WHO DIS?
Kicking off 2022 with a bang, Indonesian superstar RAMENGVRL sat down with us to talk about past, present and future, as well as the dynamic new single “WHO DIS”
Interview by Josh Sweeney
“WHO DIS” is the next single in a line of high-energy bangers from Asiatic Records - the new hip-hop label launched by Warner Music - flagship artist. “WHO DIS” sees a return of the unapologetic attitude and confidence that oozes from the rest of her musical catalogue. The Forbes 30 Under 30 artist raps about the ‘fake friends’ who have come out of the wood-work since her meteoric rise to success. Accompanying the release of “WHO DIS” is a coloful, high-energy music video directed by drea.irl. A clever combination of meme-culture inspired visuals and Y2K aesthetics promotes the playful and creative style RAMENGVRL has built her name with. With every release, RAMENGVRL continues to evolve her quirky style giving her fans (us included) banger after banger. It’s clear that she’s an artist to keep a very close eye on, and it’s for this reason we were so excited to sit down with her and talk about the past, the present and what the future holds for RAMENGVRL.
Where did it all start? What sparked your creative career?
“Funny enough, I didn’t know anybody or do anything slightly close to the creative industry. I did some corporate work for a few years but I always found myself coming back to music, especially if I had a pretty stressful day. So I kept uploading demos on Soundcloud thinking “if people find out, cool, but if not, well what do you expect anyway.” Apparently it got traction and here I am, doing music full time!”
Who are your biggest creative influences and what did you have on repeat throughout 2021?
“NICKI MINAJ. Period. Kanye West too, specifically his My Beautiul Dark Twisted Fantasy era. Apparently the track I played the most through last year was “GOKU VIBES” by DJ Chari, DJ Tatsuki, Tohji, Elle Teresa, Uneducated Kid, and Futuristic Swaver. I Loooove DJ Chari’s music!”
What’s been the biggest “Oh shit, I’m actually doing this” moment of your career?
“I think it was when I’ve had other musicians that I respect come up to me and actually say they like my music. Like, YOU like my music? Oh, okay, I guess this is for real then haha”
“So I’m like hey, I gotta respect ME more! Say what you want, don’t “hey” me on Whatsapp and not say anything, I won’t reply lol.”
You always look like you’re having a blast in your music videos, what’s been the most enjoyable video to shoot?
“Ain’t No MF” feat. pH-1! Despite having to shoot separately to pH-! coz of the pandemic (he shot his in Korea), it was the first time I ever worked with an Indonesian female director (who I became friends with after), and she’s able to deliver my overall vision to life. I look sick too haha. Oh, and CA$HMERE, for the sole reason that it’s shot in Japan and we were in a limousine :D”
Your unapologetic ‘no bullshit’ attitude seems to be a driving force behind many of your songs, how do you maintain this outlook on life?
“Hmm, I don’t know, I’m practically already a no BS person in real life hahaha. I wasn’t really like this before though, like up until I graduated from college I found it hard to say “No”. Then I realised that tendancy had brought me into a lot of.. unfavourable situations, and it’s kinda like not valuing yourself as well, you know? So I’m like hey, I gotta respect ME more! Say what you want, don’t “hey” me on Whatsapp and not say anything, I won’t reply lol.”
If you could collaborate with anyone on earth, musical or otherwise, who would it be?
“Nicki MInaj, OF COURSE, step on me Mam. But also: Utada Hikaru, the game Kingdom Hearts, the game Persona and Wotakoi (the anime)”
Do you have a go-to creative process or do you change it up for every project?
“Yes, I always play the beat first and see what vibe I’m on, that’s gonna decide the theme of the song. Then I mumble some tunes while recording on my phone (CAN’T miss this. I had phases where I didn’t do this and had to let go of some crazy catchy tunes that I probably won’t ever recall) and then I write. A lot of times I like to revisit my notes where I keep some lines that I thought of when I was on the way, or like on the toilet. You’ll never know when those things’ll come in handy (they always do). Even today, I record everything in my room. I mean sure there has been some stuff I made in a professional studio, but nothing beats making shit in your own (wo)man cave.”
You’ve cemented yourself in the music industry, and now with Going Noodles, you’re making moves into the fashion industry. What’s the next industry you’re looking to take over?
“Having a ramen shop would be cool haha. I kinda wanna do something game-related too, like a dating game or be-a-star game like on of those games that Kim K or Demi Lovato did? OMG that’d be sick hahaha!”
What’s the to-do list looking like at the moment?
World tour (fingers crossed). I’m just being patient now
Stay in Japan for a while. Bucket list.
Buy a house and make it look aesthetic. My place now looks like butt lmao
Do a track with dances and sick choreo in it
Lastly, what’s your go-to ramen order?
Goma tonkotsu ramen, or in other wors, SESAME. I love sesame. Fun fact (or not): until mid last year, I thought you said “sesame” like you say “shazam”. I was pretty disappointed when I found out the real way to say it.”
