- Bryon Harris
Rosie
Rosie is a R&B/alternative artist based out of Oakland. Her style is a smooth mix of hip-hop and R&B that draws influences from her surroundings as well as her personal experiences. Her newest single “WWYD?” is a top-notch radio ready track that will blow listeners away. With her ambition and sound, there is no doubt you will be hearing more about Rosie in the future.
What got you into music?
It sort of started as an escape, I spent a lot of my youth songwriting, but quit during high school. I had always been a singer in choirs, so singing was like a second nature to me. Once I was going to college in New York, I got super into writing poetry, which slowly transformed into lyrics. I listen to music which matches my mood, so all of my playlists are based off of a vibe. I grew up listening to oldies like Otis Redding, so I have a love for those extremely romantic, emotional songs, but I mainly listen to Kendrick Lamar, and just thrive of his lyrical genius.
What is your favorite part about being an artist or band? Songwriting, performing, recording, etc.?
Probably songwriting, because I'll get in this groove where I have to stop everything I'm doing and jot down the lyrics which are coming to me. Sometimes when I'm driving I have to pull over and just feel out a melody or certain lyrics. I think it's a lot of trial and error, and I'm always editing my lyrics tryna think of something clever, or saucy that hasn't been said before. I really try to be vulnerable with my feelings when I write, so people can relate, but it makes the whole experience much more personal as well.
Can you tell us what being in the recording studio is like for you?
When I'm in the studio, I try to close my eyes and envision why I wrote each line, and what the influence and emotion for it is. Sometimes I'll re-record a line or a word over fifty times until it sounds right, but I am a perfectionist, and I refuse to leave when something still needs improvement. I like the lights to be dim, and more intimate feeling, so that I can almost feel like I'm alone. I try to let the recording process be a very personal experience, but it's also a lot of hard work, and I love the feeling of leaving with my work feeling accomplished.
As an artist or musician, are there any obstacles you have had to overcome or obstacles that you are facing right now in your career?
I think because I try to express my personal feelings in my music, I have a lot of doubts with my music/voice. I've been doing a lot of work on self-love, and not being scared of judgements when it comes to my music, and I feel like being afraid of failure, or not being liked is just no longer an option for me. It's great to be feeling more confident,but getting over my shyness/fears was very difficult for a while.
Who do you admire most in the music scene today and why?
I am a huge fan of SZA and Kendrick Lamar, I think they both have great lyrics as well as melodies. I think they both do a good job of connecting with listeners, and that's just so important as an artist. While I admire them, I've also been listening to a lot of Young Thug and Lauryn Hill.
If you could be granted one wish, right now, as an artist, what would you ask for?
Honestly, more listeners. The process of creating music is great, but ultimately it's important that people listen. Also, with more listeners/fans it would be easier to book shows, which I'm excited for.
What is on the horizon in the next year for you?
A lot of shows, mainly in the East Bay, but I will ultimately be traveling to L.A., and probably some other California areas to perform. I'm currently working with a choreographer, so I'm excited to add a fun performance elect to my shows.
To date, what do you think your best song is? Can you describe the song for us and what makes it great?
Probably "wwyd?" is my favorite, but it's always changing. I get super excited about whatever project is the most current for me, because I like to add so many elements such as music videos, photoshoots, etc, so it consumes so much of my energy and creates a lot of happiness for me. With "wwyd?" it's really about taking control, and feeling confident and sexy. I think I like it so much because it promotes self-love as well as it takes on a risqué topic while a female is in-charge. I'm all about girl power, and women being in control of their sexuality, so this song was one that I just vibed with.
Take a listen and watch the video for "wwyd?" now!
Tell us where fans can access your music.
www.reverbnation.com/itsofficiallyrosie/song/29210808-wwyd
www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5CcoZHD4MI
itunes.apple.com/us/album/wwyd-single/1348470571