roger weeks – Feels Like Treason

By starrymag | March 28, 2024

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I’d say my sound is cozy, organic, honest, atmospheric and nostalgic.  My dream is that people listen to my songs in the car, on a hike, at a dinner party or even while they’re getting ready for bed. I just want my sound to make people feel safe and inspired to find the beauty in the little things.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Some of my musical influences are Taylor Swift (Folklore, Evermore, and Lover are my current favs), Noah Kahan, Bruce Springsteen (“Secret Garden” is my current obsession), Bon Iver and Kacey Musgraves (I can’t stop listening to “Deeper Well”). The list could go on and on, but this is who I’ve been referencing the most lately.

Q) Please tell us the story behind your new song “Feels Like Treason.”

A) “Feels Like Treason” is the opposite of a love song– it’s a song about that cold moment when you realize a breakup is inevitable. This song isn’t about finding a resolution or breaking up; it’s about still being in love and feeling trapped in a relationship that you know is doomed.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) The line I’ve found most people connect with is “This feels like Treason, the change in the seasons.” I think we can all relate to feeling wronged by the natural changes in our lives. I like that this song doesn’t just have to be about a lover— it can be about any relationship or friendship you have lost or are currently losing.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) When my ex and I were breaking up, I felt like I was drowning. In the video, I filmed myself singing my song and overlayed it with footage of a river. I also just love the visual of flowing water— it always reminds me that life is naturally moving forward… whether we like it or not.

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) That’s a great question! I always like to start a song with some piano and guitar chords. Once I find a vibe that inspires me, the song just flows from there. Sometimes I’ll come up with a lyric or concept that inspires me, but I always need an instrument to finish a song.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I have a team of amazing producers who help me bring my songs to life. That being said, I am always guiding the production to make sure that it is 110% authentic to me. Whenever I write a song, I immediately have a vision for the sonic landscape of the track.

I used to be scared to voice my thoughts and opinions in the studio, but I’ve found that the producers I work with really appreciate it when I share my production ideas with them.

Q) With “Feels Like Treason” out now, is this a prelude to a full album or EP?

A) It is! This year I’m going to be releasing my first album. Before I started this interview, I actually finished the last mix. I can’t believe my first album is done – It’s so surreal and exciting.

Q) You covered “Come Clean” by Hilary Duff in a sad girl version. Have you been tossing around any ideas for more sad girl cover songs? And if so, which ones are you considering?

A) I have been definitely tossing around some ideas for future sad girl cover songs. I’d love to do a sad girl version of “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift — my version slightly changes the lyrics so that it’s from the perspective of someone who’s dealing with a family member struggling with addiction. I also have been considering doing a sad girl cover of “Boston” by Augustana. I love that song so much – it fits my voice perfectly and reminds me of my own story. Whenever I sing it, I feel like I’m singing a song that I wrote.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I love daydreaming about future collaborations. It would be a dream come true to do a song with Kacey Musgraves, Gracie Abrams or Noah Kahan. Getting to work with one of those artists would be INSANE. I love this question because I’m all about speaking things into existence.

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I’m currently obsessed with Zach Bryan. I know that he’s a country artist, but to me he’s an Americana/Folk artist through and through. The stories that he tells are so authentic and raw. I hope one day I can write stories as beautiful as his.

I recently discovered Jensen McRae from an untitled song she posted on TikTok about her ex. I can’t get enough of the song— especially the lyrics— and the song is unreleased so I’m constantly pulling up the video. Please, Jensen, release the “Massachusetts/Video Games” song!

Q) Why is social media such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Social media is so important to me because it’s a free portal to the entire world. Socials definitely have their downsides and negatives, but I strongly believe that musicians have never had more tools at their fingertips to manifest an audience. Long gone are the days of the corporate gatekeepers and there’s something so exciting about that. Every time I post I get so excited because I know it’s a new opportunity to meet someone who may love my music.