Photo Credit: Sophie Claire Gollant (@carldraft)
By Alissa Arunarsirakul // April 24, 2020
RICEWINE’s self-described genre of dreamhop is too good for the soul. In fact, it’s almost as if this emerging Thai-Australian artist concocted a cure for heartbreak and loneliness through his breathtaking fusion of indie pop and hip hop. With 18 tracks ready to go, RICEWINE is proud to present his spectacular new album, Lovesick.
On Lovesick, RICEWINE reflected,
“Love can be sickening. True love can turn your world upside down and completely change your life. You can’t plan it, nor can you predict it; you just have to go with the flow. I dedicate this album to that feeling. We’ve all been a little lovesick at some point in our lives.”
To celebrate the release of his new music, we recently chatted with RICEWINE about demos, everyday life, and of course, Lovesick.
HH: For those that don’t know, how did you come up with the stage name RICEWINE?
R: It’s funny because RICEWINE actually doesn’t really mean anything. It’s just a random name I picked–it’s pretty silly.
HH: You’ve shared that you experienced loneliness because there were very few people of Asian heritage where you grew up. Would you say your time in the music industry has been any different? Or are you actually seeing similar patterns?
R: Not really, it seems like Asian artists are getting a lot of attention at the moment in the industry, which is great. It’s been really nice to see people connect with my music.
HH: How do you feel now that Lovesick is out for the entire world to enjoy?
R: Mostly just relieved, I had been sitting on these songs for such a long time. I know a lot of people have been waiting for new music so I’m happy.
HH: Lovesick is an impressive collection of 18 tracks, but are there songs that didn’t make it onto the album?
R: When I release an album you usually only hear about 10% of what I wrote for it. I think it’s the same for a lot of artists… You make hundreds and hundreds of demos that never see the light of day. I think it’d be cool to release a demo collection one day–there’d be so many songs!
HH: Whether you’re discussing addiction or wisdom teeth removal, Lovesick very much revolves around everyday life. Which track did you find most difficult to write?
R: It’s nice that you said that because through my songwriting I’m trying to show that you can just be a regular guy and write good songs. I really do believe that not all great art must come from struggle and strife. It can come from anywhere and anything. There’s nothing wrong with that. The mundane can often be the strongest tool in songwriting. I love absorbing the outside world and filtering it out in my own way through my music. Writing the song “Taken” was really quite difficult for me because I had written a really great outro first and I really struggled to fill in the rest of the song, I almost gave it up. Each song is always a little difficult; writing never comes easy for me.
HH: What are some things/people/places/ideas you absolutely love?
R: Music, Mum and Dad, my girlfriend Sophie, my brother, my cat Noodle, Thailand, merrijig, Mt Buller, my studio, and the sea.
HH: If you could turn back time and write any hit song, which one would it be?
R: “Hey Ma” by Cam’Ron. I can’t stop singing it–such a funny song.
HH: What are your three hidden hits?
R: “Lovestruck” – AKA Zeb and Gus
“Purple Rose” – Nikodimos
“Slow Sex” – China
The Hidden Hits 