Check out our interview with singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist ROWA, who just released the music video for her ethereal new single “Sweet Nothings.”
ROWA’s captivating vocals alongside the visual accompaniment to “Sweet Nothings,” takes the viewer along the journey of reclaiming one’s power after an unsettling breakup. Kicking off in a smoggy Los Angeles setting, “Sweet Nothings” showcases ROWA’s eclectic taste and creative abilities, having produced the entire song herself.
Follow Rowa @rowamusings
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Hi ROWA, please tell us a little about you?
Hi there! I am a music producer and multi-disciplinary artist currently based in Los Angeles. I’ve just released my first debut single “Naughty GXRL” and “Sweet Nothings” with accompanying visuals in the first months of 2023 and have tons more work to be pouring out throughout the year. I am a very grass roots artist, navigating the industry as an indie musician with the help of my amazing community. I am an alien inside of a Barbarella flesh suit.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Obscure, Driven and Restless
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
My dad always played music, he was a punk rocker and worked at a big record store in San Francisco in the 80’s. Growing up he always had his own sort of man cave jam room, so he taught me my first piano and guitar chords at a very young age. I’ve simply kept writing music ever since. I’m a very logical minded person so I never thought pursuing a career in music was a very good idea haha. But once I got a taste for music production and orchestrating my own unique sound, it sort of became a train high tailing off into the distance. Now I’m in this crazy industry.
How has this changed your life?
It has been both the most fulfilling and simultaneously difficult mission I’ve found myself on. I’ve been writing music and playing shows for years…maybe 8 years now. I feel I am just starting to see my hard work pay off. Now I (sometimes) get paid for my work. Lol. But ultimately for me producing music and being able to complete a track that is well rounded and actually sounds good is like learning how to communicate with the world for the first time.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Defying, Exciting, Dreamy
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I started taking music more seriously when Anderson Paak dropped his first album. I was super inspired by how he bridged the gap between contemporary rap and live instrumentation/vintage musical inspirations. It kind of struck a chord with me of being like “Wow I’m trying to make something just as good and unique as that” (in my own way and sound)
Do you play any instrument?
Yes I play guitar, piano, and I played mandolin in a folk band for many years. These days I play mostly guitar and I use my piano skills to mess around on my synth/aid in my music production techniques.
Tell us about your new single “Sweet Nothings?”
Sweet Nothings is just a little bop of a track haha. It’s unique in the fact that it has this sort of four on the floor house beat, but I accompanied it with a juicy keyboard harmony, a plethora of unique drum productions and a thick web of orchestral strings. I feel like all these elements take the track from sounding super synthesized/electronic and give it an organic texture. I really put a lot of energy into writing the song with a dynamic chord structure accompanied with some juice melodies. Go check it out hehe.
What’s the story behind the song?
Sweet Nothings is an ode to all of the love affairs that quickly go from sweet to sour. I feel when you’re in your early adult years it’s a breeding ground for some of the most chaotic relationships…especially when you’re a crazy vagabond like myself. I wanted to write a sassy break up track that wasn’t just for me, but was for anyone who has been through a similar experience… which in this case I feel most humans have experienced a break up like this. For me the song takes you on an angelic ride of getting some sass off your chest whilst retaining your power post break up
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
For me the most rewarding part is a tie between throwing a live show where the energy in the room is amazingly vibrant while I’m performing, and also when I get paid to produce music. Like there is the genuine aspect of curating this experience that money can’t buy and then literally being like “O my gosh I’m finally getting paid to do what I love” Haha we can thank capitalism for the second one.
If you weren’t famous, what would you be up to right now?
Haha well you can call me famous when I get a Grammy or something…for now, maybe infamous… I’d be working in visual arts and/or the health and wellness industry as I am a talented masseuse…magic hands haha
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Start learning Ableton Software ASAP!
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Keep Up If You Can”
What’s next for ROWA in 2023?
Well as of right now I’m gearing up to release a couple remixes and then come April, May and June I have three new singles (self produced) that are dropping. In June I am launching my interactive 3-D realm “The Rowaverse” and I am so excited for that to come out. I’m trying my best to release a new single every 4-6 weeks for the entirety of 2023 so it’s going to be pretty non-stop for me. I have so much amazing music I’m finishing right now as well, so I am really really excited to get some new masters soon here!
How would you explain your fashion style?
Femme+Punk+DIY – It took a while but I feel I have really carved out a personal style for myself. I just had a release show at SOHO House in DTLA which was my first time doing something for SOHO… I didn’t go out and buy myself some over the top outfit. I literally just cut up a bunch of nude fishnets and wrapped a knit fishnet scrap of fabric around myself as a skirt and people honestly loved it (including my legit stylist friends). I accompanied the look with my dear friend Jacx (@jacklynsatin) chainmail creations. She and I have been working a lot together and she makes the most amazing chainmail pieces, it goes so well with my ripped up pantyhose aesthetic which stems from me being a broke artist needing to turn a look in a jiffy. I turn scraps into high fashion hehehe.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Living in a brutalist house in the jungle filled with natural light working on music all day. Ahhhh can’t wait.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Michelle Lamy, she is so fascinating to me and I feel like I’m gonna look like her when I’m 70.
Best advice ever given?
Value the artists you collaborate with in the highest regard.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself inside of that brutalist home in the jungle making some of the dopest music of my career, with an incredible booking agent that gets me on the most insane and amazing lineups all over the world. I want to be playing shows with a full band, dancers and a projection/light show experience. Fog machines too… I’m gonna need so much fog. Along with that I want to develop the storyline I have created behind the “Rowaverse” which I have hopes to turn into a sci fi film later in my career.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Maybe “Back To Black” Amy Winehouse
Where can we follow you?
I am currently on all streaming platforms. Look up: “Sweet Nothings” ROWA
Instagram: @rowamusings
TikTok: @rowamusing
Youtube: @rowamusings
FAVORITE:
Book: “Circe” by Madline Miller
Quote: “I’m a Love Vigilante” ~ROWA
Movie: Fifth Element
Tv Series: Rick and Morty
Favorite Food: Sushi
Travel Destination: anywhere new <3 .. But otherwise MEXICO!
Photo Credit: Arina Bleiman
