Thammarat On the Making Of “Buckle Up”
Is there a person/event that stimulated the creation of "Buckle Up?"
The lyrics to "Buckle Up" are a semi-fictional account of a particular relationship I had with another guy last summer. I thought he was into me (for various reasons, some legitimate and some delusional) and it turns out he was not. When he revealed that he was not into me, and made some rather homophobic comments in the process, I wrote this song to try and process the feelings of confusion, emptiness, and betrayal I was experiencing. The song’s narrative arc reflects the initial wonder and excitement of the relationship, the subsequent betrayal, and the final “jokes on you” mentality expressed at the end (“i.e you’re not enough”).
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for this song?
This is not about the recording sessions per se, but the collaboration that went into this song was definitely memorable. My fellow Berklee Online student, Cass Difonte, provided the final piano track and she did such a beautiful job! Even though we didn’t step foot in the studio together—we just sent tracks back and forth via email—Cass managed to capture the essence of what I was going through with her playing. When I heard what she recorded for the first time, I remember thinking, this is it!
What impact do you hope "Buckle Up" will have on your audience?
As I mentioned before, Buckle Up has a little twist at the end where I sing “but you’re not enough.” Part of what makes that line stand out, at least in my mind, is that it’s situated in a story about heartbreak. I think songwriters often present heartbreak as this apocalyptic and oppressive experience that utterly destroys a person. While there is some truth to that, I also find comfort in the notion that heartbreak and reclamation can co-exist. In other words, you can be heartbroken and still say, “you know what? Screw you. I deserve better and I won’t let this experience define me.” That nuance is what I want people to take away from “Buckle Up.” I want people to know that it’s okay to say no to the things that don’t serve you or your wellbeing, even when it feels like your world is falling apart.
How has you studying at Berklee Online made an impact on your music career?
Disclaimer: I am actually not officially enrolled at Berklee Online! I take classes with them to help complement my studies at The New School in New York, where I am enrolled full time.
Studying at Berklee Online has provided me with valuable practical/hands-on skills, particularly in songwriting and production, that have helped elevate my musicianship to new levels.
How has your favorite genre influenced your own music and style?
Growing up, I listened to a lot of pop, indie/alternative, and musical theater. These genres have certainly shaped my songwriting style, which follows the traditional pop song structure while incorporating theatrical vocals and identifiable narrative arcs. People often say that these narrative arcs make my songs feel musical theater-ish, however, I have always considered my songs indie-pop.
