Warren Hue: Q&A w/ WIMITLA.
With a warm yet futuristic approach to music, 88 Rising’s young star seems to be on the path to creative genius.
Introuction by Taylor Contarino
Q&A by Ken Tse
Indonesian rapper, singer, and producer Warren Hue offers a discography that’s fuses sounds of the R&B, house, electronic and industrial genres. Writing and releasing music from his bedroom since he was fourteen years old, Hue’s success has only multiplied over the past year and a half. The Gen-Z sensation now celebrates over 750k monthly listeners, a devout fanbase, and legendary status as a part of Marvel’s Shang Chi: The Legend of The Ten Rings Album Soundtrack. He dropped his first full-length project, SUGARTOWN, in 2019, and is now set to release more prolific music under 88rising Records. His newest infectious hit love song, “RUNAWAY W ME, will make any listener dizzy with joy and “in the clouds” with excitement. We speak to him here about the single, his move to LA, and plans for 2022.
We absolutely love “RUNAWAY W ME”! Can you walk us through the inspiration for the song?
“RUNAWAY W ME” was a song inspired by a lot of Hyperpop stuff, rap verses, even from Charli XCX to like Kanye. It was written like a year and a half ago and it was much sadder than the version that’s out right now, but I wanted to make a love song that just goes hard as shit. It was definitely a very at the moment song.
The LA lifestyle is certainly something to get used to. What have been your favorite and least favorite parts about the transition?
LA is a very confusing place sometimes and it’s too big in my opinion. I love going to KTOWN to eat and look around, also a bunch of beaches like Laguna or Malibu. I love the nature aspect of LA because maybe it felt more like home (Indonesia) and me and my mother would ride around everywhere to see different things. My least favorite part would definitely be just trying to find a group of people I can trust and hang out with, most of my close friends are doing college in London or New York so there isn’t really anyone out here that I can just hang out with on a basis and be 100% comfortable yet.
"RUNAWAY W ME” Cover Artwork / Click to Listen!
“RUNAWAY W ME” sees another collaboration between yourself and long-time friend Chasu. How has your chemistry in the studio evolved throughout the years?
Man, me and Chasu made music through like Zoom calls before, or even just sending demos over and over for a good 2 years. Being in LA really brought us together in a more comfortable work environment because interaction and communication in real life was really the move for our music. I feel like we get better and better each time we tap into the studio so it’s been really really fun working with him.
This latest single explores the genres of hyper-pop, trap, hip hop, and more. In what ways was your process in the studio unique this time around?
Being in the studio just brings more out of you I feel like. I love writing at home but just the experience being in an LA studio feels like it’s more of a “I have to get this song done today” type of mood, and I definitely have a focused mentality when it comes to the songs.
How did the inspiration for the “RUNAWAY W ME” carry into the visuals we see in the song's incredible music video?
I’ve always wanted to include dope VFX and just straight up a “wtf did I just watch” type of feel. We worked closely with coming of age who are brilliant in every aspect and they understood exactly what I wanted. I think VFX is just underrated when it comes to videos, it gives me nostalgia and I love it.
Debuting a track in front of 30k people is a dream for any artist. What was it like doing so during the finale of last year's Head In The Clouds Festival?
It was such a surreal feeling, that whole weekend was a blessing. I would never expect to perform those songs I made in high school. Being able to share the stage with NIKI and [Rich] Brian was also really cool, the energy was amazing and I seriously can’t wait for other festivals in the future.
Photo Credit: Jason Ano
It has almost been a year since your label debut with 88Rising. How has your life changed since joining the collective?
I mean 88rising was always an inspiration, especially being in Jakarta and seeing [Rich] Brian and NIKI do their thing. It’s very welcoming, everyone is super supportive and they listen to our vision as artists. Also a big part of the transition stage to LA, they took care of me well out here and I’m super grateful.
Now entering your fifth year of songwriting, are your means of inspiration any different than they were when you first started making music?
Absolutely. I’m getting more in touch with my sound and what I’m actually trying to say in my music nowadays. Everything I write will always be based off how I’m feeling or what I’m going through in the current moment, so I feel like that’s the best way to express as an artist. Inspiration comes from everywhere.
Who are three other current artists that influence your sound, and why?
I don’t think there’s like certain artists that inspire me or at least a top 3, I usually just hear certain melody choices from different people like newer artists like SSGKobe, Tobi Lou. When I was younger people like Tyler [the Creator], Earl [Sweatshirt] influenced me a lot on the songwriting and building that world.
Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi & The Legend of the Ten Rings was one of the biggest movies of 2021 – how does it feel to be so featured so prominently in the film's soundtrack?
It still doesn’t feel real honestly. It was such a big moment for 88, my friends, my family and even for the Asian community. I just remember growing up watching every single Marvel film and it’s just insane that the opportunity came so early in my career. I’m extremely honored to be a part of it and it’s an insane story to tell.
Which is the one Warren Hue lyric that best describes your life right now? What is one thing that most fans don't know about you?
I don’t have a favorite lyric but the most recent one I like is “Rocafella with it Jay cause they Z on me” it’s nothing incredibly deep but it just felt right, I felt super confident with that second verse on "RUNAWAY W ME.” I think once my album drops, fans will understand more about me.
What is one piece of advice that you’d give your younger self?
Have the most fun you can as much as possible because shit doesn’t stay the same forever.
We are all so excited about the upcoming release of BOY OF THE YEAR. How will this album differ from your previous projects?
It’s just more myself and honest. SUGARTOWN was based pretty loosely on shit that happened in Jakarta but I feel like the transition moving to LA changed a lot of my songwriting and perspective on stuff. I’m not trying to put crazy expectations on it I just want this album to be taken in different way. I would describe it youthful.
What else can Warren Hue fans expect for the rest of 2022?
Just more music, more videos, more ideas and getting better with my music each and every release. Shows are a big thing for me too and people will know what’s up once I continue this journey.