High up in the peaceful hills of Northern Thailand, in the city of Chiang Mai, resides a true craftsman of sound. Tanatan Ketsuwan, better known by his alias Chocolate Thugz T, is a name spoken with respect on the local hip-hop scene. Rapper, beatmaker, producer, and owner of Studio Saiyasard, he embodies the DIY spirit of independent hip-hop: raw, free, and rooted in pure passion. Tanatan is one of those who build patiently—with rigor, soul, and love for sound. In the shadow of the mountains, he makes the Thai scene shine, blending authenticity and modernity.

Shogun: How did it all begin for you? Rapper, beatmaker, and now studio boss… Tell us the story behind your journey.

I started out by liking to listen Hiphop.  Love the culture fashion. So I wanted to try it.Rap And back then, the internet wasn't as good as it is today, so it was hard to find beats, so I started making my own beats, practicing mixing, mastering. Then I wanted to have my own small studio where I could meet  who shared the same interests.

Your Saiyasard Studio is like your personal laboratory. Why did you choose to set it up in Chiang Mai, away from big cities like Bangkok? What does Saiyasard mean, and what philosophy drives the space?

I was born and raised in Chiang Mai. I feel comfortable here. I want to support the artists here. Saiyasard It means that magic in Thai, whether it is black magic or white magic, is like everything else that has both good and bad things. It depends on whether we use it in the right or wrong way.

You work with both Thai and European artists. Which collaboration impacted you the most and why? Have you noticed cultural differences in how artists work in the studio?

I work with both Thai and international artists.Every time I work on music, I am happy. Every artist has their own style. But sometimes when I work with foreign artists, I have a little problem with the language. But it's okay. Nowadays, I have...Google translate 555.

Was there a decisive moment in your journey when you thought: “This is a turning point”? Maybe a track, a deal, or a key encounter?

I have been through many things, and each time has created an experience. I used to be an artist in a band called Raccoon 's party At that time, it was a good experience. It made me realize what it was like to be a real artist.

Your sound is very eclectic: boom bap, dreamy R&B, minimal trap… How would you define your sonic signature?

I don't know how to define But what does it have to do with? Hip-hop I like to do everything.

Let’s dive into the tech side. What’s your current studio setup? Any favorite gear and what software-plugins do you consider essential today?

Plug in "Wave" it's very necessary. I use FL studio for making beats and I use Cubase for recording sound mix and mastering too.

Speaking of which, what are your go-to microphones in the studio and why? Do you prefer vintage condenser mics or modern dynamics?

Now I use Neumann U87 Ai I like the sound of it. Thick and clear. Personally, I like all of them, no matter what.Vintage or modern, As long as the sound is good, it's okay.

Are you loyal to certain brands, or do you switch depending on the project? Do you use or recommend Asian gear—from Japan, Korea, or China—for mixing or recording?

I use the equipment that I have most of the time and don't change it very often. No matter which country the equipment is from, if it's standard equipment, I think it's all good.

When it comes to mixing, how long do you spend on a single track? Do you also do the mastering, or do you delegate it?

I do every step myself. The time it takes to make each insert depends on the difficulty of editing.

Do you often source your gear from Asia? Do you buy equipment exclusively in Thailand or also order from Japan, Korea, or even China?

I bought the equipment from a dealer in Thailand.

Building a studio requires serious investment. On your scale, what do equipment and infrastructure costs look like to grow a setup like yours? Do you reinvest a lot ?

I don't change my equipment very often, but I have to upgrade it regularly to ensure the quality of my work.

Chiang Mai has a very special vibe. How would you describe the local hip-hop scene? Is there a solid community or is it still in development?

Hip Hop in Chiang Mai Much better than before, there are events and groups that make music.But we still need to develop further.

And what about vinyl? Do you see it as a sacred object or just another format? Is there a record culture in Thailand, in your opinion?

Vinyl records are a classic, they sound great, and they are an evolutionary form of recording and listening to music. But the limitations of the equipment have made it not very popular these days. It is only available to those who really like it because it requires a high investment. In the past, Thailand also had sound recordings using vinyl records.

If you had to recommend three Thai artists for Star Wax readers to discover immediately, who would they be?

Thaitanium / F.Hero / 1mill

You handle everything: production, mixing, even video direction. How do you organize your time? Do you structure your workflow or go full freestyle?

My process is not complicated: Make beats, record the vocal, then mix and mastering. Once the sound process is finished, we will sit down and talk about how we want the movie to be shot and then go out to shoot.

You’re a studio guy, but also a music lover. If you had to take only one rap album to a desert island, which one would it be?

If it were now, I'd like the album. " Take care" by BigXthaPlug. But if I had to choose a Thai artist, it would probably be " Into the new era " F.HERO.

Who’s your ultimate beatmaker? The one who made you want to dig deeper and take production seriously?

I like many producers. But what I really like is Just Blaze / Scott Storch.

Looking ahead, what are your future ambitions? Go international? Start a label? Sound design? Sync music for films or video games?

If in the future I want to create valuable works, I don't know what level it will go to in the future but I want to do my best.

For a young person wanting to get into beatmaking or open a studio in Chiang Mai, what essential advice would you give to avoid burning out too quickly?

Discipline is important in work. If you have the discipline to learn and be honest in what you do, you will find your work goals and it will be the fuel that will motivate you to continue working.

Beyond the technical side, there’s often a spiritual or philosophical approach to creativity. Do you have a favorite Thai or Chiang Mai proverb that guides your work or daily life?

No matter the result is win or lose. As long as we did it, it's good. It's better than giving up without doing anything.

Finally, what’s the meaning behind Saiyasard?

Saiyasard In Thai, it means magic, and I am a witch doctor of the Saiyasard Studio.

Khop kun khrap Chocolate T

Interviewed by Shogun / Photos (c)