18 Questions With introduces 1883 readers to the brightest young artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us.
The American talent I Am Roze is a 23-year-old artist with an inimitably soulful voice. The songwriter has only been around a short while but has already appeared on the iconic BBC series Later… with Jools Holland and been sampled by renowned producer and electronic act, Fred Again. Thankfully, I Am Roze is now showing their talent on a grander scale with the newly released debut EP, I’m Not Emotional via LAB Records. It’s a touching project that details their human experience and features stunning, emotive sound.
1883 Magazine sits down with I Am Roze to discuss their debut EP I’m Not Emotional, performing on Later….with Jools Holland, and more.
What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week?
Spending time with my mom is always exciting.
What was the last thing you read?
The Ethical Slut.
Favourite memory growing up?
Sleeping on my mom’s waterbed.
Where was the last place you travelled to?
London, England.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
An Ali Siddiq comedy special.
What’s your nighttime ritual?
Find a playlist to sleep to, roll over and let the sandman take me.
Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?
Kehlani, Hozier, Lianne La Havas, and my partner.
Favourite movie?
It’s a toss-up between Midsommar and the Saw franchise.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“Take Me to Church” by Hozier.
Favourite item in your closet?
My perfumes.
In a few short words, describe your music for someone who’s never heard it.
My music is a sonic representation of what it’s like to exist in my brain.
What inspired your debut EP I’m Not Emotional and what are you most proud about this body of work?
Not wanting to feel alone and wanting to make a project that let others know that they aren’t alone in what they struggle with. I’m most proud of the fact that even though I haven’t expressed to the public the goal of this project, they message and tell me things that let me know that my intended message was received.
Appearing on Later….with Jools Holland even before officially releasing a song is quite impressive, what did you make of the experience and how did you feel on the day?
Honestly, I felt a feeling of alignment in that space. It felt like every action I had taken towards my career was paying off and like I was turning my dreams in a reality.
How did you come to be sampled on Fred Again’s tracks “Forgive” & “Euston Station”?
Fred found a video I posted on Instagram and loved my voice.
Could you recall the moment that made you realise you wanted to pursue music as a career?
I always loved music since I was a baby. It was always with me and within me and when I reached grade 12 in the US I had to make a decision about what I wanted my future to look like. I never enjoyed doing mundane jobs that didn’t fulfil me creatively, so I decided to give myself no other option but to be a musician and find a way to live the life I wanted.
Which artists would be on your dream collaboration list?
Kehlani, Hozier, Lianne La Havas, Billie Eilish, Ethel Cain, Willow, Ella Gilbert, Hiatus Kaiyote, Laufey, Mitski, Lizzy Mcalpine, Yebba, the list goes on.
If you could put on a ‘I Am Roze & Friends’ festival, who would you want on the line-up?
The entire list in the above question, plus others I haven’t named but I don’t want to take up all of your word space.
Where do you hope your music career takes you this year and beyond?
Every time I see 11:11 I wish for the same thing….I wish for prosperity, longevity and peace. That’s what I want in my career this year, for it to be another step towards that.
I Am Roze’s new EP, I’m Not Emotional, is out now.
Follow I Am Roze by clicking here.
