We had a chat with rising UK artist Rosanna following the release of her engrossing debut EP Restless
Having won us over towards the end of last year the moment that we heard her sophomore single ‘Need You To Stay’ (you can check out our review here), Rosanna has cemented her status as one of the UK’s exciting modern pop prospects with the release of her debut EP Restless, alongside a new music video for her debut single ‘What it takes to leave’.
The EP’s four tracks continue to highlight the thoughtful and engrossing nature of the artist’s sound and the immersive sense of scope and variety that her sound has. Each track has its own distinctive flavour and appeal while the artist’s charismatic allure ties them together, anchored by the engaging and rousing tone of Rosanna’s vocals. The collection of tracks is the most fleshed out and exciting realisation of to date of Rosanna’s winning style and appeal, and we had a chat with the artist to find out some more about her journey so far and how the EP came together.
Who TF is Rosanna?
Dreamy Art Pop from your new favourite sad gal
How long have you been making music?
If we count the cassettes me and my sisters recorded as kids – a long time! I wrote a song called ‘I don’t want to grow up’ when I was about 4 years old (I still don’t). But officially, I released my debut single ‘What it takes to leave’ in 2023.
Why do you make music?
To help make sense of life, to process my thoughts and emotions, and to tell stories and connect with people. There’s something so special about writing a song – it’s this quite personal thing, but then you get to perform it and share it with others and then it’s out there for everyone to interpret. I sing most days, sometimes ideas come to me when I’m out walking, or late at night when I get time to be alone. It’s just something I have to do really.
What are your biggest influences?
Definitely 80s music, and the nostalgia of the 70s / 80s / 90s in general. I love the big anthemic sounds of Kate Bush, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen and The Smiths, folk singers like Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, as well as glittering pop by artists like Robyn, Carly Rae Jepsen, Charli XCX, MUNA – they have all influenced my sound in some way.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Releasing my debut EP this year – that was a big moment I’d been working towards! At the launch gig, the crowd were singing my songs back to me which was amazing. Also getting to shoot the music video for ‘What it takes to leave’ – we did it at my friend Shona’s pop-up art exhibition in a derelict house in east London which looked incredible, and it was a lot of fun!
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
It’ll make you want to dance and cry at the same time.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
I’m one of those people who will probably never think ‘Oh I’ve made it!’ – but I would love to play / host Saturday Night Live! Which I guess would mean I’d cracked America too – bonus!
We love your debut EP Restless, what more can you tell us about it?
Why thanks CLOUT! I named the EP Restless because that’s definitely my energy – yearning, searching, trying to do 100 things at once. It’s a collection of 4 songs I’m really proud of; my first two singles ‘What it takes to leave’, and ‘Need You to Stay’, as well as newer tracks ‘Pennies’ and ‘June Rain’. Each song is quite different but together the EP showcases the different elements of my sound from indie synth pop to more ethereal folk.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
I’m working on some new material at the moment, and want to keep experimenting and pushing my songwriting and production to new places. I’ve got a couple of London shows lined up in the near future, and looking to play more across the UK later this year! See what I’m up to on my Instagram @rosanna_muses
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
Probably these two cuties…repping their ROSANNA merch!
