After opening for some of the world’s most popular artists Jay – Z, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Rihanna, Flo-Rida, and 50 Cent as part of hit hip-hop band Thaitanium, American-born Thai rapper, songwriter, producer and actor DABOYWAY has set off on a solo career, teaming up with Japanese DJ group Reprezen Foxx on anthemic single “BAKA.”
A celebration of the cultural collaboration between Japan and Thailand, the track comes to life as a showcase of versatility in sonics and culture. During a time when the interest in Thai music and musicians is bubbling, DABOYWAY stands at the front of the wave with his deep influence across the spectrum of urban culture from music to street art in South East Asia.
Speaking to Earmilk, DABOYWAY delves into how the collaboration with Reprezen Foxx came about, his acting dreams as he gears up to star in Paramount’s Sheroes, his artistry as part of Thaitanium and as a solo artist and more.
What is the message behind “BAKA” and what was the creative process behind it?
Baka in Japanese means crazy so sometimes it's okay to let go and act crazy once in a while. It’s a crossed collaboration between Japan and Thailand and the title really fits with Repezen Foxx.
The track signifies a cultural collaboration between Japan and Thailand. How did the collaboration between you and Repezen Foxx come about and what would you say you took away about Japanese artistry from the experience?
I met DJ Ginta, one of the members of Repezen Foxx, and he told me he was a fan of my single – Cake Diet, and that he loved Thailand. In our conversation, he also said if there is a chance to collaborate he would be down. I loved his energy and started doing my homework on Repezen Foxx. I was blown away by their visuals and production. So when I heard the music to BAKA from producer Ricky Luna I knew right away, it would be perfect for them.
As you embark on your solo career, how would you describe your current sound and how do you hope it evolves?
I'm working on my project at the moment which I titled “The Way Verse.” You get different versions of DABOYWAY musically.
Having been part of Thaitanium, what influences do you carry forward from the group and what part of your artistry do you feel is uniquely yours?
Thaitanium has been independent for most of our careers, so I’m very hands-on with everything I do, even when dealing with my solo career. We are also the pioneers of mixing Thai and English in our music. The part of artistry that is uniquely mine is that I'm probably responsible for messing up the Thai language!
For you personally, what’s the most rewarding part of the music-making process and what part of it challenges you the most?
The most rewarding process is that I get to wake up every morning with the opportunity to create. The whole process actually from being in the studio, writing, creating, and seeing an idea become a song and then turning it into a visual is very rewarding for me.
Along the way through the creative process, there will be challenges of course, but you just have to take it one step at a time. I try not to dwell on problems for too long.
As someone who has managed to spread the influence of their craft across South East Asia and beyond, how do you feel the world’s perception of Thai music/musicians has changed and where do you see it going from here?
Currently, I feel like there is a lot of interest and attention towards Thai music and musicians. The underground music scene especially in hip hop is really bubbling and I feel like it’s ready to explode for the world to tap in.
Who are your role models both professionally and on a personal level?
My mama and Jay Z
Are there any artists you’d love to collaborate with in the future? Also, are there any other cultural influences from around the world you’d love to bring into your music similar to “BAKA”?
I’d love to collaborate with people who share the same energy as me. I’d like for it to happen organically similar to how it was with BAKA.
Besides music, you are also set to star in Sheroes. Do you have any specific dreams or goals when it comes to building an acting career?
Acting has always been my passion and if given the opportunity I'm always open. My goal is one day to be a consistently working actor.
Is there any aspect in the creative field you haven’t tried out yet that you’d be keen to experiment with?
I’d love to do a Broadway show.
For anyone who is listening to your music for the first time, how would you describe DABOYWAY’s music in three words?
Versatile, multicultural, and genre-bending.
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