Exclusive Interview with UNDA
DOPE AS FUNK presents the release Party of MC, music producer and lyricist UNDA's latest EP "747". He will showcase his latest tracks live, followed by the DJs of Dope As Funk. Expect Hip Hop, Electronica, R&B and more! Location is the 4th floor of Grease, Sukhumvit 49.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with UNDA, shortly before his performance at Grease on 16th January.
You have roots in Atlanta (USA), but you grew up in Bangkok. What’s the story behind that?
I’ll spare you the long story and give you a short version. I moved to Rayong, Thailand when I was 10 (1999), lived there for a couple years then moved to Bangkok around 12 or 13. I graduated high school from ISB & moved to Atlanta in 2006 for university. I lived between Savannah & Atlanta from 2006 – 2013, studying & working in different sound & film studios. In January 2013, I was hired as a Sound Designer for a media company in Thailand and I was flown back over.
You are a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design. How did you get into music production?
Yeah I majored in sound design and minored in film at the Savannah College of Art & Design. I grew up playing instruments and writing songs, but around 14, all I wanted to do was rap. I mostly just jacked industry beats and put out mix tapes, but after a while I wanted something more original so I started to record myself and make my own beats. I made my first original tape in Bangkok and sold it out of my backpack around the city back in high school.
You are an MC and music producer. How would you describe your own music in a few words?
I’m terrible at describing my own music since it changes so much. A girl once told me my music sounded like Nas on lean rapping over Prince records. I mean, sure why not?
On January 16 you will showcase your music at Grease on the occasion of the release of your latest EP “747”. What can you tell us about the EP?
“747” is actually a 3 part EP, with 3-4 tracks on each part. It’s a collection of stories and experiences from the way I’ve been living for the past few years. This first installment is a bit more electronic than the rest.
What other tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Kowloon, Can I Paint You, Tomorrow Never Comes, Raining Gold
What’s next on your agenda for 2015 and what are you currently and focusing and working on?
I don’t want to get into specifics and ruin surprises. But look out for music from Comet Records Bangkok, Naked/Astronaught, Blunt Guts Nation, and more parties from the Dope As Funk crew!
What can we expect of your showcase at Grease?
Some original BKK fly shit.