In this new Rolling Stone AU/NZ series, we get to know the music tastes of artists through their favourite records. First up, New Zealand’s rising alt-pop star ratbag.
If you listened to ratbag’s breakout 2023 EP, why aren’t you laughing?, you partook in a wild sonic ride. Refusing to be pigeonholed by something as restrictive as genre, ratbag’s debut project cavorted through pop, indie and alternative rock, shoegaze and grunge, all four tracks, from the stomping “exit girl” to the Fiona Apple-esque closer “rats in my walls”, performed with maximum energy and character.
So, when Rolling Stone AU/NZ asked ratbag to lead our new On the Record series, in which an artist takes us through their favourite records, her choices were expectedly diverse, indicative of a musician keenly in touch with the vast history of rock.
Some records were picked for how formative they were, with her dad coming in for praise; others because the artist’s distinctiveness has endlessly inspired ratbag.
Because this is the overwhelming sense one gets listening to the New Zealand-born artist: this is someone whose awareness of the importance of personality and aesthetics in music belies her youth. She already writes with pointed intensity (recent single “pinky boy” brilliantly calls out men “who do the absolute bare minimum” in relationships), and her surrealistic horror-inspired visuals have drawn admiration. Akin to Gorillaz, she’s created a vibrant, multifaceted fictional band, with each member representing a different side to ratbag, the person.
@worldofratbag fritz’s daily bathroom duties. i need to warn him for the last time about the water bill.. animation by the crazy wonderful @ally 🐇
It’s little wonder that ratbag has built up a fervent following on TikTok and the online world in general; sitting on the cusp of her twenties, it must be exciting for fans to wonder how her already-expansive artistic world will bloom from here.
Check out ratbag’s favourite records below and in the video above. Stream “pinky boy” and why aren’t you laughing? here.
Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
I discovered Wilco when I was 17 and haven’t really stopped listening since. “I am Trying to Break Your Heart” is one of my all-time favourite songs sonically. The production always tickles my brain and makes me wanna do robot dances in public.
Credit: Charlie Hardy
The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
This album was always playing in the living room when I was a kid. I was getting force-fed these songs before I could even speak words. Thanks dad, 10/10 album.
David Bowie – Who’ll Love Aladdin Sane in Tokyo
I grew up on Mr. Bowie, but then went through my own rediscovery when I was 18. He’s such a huge inspiration for me, I’m always asking myself what he would think of my work.
Credit: Charlie Hardy
Radiohead – The Bends
Radiohead, specifically Thom Yorke, is one of my favourite artists ever right now. This was the first album I heard but In Rainbows would most definitely be my favourite album. It was sold out in the store, which is understandable.
Credit: Charlie Hardy
The Cure – Three Imaginary Boys
Had to include The Cure in my list. I’ve always loved their ability to hook people in with their wacky, yet consistently interesting lyrics. This album is fire.
