Rozette – Bite

By starrymag | June 18, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Big, bold vocals…a la 90’s female pop. [winks] Empowered.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Lady Gaga, Jess Glynne, Emeli Sande, P!nk, Whitney, #divas

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Bite.”

A) I wanted to write a sassy tune about taking – and enjoying – what you want. I had a lyric in my head: “You know I’m a snack / Drink on the side.” I mentioned the lyric to producer and co-writer and we really ran with it.

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

A) I think everyone (#women) want to feel bold and sexy and sassy. I think it’s time to talk about our wants and needs. And I mean… the beat is pretty juicy. [smiles]

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

A) The video is me being the me-est me. That’s the song. Do your thing. Live wildly. Say things that you need to say. Touch your body. The song is tongue in cheek and so is the vid, I’d say.

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

A) It goes both ways. I spent a lot of years writing solo. I’m REALLY enjoying all the co-writes. It’s so fun to bounce ideas off of great musicians. With “Bite,” I had that lyrics to start with. These days, I’ve been running at it by finding a great melody first. Gotta find those earworms, yo!

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

A) I’ll sheepishly admit… some. I def know what resonates with my sonic aesthetic and what doesn’t… but I’ve spent so many years focused on/coaching/studying the voice, I forget to prioritize the production. I’ve produced some of my rawer, stripped down tracks in the past few years, but I don’t have a handle on the tech side enough – nor have a developed that piece of my artistry enough to take in a big, full production. YET.

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) Yaaaas. Writing and recording now. Stoked. Next single is coming in July!

Q) We’ve loved your recent “QuaranTunes” covers. How did the idea come about?

A) Ah, thank you! Those little vids really stretched my creativity… and strength to be honest. In all the uncertainty, fear and loss, it was sometimes challenging to find a way to spin it into something light. Whew! A friend called me up to check on me around the second week of March. He asked how I was handling the loss of all gigs and such. I said back to him, “I’m broke but I’m happy” in the unmistakable style of Alanis and he busted a gut. He told me to “put that sh’t on Insta…” So, I did. People responded really quickly and really positively. So, I stayed with it! I spent full days (on Skype) and then stayed up until 2 AM writing the next one. I’d get up early to make the vid and then teach another day. T’was exhausting, but fun! Thanks for checking them out.

Q) What are some songs that you can tease you’ve been considering covering?

A) Eek! I’ve had my head down writing. I need to tune back in to life and see what’s going on. I always love covering Beyoncé’s fun riffy songs. Reeeeaaallly though, I love covering vintage-y tunes. I’ve been meaning to cover “Sit-in’ on the Dock of the Bay” for she time now. #oldskool

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

A) I’ve done a few writing sessions in Nashville over the years… I’d like to circle back to that in the coming year(s). Honestly, I just want to strengthen my chops. I LOVE the artists I’m working with now. Very grateful. I’d like to collar with a male vocalist soon.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) Right now, I’m grooving to artists across tons of genres. From Rose Cousins to Gaga. Really curious to hear Gaga and Adele’s new records. Lennon Stella’s new record is beautiful. One of the artists I’ve been writing with, AARYS, love her.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) It’s instant. I think that’s the big thing with socials. You can show your subscriber exactly what you’re doing, exactly when you do it. It’s pretty rad to be connected to artists in that fashion. I watched Jason Derulo on TikTok for thirty min last night. [laughs] I love to be loud. Artists are often artful and interesting in unexpected ways (see: QuaranTunes) and social media allows us to fly alllll our artful flags. We get to entertain whenever the mood strikes!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) You da best. Honestly, I don’t know if fans will ever understand how impactful they words, messages, streams and downloads are. That ish keeps artists making art. We all love what we do, but it’s a crazy ride. When people take in and enjoy the art you make… well, it’s very validating, frankly. As an artist, I make art because it’s in my blood and bones… but I’d be lying if I said it was JUST for me. I’m so grateful for the peeps who tune in. Sing along. Dance in their kitchen. Heart y’all.