Interview: From YouTube to Tensura, MindaRyn's Unique Take on Anisong

MindaRyn, an up-and-coming anisong artist with Lantis, made a special appearance at the Tensura Special Event at Anime NYC 2022. At the convention, we had the special opportunity to interview MindaRyn and learn about her journey from covering anime songs on her YouTube channel to her professional career as an anisong artist. We also had a chance to watch her perform her new single, "Make Me Feel Better," the theme song of the film Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken: Guren no Kizuna-hen (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Scarlet Bond).

I just wanted to say that I actually was at the Tensura panel and I watched you live. I thought you were very energetic, the performance was very good.

Thank you so much!

What is the origin of your stage name, "MindaRyn?"

Oh, it's a little silly, but [laughs] my name—my nickname in Thai—when you're born, you'll get a long name as your real name and a nickname from your parents, so you'll have two names. So my nickname was Mind, M-i-n-d, from English. When I was a kid, there was this cup of jelly with the flavor mandarin orange, and I didn't know that mandarin was a type of orange, so I just called this jelly "mandarin." Whenever I wanted to eat this jelly, I would say, "Mom! Give me mandarin!" "Mandarin" is a happy word for me because it is my favorite jelly, so I combined it with my name to form "MindaRyn."

That's actually really clever!

Really? I think it's a little bit silly!

No, it's cute!

Really? Thank you.

You stated in one of your previous interviews that you would like to sing songs of various genres, but do you have a favorite genre?

Well, I think the genre that really fits MindaRyn is pop-rock. I have a ton of pop-rock songs, like "Like Flames" or "Make Me Feel Better" from the Tensura movie. I think I sing a lot of pop-rock songs, so that's why it's my favorite.


Following up, is there a genre that you haven't tried yet, but would like to?

Oh, I would like to try an orchestra piece. Are you familiar with NieR:Automata?

Oh yes, yes.

I went to an orchestra concert for NieR:Automata and heard a lot of songs where the singers perform with the orchestra band in the background. I got goosebumps while listening to that concert, so I'd like to try my hand at orchestral singing someday.

Yeah, I bet that would be an amazing experience.

Thank you.

How do you approach interpreting and expressing a song when you've been asked to sing for an anime?

If it's an anime song, I imagine the feeling based on the scenario, what the character likes, and how this song relates to the anime. I also look for something similar—something that relates to my experience—so that I can express myself more easily through the song. When I sing, I feel the concepts, emotions, and expressions in order to relate and connect them.

That's quite the process!

Thank you!

And I assume you watched Tensura?

Ah, yeah yeah. I love Tensura–I'm a big fan!

That's great to hear, me too. So what aspect of Tensura did you find most enjoyable?

Ah, I think Tensura is unique in that, unlike other isekai anime, the main theme is not battles, but building a kingdom. Of course, the fighting scenes are fantastic, and Rimuru is extremely strong, so whatever happens, I know he'll come out on top [laughs]. So I'm always anticipating what's going to happen next, like who Rimuru will meet and how they'll fight, as well as the strategies for winning these battles. Also, Rimuru is so cute!

Yes, I agree! He's a really great part of the show.


So going back to your roots, how would you compare producing music for Lantis to producing music for your own videos?

I think the responsibility is really different, because when I was doing covers, I was just a YouTuber, and I did it for fun, for myself, and for my fans. I didn't feel any pressure when I was a YouTuber, but now that I'm an artist, I have to be responsible for my work and who's listening to what I'm doing, so I have to think more. When I cover a song, I already have references for how to approach it, how to sing it, and then I'll add my own flair. If it's a new song, I have to start from scratch. So, to complete the world of theme songs or songs that I sing, I must study and research extensively.

Based on the comments section in your YouTube videos, it seems like you have a lot of international fans. If you had the chance to perform anywhere, where would you choose to go next?

Ooh, there are so many places I've never been before, I just want to go everywhere. I enjoy nature and would like to visit countries with beautiful scenery, such as the Netherlands. Europe, too. I've never been to Europe, so if I get the chance, I'll be overjoyed.

You seem to know quite a few languages. You are pretty much fluent in English and Japanese, along with your native language, Thai. Are you interested in learning any other languages?

Ohhh, I'm addicted to watching German drama right now, and I think the language and how they pronounce it are really interesting. If I get the chance, I'd like to learn German, though it appears to be very difficult!

Your logo it's very cute. It's cool how it incorporates the glasses in the design.

Ah, thank you!

Was that maybe your idea, or...?

It's a part of my personality. I've been wearing glasses since I began doing covers. I always feel safe when I wear glasses. I think you understand because you're also wearing glasses. [laughs] Even though I no longer use the ones with lenses, I still feel comfortable with having them on my face.

The Tensura movie is coming out next week in Japan. Can you tell us a little bit about the theme song of the movie, "Make Me Feel Better?"

"Make Me Feel Better" is about forming strong bonds with friends and overcoming obstacles and hardships, and looking ahead beyond the difficulties. It's a song of perseverance. The lyrics also tie in with the plot of the movie, so I hope everyone enjoys both the song and the movie.

Yes, I'll be sure to watch it when it comes out!

Did you watch the sneak peek? It's very nice!

Yes, it was very exciting, I want more!

So you have an album coming out soon, and according to the album credits, it looks like you wrote the song, "Another World." Is this the first song you've written and could you talk a bit about your writing process?

"Another World" is the first time I've written the melody and lyrics entirely by myself. I wrote it all in English at first because my Japanese isn't very good, but because I debuted in Japan, I want this song to connect with the Japanese people. So I received encouragement from Sachiko-san, the singer-songwriter of "Like Flames." She assisted me in creating the Japanese lyrics.

This song was inspired by my feelings when I decided to become an anisong singer. For me, becoming an anisong singer is like entering another world, so I have no idea what the future holds. I'm afraid of a lot of things, but I've come so far with all my might that I don't want to give up. Also, I didn't come here by myself; there are many people who believe in and support me. I'm not sure where it will lead, but I just want to do my best on this new journey that I'm embarking on. So this song embodies all of those emotions.

I'm looking forward to listening to the song!

Thank you!


MindaRyn official site: https://mindaryn.com/
MindaRyn Twitter: @mindaryn_
MindaRyn Instagram: @mindaryn_
MindaRyn YouTube: @MindaRyn_