Check out our interview with talented dream pop artist Polartropica who has been crowned LA Weekly’s ‘Best Indie Pop Band of 2019’, as well as landing acclaim from the likes of Billboard, NYLON and NPR, among others.
Polartropica’s upcoming single “TERMINATOR x DYNASTY COLLECTION” is about to be released. The track is inspired by soul-crushing personal experiences during the Stop AAPI hate and Protect Our Elders movement last year. The track is to be released with a collection of moving sequences, TERMINATOR:DYNASTY in collaboration with photographer and video artist IZZO illustrating 6 WAYS TO DIE. It explores physical and psychological pain as a means of release and pleasure, perceived power dynamics, and the way our existence, humanity and worthiness lives on in everything we love and touch, and cannot be diminished to our accomplishments.
Follow Polartropica @polartropica
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Sweet, Playful, Sadistic
How did you get started in the business?
While I was still in school, I interned with a record label and worked in booking musical acts on campus while playing in bands. As soon as I could, I moved to Los Angeles and started playing keys and singing backing vocals for touring bands until Polartropica starting taking off 🙂
How has this changed your life?
Popstar x rockstar life has always been my trajectory – life has always been one crazy thing after another. I’m so grateful for my friends, supporters, and family. I’m constantly reminding myself to slow down and treasure the journey.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Dreamy, Galactic, Epic
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I loved movie themes and sports themes as a kid, my dad told me that when I was a baby I used to cry but if he put on the Mickey Mouse song I would stop and start singing along so the love for music started early! Later when I got into classical music and jazz in school, I was really into lush musical arrangements and exploring ways that could integrate into rock and pop structures and got into Muse, Radiohead at the same time I was listening to Pop and RnB on the radio.
Music is the reason I’m still around and alive so I dedicated myself to making it for myself and the world a long time ago. Also my brain never shuts up, I always have so many new melodies and ideas swirling around in my head all day so I actually have no choice 😀
Tell us about your new project “TERMINATOR x DYNASTY COLLECTION?”
Terminator is our newest single and we designed a collection of 6 short art segments to go with the single, 6 ways to die – a tongue in cheek commentary on pain and rebirth.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The people I get to meet and work with on a daily basis. I have so much love and respect for my incredible team, mentors, collaborators and community that it’s just truly an honor and joy to do the things we get to do together. What a time to be alive with all of you!!
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
The power of perspective and the mind.
How would your best friend describe you?
Colorful, weird, awesome 😀 Good at learning new skills and making friends.
What’s next for Polartropica in 2022?
More time with my rabbit Ronnie, music festivals, world tour, movie soundtracks and finishing our Trilogy short film!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Watermelon
And your favorite cheat food?
Jack in the Box curly fries
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I would love to go visit my grandparents’ resting spots in Taiwan with my bunny.
Do you support any charity?
I founded an art platform with my girlfriend @SQUIDTROPICA that showcases art from all over the world by underrepresented QTBIPOC artists and provides microgrants directly to them funded by a portion of Lauren YS’ own art and merch sales, special events we organize like the RITUAL FEST music festival we produced last year , donations, and community events like Rites of Spring hosted by Neuehaus which will be held at the historic Bradbury Building at the end of May featuring local AAPI chefs, artisans, poets, artists and musicians over a dinner gathering and party afterwards.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
A balanced, healthy combination of Touring and Festivals all over the world with music producing and composing for various films and soundtracks in the studio and on the road – with plenty of travel and adventures with friends and family!
Favorite song? Why?
Crystal Ramen is a single we released in advance of LP Dreams Come True. I love that this song always helps to remind me that it’s ok to let go of things that no longer serve us, even if it’ll be hard and that we are all gonna be alright!
Book: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
Quote: “Dreams Come True”
Movie: Everything Everywhere All At Once
Tv Series: Euphoria
Favorite Food: Watermelon
Travel Destination: Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Hawaii, Mexico, Portugal
Sports Team: Any team my friends are rooting for when we’re at a sporting event, is my team too 🙂
