Our coverage of Ripsime goes back to 2023, yet there’s plenty of her back catalogue that we’ve yet to explore.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Ripsime
The London-based British Armenian artist has made it easy for us by re-releasing three of her earlier track, Dare, Colour of Your Eyes, and I’ll Understand.
The trio of tracks part of the launch of her own imprint, RIP Records, which sees her fusing her music with a visual world.
“It’s been a long time coming,” she says of the imprint. “Everything I’ve done – from the art to the music – has been self-made, and I just wanted a little space, a container for that, so that eventually I can support artists and friends that I love. Building community and a space is so important for me – but for now, I’m the guinea pig.”
The three tracks and their visual companions shed plenty of light on Ripsime’s world, one that is shared between London, and Yerevan, Armenia. Dare opens things with a funky, looping bassline. Colour of Your Eyes slows things down, venturing into classic rock and roll of its breathy ballad. I’ll Understand closes the trio with some acoustic intimacy. Performed live, it gives plenty of space for the emotion of its lyrics to hit.
Throughout, Ripsime’s characterful vocals prove gripping. Her lyrics straddle the poetic and relatable well, giving us an unconventional pop style that’s utterly unique.
I find myself really looking forward to discovering Ripsime’s new chapter. She’s a wonderful artist who knows how to tear up the pop rulebook.
The re-released singles are out now, and you can listen to Dare below.