D GERRARD/ ZERO TO HERO
‘The X Factor Thailand’ alumnus weaves together soul, jazz, rap and hip hop on his impressive debut EP
In his introduction clip during the auditions round of last year’s The X Factor Thailand, Ukrit “Big” Willibrord Dongabriel is seen telling someone in the audience that he’s hopeful that the judges would enjoy his voice and unique style rather than way he looks. Hailing from southern province Phatthalung, the 25-year-old freelance musician doesn’t have what one would call the traditional pop star looks.
Dark- skinned and bespectacled, he boasts strong facial features that could be traced back to his mixed- racial background of Thai, Sri Lankan and Portuguese. “Look over here and change your mind/ I may look like a thug, but you’ll be safe with me,” he half- sings, half-speaks over acoustic guitar as he tears through his own original composition, Mai Muan Krai.
Even though Big didn’t win the inaugural
X Factor Thailand, his humble self- awareness and musicianship have nevertheless earned him a sizeable fan base and a recording contract with Warner Music Thailand’s sub- label Wayfer Records.
Released under the moniker D Gerrard, his debut single Galaxy, which happens to feature the show’s champ Nuttapong “Kob” Yimmongkol), has to date racked up 25 million views and counting on YouTube. Not too shabby for a self- confessed thug- looking troubadour.
It’s only been a couple of months since his appearance on X Factor, and already things are happening for the young singer- songwriter. Following up on the success of Galaxy, he’s dropped Zero, a six-track EP that doesn’t only showcase his musicality and bilingual songwriting chops, but also underscores his freestyle roots.
The EP starts off with the very tune that introduced him to his fans. But unlike the acoustic version he sang at the auditions, Mai Muan Krai ( Unique), here gets a complete studio rework, resulting in a hip- swaying blend of soul, jazz, and hip-hop. “Other guys like to zig- zag/Me, I like to relax,” he raps atop minimal drums. “You thought that was great but a little weird/‘ Cuz you’re used to bad boys.” The rest of Zero continues more or less in the same genre- blurring fashion. Mai Dai Jao Choo ( I’m not a player) features uncredited female vocals in the chorus while Big further embellishes it with his flow and scatting flair. Set to lush piano chords, Aeung Aeuy is a fun duet served up with a nifty bridge where he sings ad-lib in the traditional Thai way. Thur Nai Fan (Dream girl) and Toat Na Pa ( Blame it on fate) stand out with a soulful horn section, but his rapping skills and breathless delivery shine the brightest on mid-tempo closer Paab Blur ( Blurred image). Favourably compared to si ngersongwriters Singto Numchok and Ed Sheeran, Big has delivered a solid debut EP that fully reflects both his musical background and artistic potential. Despite his non-conventional pop star looks, he’s proven that, when all is said and done, talent trumps everything.