One of the those in the Hip-Hop entertainment industry that is gifted enough to produce lyrics incorporating nuances of life, hardships and joys as well as current trends is Artist Phyo Lay from Snare. He had been crazy for music and had since put in his time steadfastly which had led him to earn a dedicated fanbase. The following are excerpts from an interview with Phyo Lay; sharing both stories of struggles and triumphs from his youth.
Phyo Lay, real name Phyo Wai Myint, was born on March 1. He remembers his happy days growing up in Kyaukmyaung, singing along to songs or simply just vibing to music being played. He also had made friends with many who were of the same passion, claiming that some of them are now in the music and entertainment industry.
While he wasn't as academically hardworking, he adamantly followed his dreams of being a singer. When Snare first formed, there were five members total. Through difficulties over the years, only Nay Win and Phyo Lay remained in the group with the very first album coming out in 2010.
"Everyone goes through hardships. When we first started trying, the time period also wasn't as accessible too. We have to buy cassette tapes to listen to songs back then. It also took time for your creations to get spread around. We also made many mistakes, which meant many poor songs."
Since then, songs such as Danger, 39 Bite-pu, Ba Gyi Phyo and U Nay Win has become mainstay songs for many hip-hop fans. Lately, Phyo Lay has signed on as a Frenzo artist, working together with artists such as Sai Sai Khem Leng. As for Snare as a whole - three rap albums have been produced with Rap Game in 2010, Ba Gyi Phyo and U Nay Win in 2013 and Puu Twal Champion in 2018. Snare had also staged successful live shows such as a solo performance in Yangon's Mhyaw Sin Kyun. Phyo Lay had found success not only as part of Snare but also by being the lyricist behind successful songs from other artists such as Sandi Myint Lwin, Wyne Su Khaing Thein, Warso Moe Oo and more.
Phyo Lay's next step up the success ladder came in the form of a solo album released this year. In the previous year, his band mate Nay Win came up with his solo album and this year was Phyo Lay's turn with the album titled "Bar Tway Phyit". Many received the album very well as it was filled with Phyo Lay's personal style and feel to songs composed regarding a variety of issues concerning the youth.
"It's not like Snare is breaking up just because we are releasing solo albums. It has been discussed since long ago that these are our personal milestones. It was already planned. So we took time to create those. In the future, albums will drop from both of us as well as Snare," said Phyo Lay.
Phyo Lay had also launched his own clothing line called Genius Fashion, a brand which concentrates on youth culture and attire. He had managed to balance between his personal business and his dedication to his craft. He is now in a relationship with Actress cum Model Warso Moe Oo, a couple that is also well loved by fans. When probed about some "considerations" that has to be involved in a relationship with two stars, Phyo Lay says "We have to mutully understand each other since we are both in the entertainment industry. If one of us needed help, another would assit. The main thing is that since our work and passion are same with each other, there is not a lot we need to negotiate. To be understanding is crucial in a relationship. That's why we have been getting along great."
Phyo Lay passes on the message to young people out there that more success can be found if what you like doing is actually what your job is, drawing parallels to himself that strove through challenges and hardships.
"Snare wouldn't be here today without your support. We are deeply grateful for it and hope that you will keep supporting us in the future as we will keep trying our best," said Phyo Lay.
