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RIP Youth is the innovative artist project from songwriter-producer James Maas. Taking control back into his own hands, RIP Youth has created a vibe that’s resonated with listeners across the globe. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with RIP Youth about getting his start in the biz, his latest single, and more!

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
RIP Youth: I used to write really bad songs with a friend of mine and make my family listen to them when I was about six. I still have the lyrics and they still make me laugh.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
RIP Youth: Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey. It’s not a cool or obvious answer. Mariah’s writing ability and her vocal ability, as well as MJ’s, spoke to me in a way that made me feel like aliens existed among us.

PC: What is the story behind RIP Youth?
RIP Youth: RIP Youth was created from my desire to release music on my terms. Streaming has changed the industry, so why not create a space to build an audience and hope that my mom isn’t the only one who’s into it?

I’m a working writer and producer. I pitch songs to a lot of artists. When a song lands, it’s great. But a lot of them don’t make it. They’re usually the ones I really like and the ones that I need to have a life.

The ultimate goal is to be able to call the shots on my releases. I get to choose how many and when. I want the undiscovered talent that I’ve worked with over the years to be heard because good music is good music.

Two years ago, I decided to self-fund our first single, “You Love”. Thankfully, it played well on Australian radio. It put RIP on Jurgen Korduletsch’s radar. He owns Radikal Records, which I’m now signed to.

PC: Tell us about “It’s a Vibe” and the inspiration behind the song.
RIP Youth: In the industry (especially in a creative setting), we use the term “It’s a vibe” when we feel we’re onto something good. “It’s a Vibe” is a song about meeting someone romantically whom you’re enamored with. If that person stays in your orbit long enough, you know you’ll be able to write something special (a hit) because some of their coolness rubs off on you. Basically, you’re a big fan of that person and that inspires you.

PC: How do you get in a vibe?
RIP Youth: I believe you get in a vibe by being present and in the moment—doing things that fine-tune that machine that allows you to tap back in as quickly and as frequently as possible to that flow state, whatever you do when you create.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2021, what does the year hold for you?
RIP Youth: 2021 brings live performances! There is tons of new music coming and visuals! There are a lot of collaborations—some artists that I’ve been dreaming of and I’m just waiting for approval. I’m edgy…not the good kind. [laughs]

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
RIP Youth: Leonard Cohen.

PC: First album you bought?
RIP Youth: Mariah Carey’s Music Box.

PC: First concert you attended?
RIP Youth: Ja Rule and Ashanti in Sydney, Australia. [laughs]

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
RIP Youth: Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation. It just encompasses everything I want in music and entertainment. I’ll be forever trying to create bodies of work like that.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
RIP Youth: Madison Square Garden.

PC: A must-have on the road?
RIP Youth: Electrolytes! Nuun Hydration tablets that fizz in your water.

To keep up with RIP Youth, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Pick up or stream “It’s a Vibe” today.