“EP. นี้เป็น EP. แรกของรีนะคะ ซึ่งจะมีทั้งหมด 5 เพลง ตอนนี้ก็ปล่อยไปแล้ว 3 เพลง กำลังจะปล่อยเพลงที่ 4 คอนเซ็ปต์ของเขาจะเป็นการเดินทางบนเส้นทางชีวิตของสุนารีตั้งแต่เริ่มต้นมาจนถึงปัจจุบันค่ะ ก็จะมีหลายเซต หลายมู้ด หลายโทน เป็นแทร็กที่มีทั้งความเป็นฮิปฮอป ความเป็นผู้หญิงบอบบาง ผู้หญิงมั่น ผู้หญิงแกร่งเข้าไปในแต่ละเพลง ใจความหลักของเขาก็คือ “You are the boss of your life” (หัวเราะ) ถ้าฉบับไม่เซ็นเซอร์ก็เป็น “You are the boss bitch of your life motherfuckersss” ส่วนชื่อของเพลงก็ต้องรอติดตามต่อไปนะคะ เป็นเซอร์ไพรส์ ตอนนี้มี ‘ได้ป่าว’ ‘Parachute’ ‘ตั้งแต่เด็ก’ แล้วก็เพลงใหม่ กับอีกหนึ่งเพลงที่จะมาลงท้าย ซึ่งเป็นเพลงที่มีแร็ปเปอร์รับเชิญมานะคะ เขาก็เป็นแร็ปเปอร์ผู้ซาย (พูดด้วยสำเนียงอีสาน) �
Almost a year has flown by since our chat with the supremely gifted Tsunari(เอริก้า สุนารี คัมมิ่งส์). This talented rapper of Thai-Trinidadian descent seamlessly blends Thai and Trinidadian influences, left an enduring impression with her artistry. And now, she makes a welcome return with new single “Parachute.” But there’s more to this return than meets the ear. Tsunari is here with EQ today to offer an intimate window into her whirlwind year, a journey marked by personal growth and evolving perspectives on life.
Growing up mixed-race
“I’m a mixed-race kid, half Thai and half Trinidadian, but mostly raised in Korat. Back then, in provinces other than my hometown, there weren’t many mixed-race kids like me, with my unique skin tone. It led to different experiences than what I was used to – some good, some not so good. On the not-so-good side, there were teasing and taunting. I remember feeling my confidence waver, thinking, ‘Is it wrong to be born this way?’ During the first two years of elementary school, I felt a sense of sadness, wondering why people had to mock something that parents and God had given us from birth. It wasn’t fair. But then I realized, why should I pity myself? Why should I feel like it’s unjust? With that viewpoint taking hold, I started shifting my perspective.”
“Even if there’s a group of people who don’t accept who I am, it’s totally okay.”
“Think about it – there are more than 7 billion people on this planet. Some might embrace us, while others might not. But here's the thing: we can be a pillar of support for someone, a trusted friend, and even our own biggest cheerleader. When this realization hit me, I began to sense that life had the potential to be brighter. I discovered joy in every endeavor, regardless of the hurdles or tough situations. With this perspective, I found the courage to confront any challenge that crossed my path. I transformed negative comments into a wellspring of strength, a spark that propels me toward a more fulfilling life. My self-assurance grew, and I started mapping out a future even better than my past.”
“Given that my parents were quite the workaholics, they didn’t have much time to give me guidance. I thought, ‘Alright, they love me, they care, but I can’t always rely on them for everything.’ So, I had to toughen up for myself. I had to remind myself that ‘Okay, you know what? Everything starts from yourself. Everything begins within.’ After that, I managed to break free from those constraints.”
Breaking free
“Not too long, actually. But there were moments of uncertainty. There are times when I feel strong and ready to face things, but sometimes I’m also just a regular woman, a human with emotions. I’m someone who’s sensitive at times, so I can’t always be 100% confident in every situation. When I’m feeling down, I try to replace it with positivity. These days, there are still moments of doubt, like this morning. But when someone asks me what’s on my agenda for the day, I shake off those negative vibes and get myself geared up for what’s coming.”
How has your upbringing in different countries shaped your perspective? “Back then, I never thought I’d have the chance to travel, to immerse myself in so many diverse cultures from different countries. But once I got to experience it firsthand, it led me to understand people, the world, and cultures in ways I’d never before. I became open to things I had never encountered or felt. You know, I believed that opening our eyes and ears would make us feel like the world is a wonder, truly remarkable. Every living thing on this planet has its own unique identity. And, given my curiosity and willingness to try new things, it only expanded my experiences. It opened up my thinking, my heart, my spiritual realm, and made me embrace it.”
Were you treated differently in various countries and cultures?
“Absolutely! Each country has its set of beauty standards, be it Thailand, Cambodia, the US, UK, or Russia. I’ve witnessed these things from growing up in Thailand and later living in England. Asian cultures often have a distinct ideal for facial features that’s widely embraced. Personally, I haven’t closely followed those norms. It’s like trees growing in different soils – they may grow, but their beauty might not match. Just as strawberries thrive in specific climates, conforming to societal norms can be similar.”
How does the emphasis on individualism contrast with the trend-following mentality often seen in Thailand?
“From my own experiences, I believe that it’s not just about beauty standards alone; it's about culture, freedom of thought, and fostering an individualistic mindset. In Thailand, for example, we often tend to follow what’s popular. If something works, everyone goes along with it. However, in England, even though there are trends, there’s also room for niche interests and doing what you love without worrying if it’s mainstream.”
“When we talk about art, there’s a ton of innovation out there. You see it quite commonly in England, which is quite different from Thailand. I guess it’s because doing things that really stand out might not get the kind of financial support they need. It’s risky, not just financially, but also in terms of blending culture, art, who I am, and what I’m trying to create. It becomes a bold move. Still, I think pushing our society and culture forward sometimes means taking these chances. If I just stay in my safe zone, things won’t really change.”
Being a female rapper in the male-dominated scene
“By nature, the hip-hop and rap music scene is a male-dominated industry. But nowadays, more and more women are stepping in. There’s an increasing female presence. I find it pretty cool, you know? It’s amazing that now there are opportunities, a market, and new things emerging, supporting it even more. You might wonder if it’s on par with what men have, and maybe it’s not quite there yet. The number of female rappers isn’t as high as male rappers, but that doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way. It takes time, and perhaps a bit more investment. We’ll get there someday, though.”
What message would you like to communicate to your listeners through your music?
“Spirituality. Sometimes, we tend to compare ourselves to others, especially when we see people who seem successful or are doing well. But I believe that we’ll be happier if we don’t measure our own life’s journey against others and focus on what we’re doing. We become more content with our actions and how we lead our lives. It might sound commonplace, but translating this idea through music could make it unique. It could delve deeper into our inner thoughts and feelings. Like I mentioned earlier, it all begins from within us. Once that’s in a good place, the external factors start to shine more brightly.”
How spiritual are you? “I’m not that spiritual, but I do think of myself as a daughter of the universe. I believe in it, and when I engage with the universe, opening my spiritual self, it’s a way of connecting with something, because since the beginning of my life until now, I believe no matter what happens, the universe is always with me. When I wake up in the morning, meditate, manifest, and plan what I’m going to do, it sets my intentions and belief in what I write down. I feel that after manifesting, things actually happen. It’s self-reliance, but also aligning with a larger unseen force, empowering and rejuvenating our life, like charging a battery. I’ve been manifesting for a while, but I’ve only been doing it seriously for about 4-5 years now.”
Can you share some specific successes that you’ve experienced through manifestation?
“Around 2020 when COVID-19 hit, there was a general feeling of uncertainty. I felt a bit panicked, like everything was coming to a halt, and not knowing how long it would last. I was worried, but then I began manifesting the release of my first song “Mula.” Surprisingly, shortly after, someone discovered it, which was the first manifestation. A month later, unexpected opportunities came my way, and after finalizing contracts, I realized that what I had manifested about 6 months ago had come true. It was as if everything fell into place.”
“This other time, I had a hunch that something wasn’t quite right with the person I was dating. So, I sat on the balcony and had this conversation with the Universe like, ‘Hey, if this relationship is meant to be, great! But if not, show me a sign! And you know what? About three months later, I found some evidence on my phone, and I was like, ‘Well, played, Universe!’ My next manifestations are all about snagging those Female Awards and, who knows, even getting a Grammy nomination in the World Artists category.”
Who are your dream collabs?
“The artists I’d love to collab with right now are Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean. Besides them, I’m also eyeing a collaboration with Daniel Caesar and Rihanna. Riri's my idol!”
And dream music festivals?
“There’re many festivals I’d love to attend. The first one on my list is Wireless in the UK. I’ve almost been going there every year. It’s got this mix of English and American vibes, and it’s huge! Another festival I really want to experience is Coachella. If I get the chance, I’d definitely love to be there!”
Which songs would you choose to perform at those festivals? “If we’re talking about my current songs, I’d probably go with ‘Since Young’ and ‘Fruity Loops.’ The former is a track that reflects my identity, blending a light Isaan touch with some English vibes. It captures who I am at the beginning of my journey. As for ‘Fruity Loops,’ it’s one of my favorites. It’s upbeat, bouncy, and colorful – it might not have a deep message, but it has its own essence and joy that I really enjoy sharing.”
Are you planning to release the next single soon? “Yes, definitely! Right now, the music video is all set, and we’re looking to release it next month. Once that’s out, it’ll be part of the upcoming EP, and everything will come together in one release.”
What’s the concept behind the EP? “This EP marks my debut and comprises 5 songs in total. I’ve already dropped 3 tracks, with the 4th one coming soon.The concept of the album revolves around my life journey from the beginning until now. It’s diverse, with various sets, moods, and tones. Each track portrays different aspects, from being a confident woman to a strong and assertive one. The underlying message is ‘You are the boss of your life,’ or in an uncensored version, ‘You are the boss bitch of your life, motherfuckersss!' The last track will feature a guest rapper known for his energetic and catchy style. It’ll be a blend of hip-hop and R&B, reminiscent of the Y2K era or early 2000s, which aligns well with my Y2K vibes.”
.png){kind=logo}
