That’s an aim she shares with a rising tide of Cambodian artists, most notably VannDa — who name-checks Setsochhata’s grandfather and other legendary artists as he raps over, around, and through the traditional Cambodian two-string guitar and flute in a song that’s been viewed more than 73 million times on YouTube since its release in March — as well as acts such as Bross La, MC Sey, and Setsochhata’s KlapYaHandz labelmates RuthKo, Reezy, and Vuthea.
You were born in Phnom Penh, and your father was a musician. What sort of music did you listen to growing up? To me personally, music is a huge part of human life. So that’s [one thing] I learned from my grandfather’s music. When I was young, it’s just, like, me listening to a song. But when I’m older, I start to look back into every detail of the songs: the words, the meaning, the context. I have no chance of talking to him in person, but I can learn all of that from his music.
What you would say is the most popular music in Cambodia today, and how do you see yourself fitting into the greater music scene there? I can say that writing in English is an experiment for my musical journey, to see my possibilities, see my ability to do things. I just take it as an experiment because, for now, Cambodian audiences have started listening to international music as well, so why not?
Nepotism
I feel sorry for the kids involved.
Old school Khmer Rock N Roll is amazing for people who have never listened, go check it out!
dope
C-Pop? I’m down. Been wanting to try something new…