By Sinead

It’s not your average CV.

From performing at church to the military band, from studying at Berklee to writing for SM Entertainment, Singapore-based lullaboy‘s (aka Bernard Dinata) musical journey has already encompassed multiple continents, genres and sonic influences.

Despite his debut album being rejected by labels who thought the songs were too “honest” and emotional, it turns out that these qualities were just what listeners were looking for. After his 2021 hit ‘someone like u’ that currently boasts over 46 million streams on Spotify, the artist has amassed a series of hits such as ‘shortcut to heaven’, ‘life with u’ and ‘the boy’ on which he openly shares his optimistic perspective on love and life.

For his next adventure, lullaboy is taking his latest album ‘hotels & heartbreaks‘ on the road for his second Asia tour, this time adding stops in Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong.

We caught up with him as he geared up for the tour to hear about his journey so far.

You had a very multicultural upbringing, as a Singapore-raised Indonesian American who also spent time living in Seoul. Can you tell us about your musical influences while growing up?

Yes those 4 countries have always been home for me. My dad bought me a Discman when I was little and I started listening to every genre there was. My favorites were R&B and ballads like Craig David, Gavin DeGraw, Blue. Then I got into rock and gospel like Fall Out Boy and Hillsong. Later I was obsessed with K-R&B like Zion T. If you know all these artists, you’ll understand how I became such an emotional being.  

Was there a moment that you knew you wanted to pursue a career in music?

One day I met Daesung from BIGBANG. We had lunch together and I showed him a bunch of songs I made before I even knew what I was doing. He gave me existential advice along with an important mission and I started taking music very seriously since then. 

You studied at Berklee College of Music, which has famously produced many top musicians. Did that experience shape your musical journey?

I actually had a John Mayer signature electric guitar before I even knew he went there. Berklee was not just a school, it was a training ground and melting pot with the most passionate musicians from all over the world. But I never fit in, because I didn’t have the Jazz or Classical knowledge that most students had. Then one day I started the Billboard Hot 100 Club with the tiniest group of students that were as obsessed with pop music as I was. That began our quest of making songs that were authentic to us, but could also be catchy hits.

It’s been a busy last few years for you, from playing at Taylor Swift’s official after parties to performing at major Asian festivals and going on a sold-out tour. What have been some of your highlights?

Learning from my time with the labels, performing at Waterbomb, Good Vibes [Festival] & Summer Sonic with my idols, going independent and executing a 6 country tour, and now we’re doing it all again but even bigger, with a 9 country tour and a new album.

We loved listening along to your 12 chapter hotels & heartbreak album. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this project?

In the nicest hotels i faced some of my lowest moments because I was given the world but I didn’t have someone to share it with and that destroyed me. so I decided to make love a priority. Every wrong turn led to the person that was always there for me, so I want the fans to realize what I realized – that healing comes from love.

Your YouTube bio says you are looking for the answers to love and life one song at a time. Is there anything about these that you learned while making this last album that you could share with us?

Funnily enough, I did end up releasing one song at a time, a song every month to be exact. One thing I learned is that you can’t be in this industry alone. An artist is only as capable as his team, and I’m thankful to have had great people supporting me and the best fans who joined me on this journey.

Congratulations on your second Asia tour! Is anything different preparing for a tour the second time around?

To the countries that we took over last time, I’m bringing a band and I can’t wait. To the countries that we are performing in for the first time, Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong, we are going for a more intimate set to really get to know each other. On top of that, we’ve learned so many more things, and the fans better be ready to feel more than ever before.

The tour will feature reimagined arrangements of your songs. How has the process of revisiting your older work been? 

I’m not one of those artists that don’t play the fan-favorites, and I definitely wouldn’t lay down on stage while they sing the hits for me. I finally managed to find a nice balance of reimagining, while still keeping the essence of the original songs that introduced so many fans to me.

Looking back on your journey through three albums, you’ve certainly come a long way. At this point in your journey, what would you say to the inner child who started on this journey with you?

Hi bud, listen to “time with myself” feat. Benjamin Kheng. Everything will be okay, so don’t ever give up.

What’s next for you after this tour?

Ah so you’re a tea drinker… I’m getting ready to bring Asian music to LA. 

The Hotels & Heartbreaks tour starts in Kuala Lumpur on 15th July. Get your tickets here or follow him on socials.