Isaac Puerile Sucks: “I Really Did Believe In The Five Second Rule”

I was lucky enough to catch Western Sydney rapper/producer Isaac Puerile (or, as I’m now calling him, the Blacktown Bieber) perform while I was at BIGSOUND this year. Strutting across the triple j Unearthed stage, his set was a rapid-fire insight into what makes him one of the country’s most exciting artists. When he raps, like on the menacing ‘OUTSIDE’, he’s one of the grittiest spitters in Australia. When he sings, like on the all-too-relatable ‘ANGEL SIGNS’, he’s able to melt hearts that haven’t felt warmth since the late ‘80s. When he gets “sexy with it”, like he does on the glitchy, dopamine-inducing ‘SODA’, it’s a wrap. When he’s shouting out Western Sydney, it’s a reminder that music in this country doesn’t just exist in the inner suburbs of capital cities. You’re going to end up falling under Isaac’s spell — it’s just a matter of time. 

He’s teamed up with one of Newcastle’s favourite sons, Mason Dane, on his new single ‘ROOM SERVICE’, and it’s reflective of the changing faces of Australian hip-hop. Both Isaac and Mason have long-established their credentials as Tier 1 rappers in this country, but that’s not really what this song is. Instead, they’re leaning into their mutual love of pop, and they’ve cooked up a swaying summer anthem that’s dropping in September (giving you plenty of time to learn the words before your next pool party). The groove is undeniable, and while the bassline doesn’t upstage Isaac and Mason, it certainly sounds like the third star of the track. 

To celebrate the release of ‘ROOM SERVICE’, Junkee spoke with Isaac about the five second rule, his love of cooking shows, publicly discovering he wasn’t a good swimmer and much more. Overestimating your sporting abilities sucks, and it’s a curse that befalls most of us at some point. Fingers crossed you’ve managed to avoid that thus far in your time on this planet. 

Junkee: A mistake that turned into an opportunity? 

During lockdown I got really weird and detached from music. Came outside with a different perspective for sure.

Cringe quote you used to live by?

Not cringe or a quote but I used to live by the five second rule when I was younger. I would just be eating things off the floor.

Worst advice you got and blindly followed?

I really did believe in the five second rule.

The worst failure you’re up for sharing, and what you learned from it? 

I thought I could swim in Year 7 and I joined a race completely thinking I would win at the swimming carnival. It was three laps of the pool and everyone finished by the time I was up to my second lap, so I gave up but the school was cheering me on so I had to finish the race while in doggy paddle mode. I swallowed so much water, shit was so embarrassing. That day I learnt I can’t swim.

Anything you used to be wrong about?

Coconut water! I was a hater for a minute but now it’s essential for me. Also the importance of communicating your emotions.

Embarrassing internet habit?

Sometimes I like to pretend I’m someone else coming across my music/socials for the first time.

Ideal morning routine versus actual morning routine?

Ideally I’d like to wake up early, do some physical activity and eat breakfast to start my day but the last couple months I’ve been locked in the studio so I wake up, have coffee and jam. Which also isn’t too far from an ideal morning for me.

Something very off-brand for you?

I love watching cooking shows! If I wasn’t so into music I would be doing food, like either some sort of show or just having my own restaurant/food truck. 

Bad health decision? 

I’m not a big sleeper. I’d like to have a better routine.

What do you waste money on?

Cat food for my cat! They don’t like anything besides certain dry biscuits and five-star beef mince.

Worst procrastination habit? 

Probably smoking. I think weed can be demotivating in times I’m trying to get something done. Also looking for something last minute when I need to be somewhere is a classic.

Isaac Puerile’s new single ROOM SERVICE (feat. Mason Dane) is out now.

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Illustration credit: Matt Lauricella, @pigeonboyart