Yarinda Bunnag serenaded us with her emotive voice years ago when she was with GMM Grammy. After gaining some fame, she left to get a degree in architecture. However, her passion for music never waned so she returned to the music industry, but this time joining much smaller label Smallroom. Though we miss her shocking-pink hair, we love her new look as a ser indie girl. Now donning two hats as a daytime architect and an afterhours music artist, she insists that both are important to her and wants to continue doing both things at the same time. See Yarinda perform at the Emporium Music Festival this month.

How is the Yarinda of yesterday different from today?
Obviously the hair—and I’ve also grown up. I have more chances to perform live now while in the past it was just writing and singing and other people would handle the arrangements. It’s more fun working now and the sound is much fresher as we play live when we record and keep playing till we are pleased. When I was in a big record company, everything was comfy, but it’s a bit different and more tiring now that I have to be in charge of everything myself.

How have people reacted to the new stuff so far?
It’s great; it’s beyond my expectations.

Working two professions at the same time, how do you manage your life?
Weekdays, I am a full-time architect and then I do music after working hours and on weekends. It’s fun, it’s like a retreat.

But how do you dedicate a hundred percent of your energy to both jobs and do everything well?
I don’t know, but I can, and the outcome for both jobs are great. I talked to my friend in the music industry who does only music and he said that he can’t meet his goals and deadlines as there isn’t any pressure. This pressure that I have, for timing, for instance, pushes me to meet my objectives rapidly.

Any exciting concerts taking place soon?
Not really, but the Emporium Music Festival is supposed to be fun, as I will perform with my friends from Smallroom and I can also watch other people perform as there’re so many bands and artists that I like. I’ve actually known about this festival since last year so I’ve had some time to warm up. I’ll perform many songs off my album but I can’t be specific as to what. You’ll just have to see at the show.

What’s your next project?
I am working on the next album. I plan to have about 10 songs and only five songs have passed the arrangement stage. It might be launched towards the end of this year, I think.