August 2022

And if time allowed what two other instruments would you like to learn to play? I play the violin and piano as well. I spent the first half of my music career playing the vio- lin and singing, performing popular American songs in local bars and venues around Singapore and Southeast Asia, for both locals and tourists alike. I use the computer the most these days as an instrument, designing, sampling sounds or collaging sounds, and also since it can be several instruments at once! Just two? I would love to learn the banjo and the saxophone! The banjo because of its distinct sound in American folk music and my love for string instruments. I’d say the saxophone as I’m drawn to the warm timbre of the sound, and be- cause I’ve always wanted to learn a wind instru- ment. Nice indeed. Maybe you can drop a bluegrass jazz mix if you learn it lol. Now for many art- ists all they do is write, write, sleep, and write. Are you always in the programs creating or have you found that good work life balance in your career? That’s the idea!! I’ll keep that in mind. I think you hit the nail on the head with regards to our daily cycle! It is definitely a work in progress, and I’ve placed a big focus on finding this work- life balance in my career over the last few years. I feel that it has opened more creativity and room for my growth as an artist. Going through life to- gether with people I love shapes the way I look at things and in turn, inspires and brings in more ideas when I’m writing, or when I’m at the stu- dio. As much as I enjoy the routine of plugging away in the programs, I think connecting with others and the practicing hobbies outside of mu- sic have taught me so much, adding more color and bringing joy into my world. Yes, that social connection is so important. Now that things have calmed down as far as the pan- demic what are your plans for playing shows? We had a run of shows through the start of the year, but things have calmed down. Right now, I’m in the studio working on a full-length that will be set to release next year. As far as shows go, we’re playing a show on 7/29 at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. Hope to see you there! Fantastic! Now if you had the opportunity to put together a concert, and you can invite any super- star artists to join you, who would you have on the bill and why do you think your music would mix well for the fans? I’d have Metric and Kate Bush that’s the dream. Paper Citizen sounds like a hybrid of a solo artist and a band. I feel greatly influenced by both ways of presenting music as well their iconic voices. In a way, the music of metric and Kate Bush are opposites - I love listening to metric for their gorgeous melodies, synthesizers and pushing grooves. They make you feel strong yet soft yet badass. I also love listening to Kate Bush for her unique melody choices, intricate arrangements and wide range of emotions captured in her per- formance. It makes me feel confidently dramatic and free. Fans who love to listen to pretty and convention-defying female vocalists, love music with unpredictable twists and turns and appre- ciate philosophical, abstract, or existential lyrics will crave all this music. I would pay to see that for sure. And so, what legacy do you want people to remember you for now and in the future? I hope to help others feel seen, understood, and included not just in the world of music, but in my immediate reality. I want to leave behind in- valuable skills to those seeking a musical path and make records that will spread the message of love, perseverance, and the life-long quest to find freedom from within. Wonderful! Thanks again so very much for spending time with the Ryze-Fam today. Is there anything else you would like to say before we go? Thanks for having me! 18