19 year old singer-songwriter Michael Sutthakorn is probably best known featuring in UK boy band M.A.D, but ever since the band’s separation, he has been working on making a name for himself as a solo artist. He released debut single ‘Trouble’ in January 2016, whilst also embarking on several headline tours around the UK. He regularly releases covers onto his YouTube Channel for his dedicated and loyal legion of supporters.
Prior to supporting Ryan Lawrie on his final tour date in Belfast, CelebMix had an opportunity to talk to Michael Sutthakorn about his fans, his time in boy band M.A.D. and more. Check out the interview below!
You’ve been supporting Ryan Lawrie on his debut headline solo tour. How has that been for you?
It’s been awesome, Ryan’s one of my best friends, I’ve known him since I was young. I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s different, I don’t think I’ve ever supported anyone in my life up until this, but he’s a really good friend and it’s been a really good opportunity.
What was your main motivation for getting in to music?
At the very start, I hated school. I disliked it, I disliked the people in it and I disliked the school. I felt like I didn’t fit in the school, so I skipped class a lot and I recorded a song. Overnight, I was signed by a management and I moved to London for two years.
Who are your musical influences?
I look up to people such as Ne-Yo and Mario. There’s not many people I look up to, it’s just the music I’m in to. Since I’ve got older, I’ve started to like R&B music more – I’ve just tried to fall down that route.
What’s a favourite cover of yours that you have done?
I did a cover three days ago – a Justin Bieber cover. I did it with a guy called Kema Kay, who is a sick producer. That was a really, really good video and I enjoyed it.
As a solo artist, do you feel you now have more input in to your style of music rather than being in a boy band?
I feel that everything was very sculpted. I felt that the type of person I was trying to be, I wasn’t portrayed as that. I was portrayed as a boy band member that just jumped about. Realistically, though, I’ve always been in to R&B music.
What’s the best piece of advice that you have been given?
‘Today is not your worst day.’ When I moved to Newcastle, it was very, very hard – it was definitely the hardest time of my life, just adjusting. I’ve always moved away from home but depending on myself. I had days that were just so bad and I always thought ‘well, I had better days than that and it was never your worst day because you’ve had worse.’
Do you have plans to do another headline tour at some point during 2017?
I’ve already done two headline tours, but I plan to go do something this year which will be good. If that goes to plan, then hopefully.
What have you got planned for the rest of 2017? Can we expect an EP, another single?
As I said, I’ve got this thing to do, so I’m just holding off until that.
What has been your biggest achievement to date and what is something that you would like to achieve in the future?
It’s going to have to go back to the boy band stuff – being in the UK Top 40. At the time, it was huge. Even since then, I haven’t seen any independent acts doing that again. It was really hard at the time, but we did it and I would love to get a really good, banging song out!
Finally, do you have a message for your fans?
You guys have been stuck with me from the very start, I love it and I appreciate it.
Make sure you are staying up-to-date with Michael Sutthakorn on his social media accounts:
Here at CelebMix, we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Michael. With an incredibly dedicated fan base and incredible talent, he is no doubt set for further success in the music industry.