If you’re looking for a little something to put a hop in your step in this winter weather, look no further than the new EP from RHY, DUMB FUNK – out tomorrow.
The six-track project is the debut effort from the Perth indie-pop artist, following on from his first single ‘Full Grown’ in March 2021 and most recently ‘For Real’, released 23 June. DUMB FUNK blends modern pop elements with R&B and – yep, you guessed it – funk stylings. Without sticking to any one sound, the vibrant EP showcases everything RHY has to offer in a small but impactful package.
Recorded and engineered by the artist himself in his home studio, RHY collaborated with James Newhouse (Lamb Chop) who handled the project’s mastering. The smooth and bright melodies and beats of DUMB FUNK will appeal to fans of BENEE, Remi Wolf, The Jungle Giants and the like.
“DUMB FUNK has been a chance for me to explore my sound as an artist and despite it being pretty diverse sonically, the end product feels cohesive as a whole,” RHY explains. “The EP’s been recorded and produced across three home studios, as I’ve moved house three times in the process of making it. As much as I look forward to co-writing and collaborating on future projects, I felt it was important to define RHY myself before inviting others in. I also fully suck at team work, so I’m looking forward to getting better at it!”
RHY’s laidback vocals drift gracefully through the mix and incite feelings of chilling out on a Sunday afternoon, while the lyrics pertain more to stressing about the week ahead. This balance of light and dark sees the songwriter tap into vulnerable territory and explore his approach to life without putting a dampener on the music.
“DUMB FUNK is pretty much my brain in EP form,” RHY continues. “Mainly focused on confronting the frustrating parts of my personality, DUMB FUNK deconstructs my thoughts and what makes me tick as well as what ticks me off. It’s about overthinking, overcommitting, under thinking and under committing, but in the same breath acknowledging the struggle and being cool with it.
I’ve always had an interesting relationship with the D-word (dumb, not death) and lyrically this EP is quite vulnerable, but I think making these songs fun and feel-good is my way of disarming it.”
RHY will be hosting a DUMB FUNK launch show at El Grotto in Perth on Friday 8 July. You can follow the event HERE (tickets on the door).
Stay up to date on the latest from RHY by following him on Facebook and Instagram.
