Words by Keane Fletcher
Look. Yes, we know. The world is looking mighty grim at the moment. But all the more reason to chuck on some 80’s inspired pop and dance around your room right?
Well that’s exactly what Perth-based artist Aut Ratchaphom is driving us to do with his infectious new single ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Your Online Boyfriend.’ A perfect song for dating in the internet age, 'IDWBYOB' is somewhat of a healing experience for Ratchaphom, having been inspired by his own adventures in the world of online romance.
'I broke up with one particular person that I met on Tinder,' says Ratchaphom, 'everything that happened I wrote into the song...I've had enough of this kind of relationship. They make me feel like they're in love and then they leave me...it’s absolutely wasting my time.'
Be warned future exes. Screw up with Ratchaphom and he'll pull a Swifty on you!
We recently caught up with Ratchaphom to talk all things music and inspo, check it out below.
1- Where in the world are you based at the moment?
I’m currently living in Perth, Australia, but I’m looking forward to going to the UK or USA when the borders open because I believe there’s more chances and opportunities for me based on the style of music that I’m making.
2- How would you describe your sound? Who are your musical influences?:
I would describe my music as modern pop/top 40 with a fusion of other genres like rock, country, EDM, etc. My musical influences are kind of mixed but the ones that have the most impact on my music are Taylor Swift, 2NE1, Blackpink, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, The Bleacher, Fall Out Boy, Imagine Dragon, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, The Strut and The Score.
3- How does the songwriting process usually work for you? Do you have a routine when it comes to writing or does a song usually take you by surprise?
The way I write or come up with a song is kind of mix between a surprise and an intention. Sometimes, I think of a song when I'm just sitting down, strumming and singing a random melody; sometimes I come up with a cool title first; sometimes it just happens out of nowhere at random places. Many times I get them from my dreams. Nowadays, my songwriting skills are at the point where I can just write whatever I wanna write about and make it sound intentional.
4- Your new single ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Your Online Boyfriend’ is a piece 80’s infused pop perfectly suited to the Tinder generation. Can you tell us a little about the story behind it?
It actually happened to me when I broke up with one particular person that I met on Tinder. Everything that happened I wrote into the song. I've had enough of this kind of relationship. They make me feel like they're in love and then they leave me. It’s absolutely wasting my time, but I never regret it.
5- How do you feel the internet has affected your career as a songwriter? Do you believe streaming services like Spotify and Soundcloud are making things easier or harder for artists?
I would say the internet is an important part of my music career because it helps me share my music widely and internationally. Most of my inspirations are from the media. There’s good thing and bad things about streaming services. Let's talk about the good things. It’s definitely easier for many artists (especially unsigned and independent ones like me) to release music without a record label and whenever we want to. But what makes it harder for many independent artists is that anyone can release music and it doesn't attract audiences unless you already have an established fanbase.
6- Who would be your dream collaboration?
There are so many artists, but the top 4 on my list are Taylor Swift, Lisa Manoban (from Blackpink), Dua Lipa and Bruno Mars.
7- If you could change one thing about the music industry what would it be?
If I had to change one thing about the music industry it would be independent related. There’s not much opportunities for independent artists that don’t have record label support. Many people want to play music for a living but with no support from a record label and not many opportunities out there, they may end up doing something they won't enjoy.
8- What's next for you?
My next plan is to keep on making music, go to UK or USA, and keep trying hard to finally sign with a record label. I can’t do it all alone now. I need the budget and the support in order to step up my music career.
Thanks for stopping by Hipland!
