Australian singer-songwriter, Rya Park continues to build momentum in 2020 with her third single release – the delectable trip-hop, indietronica joint 'The Lucky Ones'.
Like Benee mashed with Sarah Blasko, 'The Lucky Ones' was co-written with Slum Sociable's Ed Quinn, Rya writing the track after an unexpected trip to New York."I wrote this song just after a trip to New York with my boyfriend. I surprised him in Times Square and he had no idea that I was coming.
"When I got back to Melbourne I was reminiscing on all the good times we had and thought about how it would feel to have all that taken away from me.
"I do feel lucky to be with him and it would break my heart if we ever weren't together. It was slightly painful exploring this, but I'm super happy with how it turned out. It's a nostalgia song."
First listen and the Slum Sociable sound is evident; what really cements the song as top-shelf is the team Rya immersed herself with.
Boom Crash Opera's Peter Farnan helped finesse the song further, with mixing and drum duties carried out by The Temper Trap's Toby Dundas, before it was mastered by Adam Desmpey (Angie McMahon).
That's some team Rya. "Working with Ed Quinn (Cregan) from Slum Sociable is just a dream. He's so slick and clean with his production and he's so fun to work with," Rya says.
"We have a great writing chemistry and this song came together pretty effortlessly for us both."
'The Lucky Ones' is lifted from Rya's debut EP 'Lexapro', set for a 2021 release. Born in London, but raised in Singapore and now based in Melbourne, Rya has supported the likes of Tyne-James Organ, Alex Lahey and Kingswood in the past year.
Who is Rya Park... I was born in '95 in London, and grew up in Singapore until I was 12. In 2006 I moved to Australia with my family.
Ever since I can remember my parents would play Carole King, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison and more on the stereo in the car. I have two older sisters too who were very much into bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers and No Doubt.
My dad plays guitar, so we had a little jam session every night and I would sing very loudly!
Jumping ten years ahead, I released my first single 'Billy' in 2016 which helped me pave the way for later singles like 'Bitch', 'SAD' and now my latest 'The Lucky Ones'.
I sound like… Lorde, Lana Del Rey, Benee, Adele.
My first gig was... A sold out show at The Workers Club.
When did you settle on your name… I used to live in an apartment building in Singapore called Regency Park, and I liked the look of the letters in Park.
Someone told me that Rya meant river flow in Swedish and I thought that was nice; but then I googled it and it actually means carpet. So Carpet Park.
In the studio I usually… Drink lots of coffee, write a load of lyrics on my computer, sing really loudly, pretend I can play guitar.
If I could tour with anyone… Amy Winehouse, Adele, Florence + The Machine, Lorde, Arctic Monkeys.
My favourite app at the moment is… Instagram – I have a recovery account for my mental health and it's a really beautiful way to journal how I'm feeling each day.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains… A framed picture of Alex Turner.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was… Oh just the nightmares that I suffer from every night lol.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Poached eggs, with avocado on toast!
No matter the expense, send me a case of… Pinot Noir.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was… Last year.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Cleaning.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? If so, what type? I would love to be a host of something like 'Glow Up' or 'Next In Fashion'.
