspiration from movies, others' music, even by changing surroundings. Sometimes ideas just pop up when I'm resting at home. Resting and seeking inspiration in various forms is key. It's about observing life closely, taking moments seriously, experiencing everything around you.
What’s your favorite song you’ve worked on so far, and why?
My favorite is 'Lucid' It's new to me, different from my experiences. It's like telling a character's story, not my own. It's an experiment, a bit instrumental, and I love how the song's story blends into the music and video. It's a canvas for experimentation and I really adore the vibrant story in the song.
You have fans that span all over the world. What has it been like processing your global success? Was there a moment where you were like ‘Oh my gosh, it’s all happening’?
It surprised me too because I didn't expect so many people to connect with my songs. Fans from various places warm my heart. I haven't fully processed everything because it's fast-paced, and my mind lags behind. Currently, I'm trying to absorb it all and take each step carefully, ensuring I'm true to my direction, proceeding on my own terms.
Were there moments where I thought, "Wow, this is unreal"? Of course, it happens often. Hearing others sing my songs, performing with artists I admire, being invited to shows, performing in different countries – each time, it's a surreal feeling, exceeding my expectations.
You’ve performed on stages all across the world, from Brazil to Singapore. Where else do you hope to perform?
I really want to do the World Tour and meet fans from all over the world. To achieve that, I need to finish my album first, so that's my focus now. I hope to have the album done by the end of the year. And there's an English song in the album, a solo English track with a Thai touch.
In the last couple of years, Thai music has risen in popularity. How would you describe its place and role in the global music scene?
Thai music stands out with its unique color, just like music from every country. It's gaining recognition globally because of its distinctiveness and language, making it stand out. Thai music's becoming more recognized, and the industry's opening up more than before.
You’ve gotten to work with several fellow musicians in the past, who else do you hope to work and collaborate with in the future?
I'd love to collaborate with Billie Eilish or X-Japan, that'd be amazing. I also want to work with artists from various countries a few artists from Indonesia. The list is long, and I've been talking about it for years. It's about experiencing different musical styles, and working with these artists could open doors to new music.
What’s been the most memorable moment of your music career so far?
Definitely my first solo concert. It felt like a dream coming true. It's a moment that encapsulates everything I've aimed for. It's probably the best birthday gift I've given myself.
What’s your biggest dream as an artist? Have you achieved it yet?
My biggest dream is doing the World Tour, and I'm working towards it, taking steps every day. I haven't fully achieved it, but I'm progressing steadily.
What’s next for you?
Next up is the World Tour, and of course, my first album. It's right around the corner, and it's my debut album, my dream. I also have an English song in the album, a Thai-English fusion. Exciting times ahead!
Check out Jeff Satur's live performance of 'Lucid' on Apple Music here.
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