Earlier this year, we caught our eyes upon Perth-based alternative rock rising star RinRin opening up for Caskets in Perth. Just a few months later, and this young star is ready to welcome listeners into her dystopian world with new single ‘PRN’. 

 

2024 introduces a new era for RinRin, and ‘PRN‘ begins a fresh new narrative, and the first in a string of fantasy-fuelled releases. ‘PRN‘ explores the dystopian and fictional story of Rin, based on real life. A multiverse exists where ‘variants’ of RinRin reside in alternate worlds, leading different lives that reflect real feelings.

 

In ‘PRN‘, produced, mixed and mastered with Chris Lalic of Windwaker, RinRin is a dystopian being who finds themselves at their lowest – unhinged and overtaken by resentment and anger, existing in a psychiatric ward confined from the outside. In this universe, Rin escapes the ward and vows to hunt down and put an end to others of her kind to put them out of their misery as a twisted way to help them. This version of RinRin explores mental health, coping mechanisms and healing. 

 

 

RinRin is the musical project of singer-songwriter and guitarist Qarin Hipe. Taking cues from luminaries BABYMETAL, Poppy, and Bring Me The Horizon, RinRin creates her own unique brand of pop-punk and metal that expounds infectious energy. 

 

First of all, please introduce yourself – who is RinRin?!

 

RinRin is a character I made up to represent me in the world and narrative I created, the said narrative is based off of my life’s key events that are discussed in my songs. It’s also a persona that helps me get through performances and speaking because I’m pretty shy.

 

Congratulations on the release of your new song ‘PRN‘, it’s a fun exploration of EDM, metal and pop. Could you tell us a little about the new track? Is there a concept or theme behind the tune?

 

PRN is “pro renata”, a Latin term that means as needed. PRN was something I came up with while I was at a mental health facility. The nurses, other patients and I use “PRN” as a slang term for the meds that calm us which relates to the concept of the song. The song is about losing control, it can either be pure rage or addiction or anything like that and craving the calm a PRN brings.

 

Do your musical choices reflect the lyrical content?

 

Usually, it does. But I like to mix and match sometimes. Something super contrasting, like scary lyrics with cheery music, could deliver the intended effect I was planning for.

 

You mention a narrative in a press release, will this narrative carry over into other tracks down the line? Will this single fit on a larger release later?

 

Definitely! I’ve always liked how other artists have tracks that tell a story, like a soundtrack almost. But the reason why I wanted to create a narrative with this song and future releases is because the next wave of tracks are to introduce the main characters of the narrative (through the visuals that’ll be included with the songs) but most importantly, to be an outlet for all the key moments in my life.

 

Who did you work with on the track? What does your writing process look like?

 

For PRN specifically, I wrote it when I was staying at a mental health facility and made its full demo there. After I left, I flew to Melbourne to work with my producer Chris Lalic (Windwaker) whose amazing ideas added to the overall song.

 

 

Where do you find inspiration for your music? 

 

Gaming is one of my favorite pastimes so a lot of game soundtracks get stuck in my head. Anime is another inspiration. Bands that like to mix other genres with metal.

 

In your dream world, who is RinRin touring with in five years time?

 

My idol Avril Lavigne for sure! It’d be super cool to tour with Bring Me the Horizon or Babymetal someday too.

 

If you could write the soundtrack for any movie, which movie are you picking?

 

I’m more of a TV show girl, so I’d definitely write stuff for Arcane (or anything Riot-related to be honest) and Love, Death, and Robots.

 

Who are you listening to at the moment on repeat?

 

I’m in a nostalgic mood so I’ve been listening to Linkin Park.

 

Finally, what’s next for RinRin this year?

 

Got one more gig lined up then it’s dropping a couple more tracks which I’m super excited for!

 

Stream ‘PRN’ here