If you’ve been keeping an eye on Southeast Asia’s music scene, there’s a name you’ve probably heard by now: lullaboy. A rising star blending Eastern soul with Western polish! The singer-songwriter and producer recently made history as the first Singaporean act to perform at Summer Sonic Bangkok. In this exclusive interview with HypnoticAsia, lullaboy opens up about representing his country on a global stage. Also, the raw emotions behind his latest single, and why he believes “liking” someone might sometimes matter more than love.
A Voice for the Hopeful Romantics
“I’m lullaboy,” he begins simply, “a singer-songwriter and producer and the president of the hopeful romantics.”
And while the title might sound whimsical, there’s a powerful sense of purpose in how he wears it. With every song, every lyric, and every beat, lullaboy is on a mission to bring sincerity back to pop music—and in doing so, shine a spotlight on Southeast Asian artistry.
Making History at Summer Sonic Bangkok
When asked about stepping onto the Summer Sonic stage, the significance of the moment wasn’t lost on him.
“The band was already on stage so I asked them through the microphone how many people were out there,” he recalls. “They said ‘around 30’ to which I said ‘alright, even if we are performing for just 1 person, let’s give it our best.’”
But in a twist of fate worthy of a cinematic build-up, “right when all hope was almost lost, the act on the other stage ended their set and the beautiful crowd came rushing in to watch us with 5 minutes to spare. Funny how our first song was called ‘Amazing Grace’, haha.”
It wasn’t just a performance—it was a moment of national pride.
“I felt so proud and honoured,” he shares. “Usually I’d get really nervous right before stepping out on stage, but this time I just felt grateful to represent in this way. I hope to always show the world that Singapore has something to show, all we need is a chance.”
Cultural Vibes & Crowd Surprises
The energy from the crowd left a lasting impression on him. “It was electrifying,” he beams. “The Thai fans really surprised me because they had made lullaboy lightsticks and were waving them around… I could hear them singing along.”
He adds with a grin, “Culturally though, don’t sleep on Singapore, they can be even crazier and I love it.”
“i don’t like u (but i love u)” – A Love Song With a Twist
lullaboy’s latest single, i don’t like u (but i love u), has caught attention for its emotional depth—and contradiction. Inspired by a real conversation, the track explores the tension between love and like.
“It was inspired by someone very close to me,” he says, “trying to explain to me that the reason he couldn’t go through with an engagement was because he loved his partner but didn’t like her. That just blew my mind.”
It made him rethink something he’s said often: “Love is the most important thing in this world.” Now, he admits, “This song helped me realize that there is a little more to it than that. Maybe liking someone is more important than loving them sometimes.”
The Emotional Core of Songwriting
When asked whether he finds it easier or harder to write from vulnerability, his answer is immediate: “It’s not a choice. It’s the only way really. In the highest of highs or the lowest of lows is where the best songs are written.”
That authenticity bleeds into every line, often rooted in his unique background. “I can’t help but take the authentic soul-baring shameless songwriting of Eastern music and blend it with the modern production and creative risks of Western music.”
Lessons from Berklee & Bottled Metaphors
lullaboy’s creative process is as poetic as his lyrics. A self-proclaimed fan of “song seeds,” he learned to catch sparks of inspiration from even the smallest words.
“For example, ‘bottle’,” he explains. “Then expand on that idea and perhaps you could write about the bottle being a metaphor for a heart… Maybe you misplaced it years ago and wish that you could see that bottle again for just one day.”
It’s a process that speaks to his artistry—introspective, imaginative, and emotionally grounded.
A Soundtrack to Your Story
But for all the meaning he pours into his music, lullaboy ultimately sees himself as a companion to his listeners’ own journeys.
“I want them to know that it’s okay to feel whatever you want to feel,” he says. “In the end, my music is just a soundtrack to your lives and you are both the director and the main character.”
What’s Next: hotels & heartbreaks
lullaboy has been steadily dropping singles as part of his latest project hotels & heartbreaks—a 12-song album chronicling love, loss, and healing.
“I’ve been releasing a new song every month… I just dropped song 6 of 12 a few days ago called live with it featuring the incredible Stephanie Poetri,” he reveals. “It’s for anyone who has ever had a broken heart and is ready for a journey of self discovery and healing.”
Looking Ahead & Lifting Others
Asked about inspiring the next generation of Southeast Asian artists, lullaboy doesn’t position himself on a pedestal.
“They shouldn’t look up to me,” he says candidly. “I’m still figuring out how to best use my platform to make this world a better place… Instead of looking up to me, let’s collab.”
And if he could choose one dream collaborator? “It would be Lauv. He was the one who made me want to study songwriting and music production in the first place… I hope one day we get to write a really special song together.”
The Future of Singaporean Music
With a growing global spotlight on Southeast Asian music, where does lullaboy see himself?
“I want to lead the charge. It’s time for the underdogs to win. Just stay tuned,” he says. “When the whole world is your musical influence, amazing art can be made.”
From hopeful romantic to trailblazing artist, lullaboy is more than a name on a lineup—he’s a movement in the making.
