“Stop optimizing for ‘engagement,’” she says firmly. “I see kids changing their album covers because the contrast ratio wasn’t right for the algorithm. Don’t do that. Your art isn’t a thumbnail. Make something that makes you cry in the car first. Worry about the playlist later.”
As our time winds down, I ask Rina what advice she has for other young artists trying to break through the noise without losing their soul.
“Those genres are just boxes the internet built to sell playlists,” she says. “I grew up listening to Fiona Apple and Paramore just as much as I listened to 100 gecs. I want my music to feel like a fever dream, sure, but I also want it to break your heart.”
Her latest single, "Internet Crush (Delete Later)" is a masterclass in this tension. The chorus is sticky and sweet, but the bridge descends into glitched-out screaming. It’s about the horror of modern dating—swiping, matching, ghosting.
Rina Ellis has been labeled hyperpop , glitchcore , and even digicore . When I ask which label fits, she winces.
“Stop optimizing for ‘engagement,’” she says firmly. “I see kids changing their album covers because the contrast ratio wasn’t right for the algorithm. Don’t do that. Your art isn’t a thumbnail. Make something that makes you cry in the car first. Worry about the playlist later.”
As our time winds down, I ask Rina what advice she has for other young artists trying to break through the noise without losing their soul. rina ellis interview
“Those genres are just boxes the internet built to sell playlists,” she says. “I grew up listening to Fiona Apple and Paramore just as much as I listened to 100 gecs. I want my music to feel like a fever dream, sure, but I also want it to break your heart.” “Stop optimizing for ‘engagement,’” she says firmly
Her latest single, "Internet Crush (Delete Later)" is a masterclass in this tension. The chorus is sticky and sweet, but the bridge descends into glitched-out screaming. It’s about the horror of modern dating—swiping, matching, ghosting. Your art isn’t a thumbnail
Rina Ellis has been labeled hyperpop , glitchcore , and even digicore . When I ask which label fits, she winces.