It’s a daunting task to try to break into the Australian music industry, but it makes it even more exciting when you secure your first release. Someone experiencing that particular thrill is Melbourne artist Rya Park who has just released her debut EP, Generational. Futuremag Music spoke with Rya about her release, her musical inspirations and the difficulties that come with trying to find an audience for her music.

FMM: What were your first introductions to music and what drew you in to pursuing it as a career path?

Rya: My dad played a huge role in introducing me to music at a super young age. He took me to my first concert when I was just five years old to see Red Hot Chili Peppers. I was lucky enough to have my own cassette player and I used to listen to Gwen Stefani on repeat. My older sisters were teenagers in the 90s so I was always hearing artists like Alanis Morisette blasting through the house. I dabbled in piano and guitar growing up, but I never had the attention span to properly practice them. I was always into singing though - in the school choirs, musicals and competing in local singing competitions around Melbourne. It wasn’t until I finished high school that I started pursuing a career in music.

FMM: Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations, especially when it comes to developing your own sound?

Rya: I’d be very silly to not mention how much Adele has influenced my voice over the years. I was probably in about year 8 when I first heard her album 19. I remember feeling like she had been around forever as she’s got such a timeless sound. Female artists like Adele, Florence + The Machine and Lorde have really encouraged me to indulge in dramatic and emotional lyrics. When developing your own project, it can sometimes take on slightly different directions. I finally feel like I’m at a point where I feel like I sound like me.

FMM: I think it’s criminal you haven’t got more views on your new releases, especially the song Generational. Can you talk me through some of the difficulties in trying to break through in the music industry in Australia? What can we do as an industry to help talented artists like yourself succeed or at the very least, gain some more coverage?

Rya: I’m not sure to be honest. I often feel like I must be doing something wrong or that people just don’t like me. I put absolutely everything into this project, working three jobs, putting on shows, constantly releasing new music with a wonderful team around me. I don’t want to give up, and I won’t, but it often feels like I should. I’m grateful for the support I do get and the wonderful people who do listen, but I do want to know if there’s something different I could be doing. In saying that though, I was completely overjoyed to hear that Futuremag Music would like to do an interview. I’ve spoken recently to a few fellow artists and we think that there definitely needs to be a few changes in the Australian music industry. As an indie-pop artist, sometimes I’m “too pop” for some people or “too indie” for others. It would be good to have less exclusivity in these ways and to just celebrate local acts if they think you’re good!

FMM: How do you embark on the songwriting process? Do you find it difficult or is it more of a natural process where lyrics and melodies just come to you?

Rya: I usually only write my songs when I’m in a writing session these days. I tend to find it more inspiring when I’m in a room with another person or that there’s a 100% focus on that task. I usually just write about what’s happening day to day with me, it always turns out to be a bit bitter or sad though haha, working on that.