Jeff Satur gives us the inside story of the making of his new single Black Tie, the power of fashion as a form of self-expression, wanting to go back to the Philippines, and more.
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The black tie is a staple of many looks. From formal events to more casual days out, a black tie is a versatile piece that can round out the fit. But while some see the black tie as a symbol of rigidity based on certain standards, it can also be a symbol of breaking norms and going beyond what is expected by others. That’s the case for Jeff Satur’s newest single Black Tie. The multi-talented Thai star isn’t just entering a new era of his music with the first-ever all-English track he composed from scratch, but he’s doing so in a way that’s uniquely him that he hopes also inspires others to do the same.
A NEW EXPERIENCE
Fashion has always been a key influencer in many musicians’ lives. So too it is for Jeff, who took inspiration for the single from his visit to Italy for a Valentino fashion show earlier this year. The unapologetic composition can trace its origins to the timeless Valentino Black Tie Collection. But more than that, the English track injects a timely message of embracing your unique self and living life in your own way.
“I think it’s quite different in every part of a song, like the structure is different, the language is definitely different,” says Jeff, who adds that many aspects of the moment, from the music, fashion, and visuals, came together for the track. “The storytelling is different. It’s not about the relationship of two people, but of the way that society puts you into this box.”
The song, from its inception, production, and eventual release, has been unlike most of what Jeff has made in the past. It was a new venture for the star, but one he was game to take on. “I thought of the song from just the beat, just a drum and the feeling of the song because I just want the atmosphere of the song first,” he shares. It took months for the song to get to where it is today as Jeff embarked on many new experiences to see the Black Tie era come to life. But with how everything turned out, it was worth the effort.
BEING AUTHENTICALLY YOU
Black Tie is an anthem of individuality, self-expression, and the power of loving yourself. Jeff has strived to encourage and empower his fans to be who they are, and the song captures that with a message of how wearing a black tie can be a canvas for self-expression and creativity, allowing each person to make it their own. The single embodies the idea that elegance and style are not confined to traditional definitions but are, instead, a reflection of one’s inner spirit.
It’s an idea Jeff is no stranger to given how he marches to the beat of his own drum and isn’t afraid to express himself in the way he wants. As he sees it, whether it be a black tie or a white t-shirt, there’s power in the clothes you wear. “Every piece of clothing has an energy and gives a certain direction. It’s like, ‘Okay, this wardrobe when you wear it, you just feel a certain energy, and you feel like a different person.”
For the Black Tie music video, Jeff wore a custom Valentino suit and had his hair styled a certain way to help him feel the emotion of the track better as well as give the proper visuals and storytelling needed for the song.
While society has taken strides to make a world for people to not be afraid of expressing who they are, we still have a long way to go before we can get that truly safe space. It’s commendable then for an artist like Jeff Satur to do what he does with the platform he has been given. Toxic masculinity and societal standards? That’s a no for the musician. “This time in the world, we have a chance to be who we really are and break those barriers,” he proudly states. “I think this is the message that I want to tell through the song, the possibility that you could just break it.”
You don’t need the permission of others to speak your truth. All you have to do is just live it. And as for how they can do that, he encourages people to confidently embrace what makes them special. “You don’t have to wear the tie that people give to you. Design your own tie. The thing that would help you break those barriers is to get back your whole self to shine in your creativity and imagination,” Jeff shares as he adds to always find the fun in things.
NEW YEAR, NEW MUSIC
Black Tie is just the latest milestone for Jeff Satur as he continues to make his mark as one of the most exciting artists on the scene right now. He’s well on his way to being a global star, and 2024 promises to be an even more exciting adventure. As Jeff closes out the year with an expected new single drop and festival appearances, the new year brings with it Jeff’s new album, which he is hard at work finishing, as well as a full Asian tour in early 2024. “There’s a lot of projects and a lot of the things that you can look forward to,” he teases.
And yes, he hasn’t forgotten his Filipino fans, who can expect to see more of the Thai star next year. “I just love to see [Filipino fans] again. Last time was not enough so it’s exciting for me this time to go there with the whole show. So just wait for me there. Thank you for all the support that you always give me. And thank you for your patience.”
Photos courtesy of Warner Music Thailand
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