This Filipina singer from Perth is breaking the stereotype that women can't be heavy metal artists

Sohzuo.JPG

Qarin Hipe is a 20-year-old singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Perth, Australia. Credit: Supplied

In a music scene traditionally dominated by men, especially in the genres of rock and metal, a 23-year-old Filipina from Perth named RinRin is breaking stereotypes and carving her own path.


KEY POINTS
  • Perth, Western Australia is known for its thriving metal scene and has often been a tough landscape for women to establish themselves in this genre. However, Rinrin is proving that gender and ethnicity are no barriers to pursuing one’s passion.
  • Qarin Hipe is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Perth, Australia. A self-taught guitarist with a natural talent for music, she draws inspiration from artists like Paramore, Babymetal, and Avril Lavigne.
  • Her musical journey began at 13 when she joined her father’s cover band, honing her skills and confidence on stage. Later, she became part of Perth’s emo-rock group Love Me Natalie, where she further refined her stage presence and technical prowess, setting the foundation for her blossoming career as a dynamic performer and songwriter.
Stepping out into the scene as a woman—and an Asian woman at that—was initially intimidating. But I realised how important it is for me to represent and inspire other girls like me. There are others who want to make this kind of music or break stereotypes, and I want to show them that they can pursue whatever they love without anyone telling them they can’t.
RinRin (Pop-punk, metal artist)
Perth-based metal artist Qarin Hipe
RinRin is proving that gender and ethnicity are no barriers to pursuing one’s passion. Credit: Andrew Basso/Andrew Basso - Electrum Photogra

Share
Follow SBS Filipino

Download our apps
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Independent news and stories connecting you to life in Australia and Filipino-speaking Australians.
Understand the quirky habits of Aussie life.
Get the latest with our exclusive in-language podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS News in Filipino

SBS News in Filipino

Watch it onDemand
This Filipina singer from Perth is breaking the stereotype that women can't be heavy metal artists | SBS Filipino