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1.) We’re super-excited to be speaking today with acclaimed singer and songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist ROWA; greetings and salutations, ROWA! Before we meander down the proverbial musical Q&A pathway, how goes your 2023 thus far?
2023 has been a super exciting and simultaneously challenging year for me. I’ve finally debuted my independently produced music project under my name, ROWA; the satisfaction of finally releasing my music has led to so much evolution in my career. I have tons of shows lined up almost every month and am constantly shooting more content and working with more brands. The universe has really been testing my strength with some unforeseen challenges but ultimately this has been one of the most exciting years of my life thus far!
2.) Congratulations on the recent release of the amazing new song “Dark Nights” Just as a little bit of background, what was the genesis of the “Dark Nights” single? How did this gem of a tune come into being?
I produced Dark Nights during COVID lockdown when I was feeling super isolated and longing for my European nightlife memories and experiences. I’ve had the privilege of experiencing Berlin club culture and this song was inspired by not only some of the kooky characters you would meet at places like Berghain, but also my personal experiences having some of the wildest nights of my life.
3.) You personally produced “Dark Nights” yourself! What was that process like?
I was inspired my Yaeji’s iconic song “Raingurl”, I listened to her track a few times and took some inspiration for what made it so catchy and fun. Really it was all about having one repetitive melody and writing a hook that was repeated over and over again… I had never really written a song like that before that was simply just quite simple and repetitive. I have Yaeji to thank for that inspiration because now when I perform this song live every sings along to the chorus.
4.) You also wrote the song with Shamon Cassette, tell us a little about that process.
So I had written the hook already and there was still the second verse that needed some writing on it. Shamon and I are long time friends so I was excited to get him on a track. We hopped in the studio and I had the initial idea for him to do the call back of “Dark Night Living” which sounded great off the bat. His process is to record a bunch of vocals and long takes over the beat and then afterwards I went in and edited down those takes into something that really fit the song and the vibe. Luckily he really loved my edit right away and so it was super easy to work together.
5.) How did the collaboration with Shamon Cassette happen?
Shamon and I were long time friends in LA so during COVID he was one of the few in my pod that I would hang out with after the long first bit of isolation. His style and aesthetic are so cool and I look up to him like a big brother. We have had so many good memories together so I was super happy to add this onto the list…. plus his voice is iconic I needed it on the song lol
6.) In your humble opinion, what differentiates “Dark Nights” from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?
“Dark Nights” stands out because it’s this unfiltered take on night life and taking a peek into this wild scene that I take part in that is sort of like… if you know then you know. It’s also just catchy as hell, it’s like if Channel Tres and Yaeji had a baby … can’t really go wrong. Also it’s independently produced by a female aka me… I don’t know how many pop or house artists can make that claim so I deserve my flowers haha.
7.) Who inspires you musically?
Literally so many fricken artists from so many different genres spanning from 70’s Brazilian, to breakout modern artists like COBRAH. I love it all and I’m not going to be able to list off all 100 of my fav artists in this interview hehe.
8.) On the heels of the release of “Dark Nights”, can fans look forward to an EP or LP release from before the end of 2023?
Right now I have two singles on the horizon- “I’m Wild” comes out June 20th and “Low Jewel” comes out in July ! Accompanying “Low Jewel” is my 3D universe called the ROWAVERSE. I think down the line if I get signed or come across more funding I will turn the ROWAVERSE into an EP or LP concept.
9.) What does your performing/touring schedule look like in the coming weeks and months?
This month I have four shows: June 8th and 10th in New Orleans and June 23rd and 24th in LA. July 15 I’m planning a huge immersive art rave that will launch my 3D universe. Anyone reading this can send an email to [email protected] if you would like to get details on these events. I’m also hoping to plan a small east coast tour at the end of August/early September.
10.) As that rare breed of a creature known as a singer-songwriter, which comes first for you: The lyrics or the music?
The music always comes first. I write a song on guitar or piano or produce a whole beat and then usually from there I’ll write the vocal melody but I’m usually just sort of scatting/improvising and then once I dial in that melody I’ll write the actual lyrics.
11.) At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners of “Dark Nights” – and viewers of the brilliant music video for same – walk away with after experiencing the song?
That they want to listen to this song when they are in the car on the way to the rave!
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