Hailing from Germany, 20-year-old electro-pop singer and songwriter ROS!E has been sculpting her unique style and voice. She has released her own music since 2018 and has been selected as a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition in 2019. Growing up in a music filled home, she has been interested in music and singing since her childhood. This led to her taking piano and guitar lessons at the age of six and recording her first song when she was eight years old. She started writing her own songs when she was 13. Her first single 'Bad Guy' got over 100.000 plays on Soundcloud. Her latest Single 'Pretty Lil' Lies' is an upbeat, angry electropop song about being lied to in a toxic relationship. It reminds one of artists like Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa and The Weeknd.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello ROS!E. What made you want to become a musician?
Hi! I grew up with music and it's always been a big part of my life. I started taking piano and guitar lessons when I was 6 and always loved to sing. Songwriting especially always fascinated me. I recorded a song for the first time when I was 8 years old and instantly fell in love with the process of it. That was when I decided I wanted to write my own songs, make my own music. I seriously started writing my own songs at 13. I just knew from a very early age on that this is what I want to do.
Who helped you most in your musical journey?
My dad. Hes's my biggest supporter and always encouraged me to make my own music. He's been a musician himself,so he gave me a lot of advice and I've learned so much from him. I wouldn't be where I am today without him.
Your latest release is 'Pretty Lil' Lies'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I actually wrote this song when I was 17. I've been dealing a lot with toxic relationships at that time and wanted to turn this experience into something that had a youthful feeling and still felt fun, energetic and upbeat. That was my way of dealing with it.
What social issues are you most passionate about?
I'm very passionate about the right to education. It's a basic human right and even though it's 2023, education still remains an inaccessible right for millions of children around the world. I believe everyone should be given the right to have the basic needs, have access to quality education and be given the best chance at life. I'm also passionate about LGBTQ rights, not only because I identify myself as part of that community, but also because I believe everyone should be given the same rights, regardless of their beliefs or sexual orientation. Everyone should be able to feel proud of who they are and who they love.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest musical trends?
I just do deep dives on YouTube, SoundCloud, online magazines and radio stations to find new music.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
I don't think so. I want to put the message in my music right out in front. But I believe people in general are only half aware of why they do what they do and unwittingly hide things from themselves because these things are too hard to admit or bear. Sometimes these feelings come out. So the “meaning” may be hidden from myself and be revealed unwittingly. Most songs can be open to interpretation and each individual listener can relate to it in their own way. I guess in the end it's open to individual interpretation.
What’s an average day like for you?
It's pretty random. Working on projects, lots of listening to music and dancing, trying to read at least a few pages of a book and I always watch a movie or a tv show before going to bed.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
I use Social Media as a way to connect with fans. I love engaging with people and I value personal interaction, which means I always respond to messages and comments. It's important to me that my fans feel included, so I always make sure to invite them to share their thoughts and opinions.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
My advice is to be who you are and to do what feels right to you. Never compare yourself or your journey to others, because everyone is unique and has a unique journey. And to have fun of course.
What are your plans for the future?
To release more music. I've been working on exciting new stuff and I can't wait to share it. I'd also love to record an album or EP. Just staying creative and doing what I love.
Thank you for the interview!