Photo Credit: Lily Wright

UK’s self-proclaimed psychedelic sad boy R.I.Pablo releases his vibrant new single “Sunday Morning Boy,” a trippy alt-pop fusion that invites listeners in with a warm embrace as we embark on a sensory-filled journey together. Driven by a kaleidoscopic blend of acoustic guitar licks, sweet-sounding melodies and his fresh lyricism, the self-written single is sure to toy with your heart strings. The offering tells the story of a relationship that was solely physical, despite his craving of that deeper connection…or at least for her to stay until the next morning. 

Although R.I.Pablo might be a new name in the world of solo-artists, he is definitely no stranger to the world of pop. As a member of The Six, a writing collective from Manchester, he is known worldwide for developing the perfect pop melodies. He holds an impressive pen game, his biggest solo breakthrough being this year when he co-wrote half of Bebe Rexha‘s second album Better Mistakes. 

He has contributed to various viral pop hits including Alan Walker x Noah Cyrus “All Falls Down”, Marshmello + Anne Marie “FRIENDS”, and “Baby I’m Jealous” from Bebe Rexha x Doja Cat to name a few. The Six’s cuts have amassed over 1 billion streams on Spotify.

Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?

I’ve been a songwriter/producer for other artists for the past 8 years. Being a songwriter allows you to explore many different characters and work with different styles and sounds. In one of my explorations I found a little pocket of sound which I can only describe as my own secret sauce. This is the time it felt different. I couldn’t give it away to anyone else anymore. I had to go to the sauce market and sell it as my own, and thus I became an artist. 

How would you describe the highs and lows of being an artist? 

Highs – thinking you have written a seminal masterpiece that will travel through 100s of generations 

Lows- realising it’s shit

What’s a musical guilty pleasure of yours?

I bang ‘keep on movin’ by five  on the regular. It’s a Uk pop classic. I like to force myself to dance to it in the mornings to shake off any neggy thoughts.

What are some sources of inspiration for you?

Not doing music inspires me, as it’s consuming 99 percent of my life. 

Meeting new people. Hearing their stories so I can slyly feed them into my songs.

House chores/any mundane activity. I always come up with ideas with a hoover in hand.

Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?

Tyler the creator. He’s genre bending and constantly evolving. He’s so bold and unapologetic. I like that energy.

Favorite activity to blow off some steam?

Running as fast as I can through the woods… 

Tell us about “Sunday Morning Boy” and how it came about?

I wrote “Sunday morning boy” after I hooked up with someone, who never stayed till the morning. Think i needed a cuddle and a cuppa! 

What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?

Dancing. Also, in the mornings I’ve been writing down my thoughts and feelings (probs because I watched the sound of metal).Sometimes I feel like I go into flow and let parts of me speak that I’ve been denying.

What inspires your visuals, videos, looks etc?

Nature. Skate culture. Psychedelic/trippy shit.

What is the most embarrassing memory and most proud moment of your career so far ?

I can’t remember being embarrassed as an artist. I try not to take it too seriously… But my proudest moment has to be writing “buggin out” (a song on my Ep “Bug lyf”, OUT IN AUGUST) . It felt like I had gone to the bottom of the rabbit hole and come back with a one of a kind song. It birthed my whole artist project! 

As an artist, what’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

“Don’t forget why you started.” Sometimes I like to imagine I’m in my childhood bedroom writing the most random lil ideas, with no pressure, being weird af and thinking freely. It was always based around whatever felt fun. And I know being an artist there are some more gruelling/boring times. It’s a job. 

But I do believe the creative or explorative sides of it should be fun! 

Where do you think the music and entertainment industry is headed after this past year?

I think everyone is ready for some live music! aren’t we? raves, festivals, sweaty people. It’s going to be MAD!