I Am Roze – In Conversation
In a cultural era of worshipping the privileged few, I Am Roze refuses to follow the herd. The Louisiana-born artist has already cemented a dedicated fan base following stunning appearances at BBC’s Later…with Jools and the Royal Albert Hall, with fans drawn to their soul-bearing lyrics and empowered refusal to conform to a monotonous industry. I Am Roze spoke to The Real about lyricism, home and the process of creating.
It’s great to be able to interview you. You’ve been featured in Spotify collections ranging from soul to pop – how would you define your musical style?
I don’t think I can quite define my style. I really love music, so my sound is an amalgamation of the artists that I love and moments that have shaped me be they positive or negative.
Your latest song Think For Yourself explicitly criticises celebrity stan culture – when did you first begin to feel frustrated with this part of internet culture?
The more I thought about my career the more aware I was of how people perceive me. Aware of how para-social relationships are as toxic as they are, and how people love blindly following and borderline worshipping people they don’t know.
Do you think that we’re reaching a peak moment of saturation in celebrity influence? Is the bubble about to burst and will it become unfashionable to “be a stan”?
I think a good portion of my generation (Gen Z) easily call out the unnecessary idolization because we were disillusioned so early. I think the veil has been lifted for people because of our access to social media and how much more conveniently we can speak about things.
What do you enjoy most about performing?
Knowing I created art that made someone feel something is the best part of performing. Being on stage and seeing people connect with what I say is beautiful.
How did it feel to work with a writer/producer like Eg White? Your music has such a personal core, what is it like to share the writing process whilst maintaining personal emotional depth?
Working with Eg is such a beautiful experience. He truly is incomparable and fun to work with. I don’t really think about the vulnerability behind the lyricism and creation. It’s just a natural process for me and I have to share my truth somehow.
You’re Louisiana born and soon to be London based – how does creating in the UK compare to back home?
I do a lot of amazing work at home mostly by myself. Getting to work in London recently expanded my world beyond the four walls that have housed me since 2020. It opened my world sonically as well.
Your Spring EP was titled I’m Not Emotional – why did you decide to use that title?
I chose the title I’m Not Emotional because so often we deny ourselves feeling and being emotional and acknowledging that we have emotions that have to be felt and dealt with.
What can we be excited for in the future for I Am Roze?
You can be excited for another 7 track project with even more candid emotions and responses to the world as we know it with social commentary.
Follow I Am Roze on Instagram @iamrozemusic
Think For Yourself is available to stream on all streaming platforms.
