Ripsime is an artist who shines and stands on her own two feet. Her latest single, ‘Paradise’, is a glistening record full of hope, authenticity and pure gold from the Armenian born now London based artist. Taking full creative reign on production, with her bandmate Luke laying down some instrumentation alongside, the track delves into alt pop and indie rock, to an almost progressive pop rock style, which feels so refreshing and full of Ripsime’s sonic personality throughout.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Ripsime to talk all about what’s to come for 2025, the inner workings of ‘Paradise’ and so much more in this deep dive interview for LOCK.
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Hey Ripsime, welcome to LOCK! How are you doing?
I’m great haha, how are you.
Paradise marks a shift in your musical direction. What inspired you to explore this electronic and punk-infused sound?
The track came quite naturally. I don’t know if I went about it intentionally but I think the pieces just naturally fit together in the process of making. I had the skeleton down which I did in a few hours and then Luke put down his magic and then I continued building from there.
The track is a tribute to those we’ve lost too soon. How did you approach translating such a deeply personal theme into your music?
The chords and the lyrics came very quickly and sometimes when I write, it comes quickly all at once or it takes a while to work through. Never in between really. This was one of those that came almost instantaneously. I don’t know if I approached it from any place other than my authentic heart and it sorta just flowed out.
The 80s-inspired vibes in Paradise are striking. Why do you think this era’s sound continues to resonate with modern audiences?
A great era in music I dont’ think ever goes way. It’ll always continue to evoke a stylish confidence even in an audience that weren’t alive at the time through their connection in all things like cinema, TV, art, and culture.
You worked closely with your bandmate Luke on the bassline and effects. How important is collaboration in your creative process?
Huge. I produced the last EP with him and this one too. He’s an insightful and beautifully skilled musician so it’s incredible to work with someone who feels your spirit and is able to translate that into the music.
You can hear the joy in the production of the track. What is your favourite moment production wise?
The bit where it first drops! (lol) When Luke emulated the synth sounds with the guitar and we were able to reverb it all out, I was just like ‘man ,this feels so good’.
Since your debut EP Capsule I: Wicked and Wise, how would you describe your growth as a songwriter and producer?
I think the growth has happened quite naturally. I don’t think about it too much other than the fact that over time, I’ve become less precious about what I’m putting out and more connected with what the song needs and how to serve that as best as I can. That takes time to get good at, at least for me.
As Paradise is described as a glimpse into the future of your music. What excites you most about the direction your sound is taking?
I think as I’ve grown more as producer, the sounds that I want to emulate and energy I want to capture has become easier over time so I don’t think too much about direction but rather being authentic to the moment and the track.
And finally, what does 2025 hold for Ripsime?
We have the rest of the second EP coming out over the next few months and I’ll be re-releasing some more singles from my older stuff as well as finalising the funk album with the band!
Stream Paradise now: