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1.) We’re very happy to have some time today with acclaimed L.A.-based alternative and pop music artist Carissa Summer Rose; greetings and salutations Carissa and thank you for taking time out of a busy schedule to speak with us here at Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the proverbial Q&A mosh-pit, how is 2025 finding you and yours?
Hi! Thanks so much for having me, I’m so happy to be included in such a cool magazine. My year has been a little bit of a whirlwind, as I’ve just moved (I’m still in LA, but I just changed areas in LA) so between that and being in and out of the studio and performing, it’s been a little chaotic, but I’m happy to answer some questions and grateful that you guys reached out!
2.) Major kudos and accolades on your rousing new anthem of a single Scatterbrain which is lighting up record charts across the ever-loving globe even as we speak! Starting at the top, can you talk about what inspired one of the very best new tracks of ’25?
Thank you! Yes, Scatterbrain has been a really fun song, and I’m really happy to see audiences so connected to the concept. I wrote Scatterbrain as a nod to ADHD and the story of accepting differences. I think having a neurodivergent brain has been a challenge for me in a lot of ways, especially when I was growing up in school, but it also was what led me to be so creative and brave. Being different can bring innovation and balance to the world, and I wrote this song to help others celebrate their own differences.
3.) Who did the producing honors on Scatterbrain and what did the in-studio collaboration between artist and producer look like while fashioning and shaping this new gem of a ditty?
I had the concept of Scatterbrain in mind for a few months before I brought it to my friend, Ryan Benyo. He knows I’m also a producer, so he gives me the space to be collaborative with it. He doesn’t make me feel lesser, or like I have to prove myself, which is common for female producers to experience, because production is such a male-dominated field within music. He’s a great collaborator when it comes to songwriting as well, and definitely helped me keep the song authentic and personal.
4.) In your humble opinion, what differentiates Scatterbrain from the Distinguished Competition on the current day music scene?
I think everyone is unique in their own way, and the best way to stand out is to just be yourself (as cliche as it may be). I try to keep my songs deeply personal, and each song I write is about my experience in life and the world around me. With Scatterbrain, it was about my experience with ADHD and not always feeling like a “normal person” but also, learning to accept and celebrate that. When it comes to sound, I try to create songs that I would enjoy as a listener.
5.) In the wake of the release of the new single, should fans keep eyes and ears wide open for even more music from you as the year marches forward, possibly in the form of an EP or LP release?
I’m excited to say that I do have another single in the works currently, that should be coming just in time for my favorite season, summer! Expect the same authenticity for this one, as always. I can’t say too much about it yet, but I’ll keep you all posted with some sneak peaks and previews on my social media.
6.) What does your touring/performing dance card look like in the coming weeks and months?
When I first started writing songs and performing, I was 13 years old, so about ten years ago, and I used to just play my guitar and sing, no band or fancy choreography. I loved the intimacy of it, and I think lately, I’ve been going back to that more. However, I do have a bigger show coming up soon that will be for a fundraiser benefiting victims of the California Wildfires. It will be on June 28th, and I’ll have more info on my instagram soon (@carissasummerrose) for those interested.
7.) Who are some of the folks both in and out of the world of music who have pushed your own creative needle forward?
I get a lot of inspiration from my parents in the business side of things. They both are very driven, hardworking, and built lasting careers in the corporate world, so both of them have passed on a really strong work-ethic to me, and inspire me as a leader in my own field of business. In creative ways, I feel like I get a lot of inspiration from nature and my own life experiences which shows up a lot in my songwriting and visuals. I also get a lot of inspiration from the “oldies.” I grew up on bands like The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. And lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Steely Dan.
8.) Your music is distinct and personal, incorporating the sounds of pop, rock, R&B, and a variety of other genres, all to join hands and create something uniquely different than anything else currently going – Congrats! Is this mixing of musical genres by design, or is it a bit more freeform and organic than all of that?
I’ve always loved music in all forms. I think because of the diversity in what I listen to has carried into my own creation. I like to create a unique and eclectic mixture of sounds that’s true to me and what I enjoy as a listener. I also think that the industry has evolved to be more tolerant of “genre-bending” and I’m glad that artists have more freedom now to do so.
9.) You’re based out of the city of Angels, Los Angeles, California! How do those stomping grounds inform you as a person and as an artist?
I moved out to Los Angeles at sixteen years old for music, and was drawn to Hollywood for the laid-back culture, the warm weather, and of course, for the fact that it’s the epicenter of entertainment in America (maybe even the world). There were so many more opportunities to collaborate and learn through experience by being here. I think deep down I’ve always been a “California girl.” As a young child, I would run around barefoot in the grass with my long, wavy blonde hair, and was such a free spirit. I sort of fit into the trope and it felt like I was meant to be here, by the ocean and the mountains, singing and playing guitar with my dog at my feet, and marching to the beat of my own drum. Los Angeles is such a creative city full of talent, and it’s nice to be surrounded by such inspiring, outgoing, and accepting people.
10.) At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a-spin to your beautiful new single Scatterbrain?
When I wrote Scatterbrain, it had been six years since I had first been diagnosed with ADHD, and it had taken me a while to love myself as I am. I had reached a certain point in my life, where I was done fighting it, and was like “who cares if you’re a little ‘scatterbrained,’ it doesn’t mean you’re any less smart or valuable.” And my hope in releasing this song is that it reminds people not to take themselves too seriously, and to accept yourself as you are, imperfections and all. I think we all have things that make us different, and that’s the beauty of life. If everyone was the exact same, we wouldn’t have innovation or change. It’s important to celebrate what makes you special.
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