Indonesian rapper and Vine sensation Rich Brian has just announced a headline Academy, Dublin show for Thursday, 19th March 2026 as part of the ‘Where Is My Head? 2026 World Tour’
Rich Brian was a rap sensation before he even knew he wanted to be a musician, thanks to the success of a worldwide viral moment. It vaulted the young Indonesian rapper and Vine sensation into a certified rising star. He quickly confirmed he was more than a one-hit wonder with 2018’s Amen and 2019’s The Sailor. Both were released with 88Rising, and Brian established himself as an MC with something to say, a rapper with an artistic vision both singular and captivating. He went on global tours and sang songs from both albums to adoring fans. Then, he stepped away. He was ubiquitous for half a decade and then went quiet for nearly as long. A pandemic, a breakup, and a musical reset came like a rough ocean wave. Having learned to stay above water, he eventually emerged with a sonic masterclass, Where Is My Head? The project, which finds Brian redefining and cohering his artistic vision in a staggering way, is a sprawling tour de force. He’s making the most vulnerable and authentic art of his life, in turn deepening the connection with his ever growing army of devoted fans.
“The process of this album made me so much more sure about my decisions as a songwriter. Producing this album myself allowed me to be a lot more intentional with the creation of every song,” Brian explains. The arrangements across the project moves from alt-pop to psych and grunge to straight ahead head-banging rap, illustrating the Jakarta-born musician’s innate grasp for production. Brian decided to handle most of the performances himself, honing in on an analog sound thanks to his intense immersion learning to play synthesizers and keyboards. He worked solo not because he wanted to intentionally box anyone out, but because he couldn’texplain to others what he was hearing in his head. The initial sessions for what would become Where Is My Head? didn’t get very far. He tried working with some of his most trusted collaborators, but couldn’t explain the album he heard in his head. Brian had to do it himself. “That’s when I realized, ‘Oh, I have my own sound that I need to make myself.’”
That style is evident throughout Where Is My Head?, like on first single “Little Ray of Light.” The vocals are pitch-shifted and layered, creating a melodic wall atop which kaleidoscope synths and twinkling keys tap dance. The song builds as an acoustic ballad, creating tension with a stirring string suite and some heady harmonies from Brian. It’s drumless, putting all the more emphasis on the singer’s vocals and lyrics. He more than delivers. Touching on a breakup and the hurt attached to something equal parts rupturing and necessary, Brian sings: “Sunshine, sun burns/ No I can’t unlearn/ The smile you lost when it’s over.”
RICH BRIAN
WHERE IS MY HEAD?
2026 WORLD TOUR
Plus Special Guests
Thursday, 19th March 2026
The Academy, Dublin
Tickets from €35.55 (inc booking fee & venue facility fee) from Ticketmaster.ie on sale Friday 3rd October @ 10am.