Mallrat is the bubblegum rapper changing the game.
Mallrat is the self-professed “Hannah Montana of the rap game”, and with her spontaneous, flowing lyrics and electronic basslines, it’s no surprise that this Australian teenager is re-defining rap. Evoking an early-Lily Allen IDGAF vibe, Mallrat’s outrageously catchy tracks are ones that you won’t want out of your head. Gaining both radio and online recognition, Mallrat writes all her own music, creating a cult sound that explores the intricacies in every day teenage life, with thumping beats and intelligent yet playful lyrics. Her sound is a mix of stoner rock and RnB, with hints of a Grimes influence, and while there’s hints of a saccharine bubblegum sound, Mallrat’s sound is anything but super sweet; she’s a modern day hip hop punk rapper.
Her eclectic debut EP “Uninvited” explores everything from navigating the social difficulities of party invitations in “Uninvited” to examining quietness in “Inside Voices.” The smooth basslines make for upbeat and dance-inducing tracks, with songs like “Toyko Drift” and “For Real” bringing good vibes and a fast-paced undercurrent that links back to her hip hop inspirations. From “Suicide Blonde” to “Sunglasses”, Mallrat proves herself to be your new electro-pop rap queen.
Can you sum up your sound in five words?
Honest/ Rat Trap/ Bubble Rap
When did you write your first song and what was it about?
I wrote my first song (“Suicide Blonde”) when I was seventeen, it was about watching someone I love deal with some really tough mental health issues, and that feeling of wanting to help but not being able to make it all better.
Where did the name Mallrat come from?
A song by The Orwells called “Mallrats (La La La)”.
How old were you when you discovered rap and electronica, and what is it about these genres that you love?
I was maybe 10 and it was Black Eyed Peas! I still think Fergie is the coolest. The Duchess album was my getting ready for school music.
What’s the Australian music scene like?
The Australian music scene is very small and also super cool. Everybody knows each other and it feels like we have a very relaxed and creative attitude to music here.
“I wrote my first song (“Suicide Blonde”) when I was seventeen, it was about watching someone I love deal with some really tough mental health issues, and that feeling of wanting to help but not being able to make it all better.”
Tell us about your EP – how did it all come about and what themes do you explore?
I wrote this EP around the time of finishing school. I think being a teenager is a super interesting experience so it’s basically about growing up and feeling like an alien.
What’s your favourite track on the EP and why?
My favourite track is “For Real”. I think it has a really strong personality.
You’re the “Hannah Montana of the rap game” – is it your music personality or your day-to-day that’s the disguise?
Hmm I don’t know! I’m not really in disguise at all. I just called myself that because I was making music after school, and I wanted attention on the Internet.
What’s the ultimate goal/ dream collaboration and why?
Kanye! I love his attitude and everything he’s ever done.
What’s your writing process like? Do you go with the flow or have a plan?
The best songs are very go with the flow; I don’t usually like anything I make if I have to think about it too much.
What are you up to next?
Touring, writing music, and getting my driving license so I can move out.
