Smooth Artist Interviews
My musical journey actually began with the raw energy of rock when I was 15, drawing inspiration from bands like Dream Theater and virtuosic guitarists like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Over time, I found myself drawn to a cleaner guitar tone for soloing, which led me to the music of George Benson, Norman Brown, and Lee Ritenour. Eventually, I was introduced to fusion jazz legends like Weather Report, the Yellowjackets, Mike Stern, John Scofield, Pat Metheny, and Allan Holdsworth.
However, the pivotal turning point came when I began mentoring under eminent Thai musicians, including Nu Vudthivichai, Prode Tanapat, Wuthichai Lertsatakit, Tanadech Khawmanee, Gunn Rujinarong, Nakarin Teerapenun, and Prathan Phakdeephon. They introduced me to the profound depth, complexity, and freedom of jazz. That transition completely rewired how I viewed the instrument. The challenge of improvisation and the rich harmonic landscape of jazz inspired me to shift my focus entirely and pursue it as my life's artistry.
I formalized my jazz studies in two major musical hubs. First, I earned my Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Silpakorn University in Bangkok in 2004. To further expand my artistry, I relocated to New York City, where I was accepted into NYU Steinhardt’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions, graduating with a Master of Music in Jazz Performance in 2010.
I have been incredibly fortunate to learn directly from some of the absolute masters of the instrument. During my time at NYU in New York, my approach was deeply shaped by studying under legendary jazz icons like John Scofield, Wayne Krantz, and Peter Bernstein, alongside Bruce Arnold and Pete McCann. Their distinct voices taught me how to blend deep-rooted tradition with modern innovation.
What I enjoy most is the collaborative freedom and the opportunity to stretch my sonic boundaries. Transitioning from the traditional instrumental jazz of my 2022 quintet album, working on tracks like 'Two of Us,' 'No Words to Say,' and 'New Love' allows me to bring my jazz background into fresh, smooth, contemporary, and eclectic spaces.
It has been an absolute privilege to collaborate with world-class musicians such as Carlo Barbaro, Craig Newman, Jon McAll, Brett Williams, and Darryn Farrugia, as well as the phenomenal producer Trevor Carter at Empire Music Studio. On a personal note, a favorite part of this project is the camaraderie; Steve frequently travels between Australia and Thailand, which gives us the opportunity to meet up, hang out, and connect in person.
I love the modern, open sensibility of Steve's compositions. His music provides a beautiful, melodic canvas that allows for genuine storytelling through the guitar. It perfectly balances high production value with enough space for modern textures and creative improvisation, making it incredibly rewarding to play. Furthermore, Steve’s vocal compositions are exceptionally beautiful to listen to, and the caliber of the background musicians he brings together truly elevates his music to the highest level.
After graduating from Silpakorn University, I knew I wanted to push my musicianship to the highest possible tier, and New York City is the epicenter of the global jazz world. I went there to immerse myself in its fast-paced, highly competitive environment, to learn directly from the living legends teaching at NYU Steinhardt, and to cut my teeth playing the historic East Coast venue circuit.