Rapper on edge

Headchef cooks up something good

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs are courtesy of Box Records

The local hip-hop music scene has been a bit dull over the past few years. While most of the big names have changed their sound and become more commercial, others have stuck to their same old formula. Many hip-hop fans have also shifted their listening habits toward K-pop.

Despite this, there are always newcomers in hip-hop who are willing to branch out and experiment with more creative ideas. One such artist is 30-year-old Thanatat Chotiwong, also known as Headchef. Headchef is a new rapper on the scene who plans to break new ground for Thai hip-hop.

Headchef’s debut single “The Edge,” released on the indie electronic music label Box Records, features a great blend of hip-hop and electro music, with a groove that will make listeners move. “The Edge,” which features indie star Wannarit Pongprayoon (Pok) from Stylish Nonsense on keyboard, has already attracted plenty of media attention.

Student Weekly recently caught up with Headchef to ask him about his music and his thoughts on the current local hip-hop scene.

Student Weekly: How did you come up with Headchef as a stage name?

Headchef: I’m actually a chef, but I guess most people don’t know that. My dad taught me how to cook, and I began working as a chef at different restaurants when I was growing up. I used to be a head chef at a well-known Korean restaurant in Chiang Mai called Bam 7.

Student Weekly: What kind of experience did you have in music before becoming Headchef?

Headchef: Not much, really. I’d never had real experience making music until I met my producer, Pathompol Chanin [NuDsko], from Box Records. About 10 years ago, I was an organiser in the local underground heavy metal scene. Eventually I figured out who I am and what I really want, and I started making music with NuDsko.

Student Weekly: Why did you decide to mix hip-hop and electronic music together in your song?

Headchef: I’m sick of the way hip-hop sounds nowadays. It’s like there’s a blueprint that you have to follow if you want to make hip-hop. But hip-hop is just music, and in my opinion, music can be anything — pop, funk, dance, or metal and hardcore. There’s no reason to stick to straight hip-hop when you can put different types of music that you like into the song.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your single, “The Edge”?

Headchef: “The Edge” is inspired by my personal life. When I first heard the music made by NuDsko, I felt that I had to rap about my messed up life to let people know that you shouldn’t do this and that. It’s like a massage for young kids, telling them to be careful and to listen more to their parents when they ask you not to do something.

Student Weekly: Do you usually have a particular message for people in your lyrics?

Headchef: Not really. It depends on my first impressions when I hear the music. My songs won’t all be the same as “The Edge.” You can’t really predict things like that. My next song is one that I wrote for a girl. It’s the sweetest song I’ve ever written.

Student Weekly: How did you come to work with Pok from Stylish Nonsense?

Headchef: Working with Pok was awesome. NuDsko thought there was something missing in the song, and he thought that Pok could fill the gap. I’ve known Pok since the big floods in Thailand, when I was in Chiang Mai. I was helping him to host a Panda Records live event in Chiang Mai. He’s the type of great guy that you rarely find nowadays.

Student Weekly: Who are some of your favourite artists to listen to?

Headchef: I’ve been listening to various types of artists lately, but some of my favourites that are always on my play list are Beastie Boys, Necro, Hatebreed, Biggie Smalls, Glass Animals, Massive Attack and DJ Shadow.

 

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