Rosie Samaras is releasing her debut EP 'Messing With My Head' at AKA, Banbury, Friday 12th June so, in the run up to the event,we had an exclusive interview with the lady herself. Carry on reading for the 411!
YATCB: Could you tell me one thing that people wouldn't necessarily know about you?
Rosie: I'm a very open book, so I don't have many secrets. I'm half Greek but I guess my name gives that away [laughs]! I have a peanut allergy? I'm really not scared of anything, nor have a passion for anything else but music. I love fashion, but that's about it.
YATCB: What is the one thing you can never leave the house without?
Rosie: My lipstick is always a must have - I think I have every shade possible!
YATCB: So, how would you best describe your fashion style? Is there anyone you take major inspiration from?
Rosie: I tend to change my style - especially my hair - people can't seem to keep up! I look different all the time. I love quirky things as well as sparkle - you can ever have enough of that! My favourite things must be animal print and Dr Martins. I like to be glam but cool at the same time.
YATCB: Do you think that, as a musician, having a defined sense of style is just as important as having a good demo within the industry?
Rosie: Music definitely comes first for me, but then I would never turn up to a gig without looking presentable. Style can help but, unless you have something about your music that people enjoy - whether it's a catchy chorus or a song with relatable lyrics - people won't buy your music for what you look like. They might come and watch you play a gig for your looks, but I don't care who I play to. I enjoy it too much to care.
YATCB: What are your earliest memories of music making its impact on your life?
Rosie: Ever since I was a little girl I loved the stage. I wanted people to watch me sing. As I got older I found that I actually wasn't too bad, so I ran with it and started to take it seriously. Learning new instruments and having singing lessons really brought it alive for me. I then went on to study it at college and that made it a whole different ball game. I met the most amazing people who inspired me to do what I'm doing today.
YATCB: How has your music evolved since you first started writing/performing?
Rosie: Confidence and passion; as time has evolved, both of these - as well as my drive - have grown stronger. Playing more gigs and writing more songs enabled me to learn something new each time. Watching others helps me to sculpt my writing and performances so I can become the artist I want to be.
YATCB: What is your process when it comes to songwriting? Do you have to be left alone in complete solitude or do you do things a little differently?
Rosie: Writing is a weird process - songs can be so personal that they sometimes become hard to share. When writing there is no right or wrong way; no mood, place or time that's right, which is why every song is different. Some songs start from a good chord progression, some start from a phrase you've heard and some swing from a moment in your life. Every time is different.
YATCB: Before you go on to perform, is there anything you usually do to calm yourself down, or are you one of the lucky ones who breeze straight through?
Rosie: I get the best buzz from performing. In my eyes, nerves are good. Nerves bring out the best in me, so I guess I'm lucky to see them in that way.
YATCB: I see that you have quite a concrete following on your social media sites, how long have you been performing for?
Rosie: Over the past 2 years I have gained all my following, as I've really only been performing seriously for that amount of time.
YATCB: Where has your favourite location been to perform in so far and why?
Rosie: The New Theatre, Oxford, 17th March, 2014 - which is actually my birthday! I was lucky enough to sing my favourite cover song to 2000+ people at the Oxfordshire Youth Awards and, in return, they all sang Happy Birthday to me! That's one I'll never forget!
YATCB: So, your debut EP is set to be released Friday June 12th. Could you list the main themes running through the EP and tell me how the songs came together?
Rosie: My EP consists of mostly ballad type songs. It includes my signature feisty style along with heartfelt lyrics, punchy melodies and rich arrangements.
YATCB: Did you have a clear vision in mind for your first EP or is it more a selection of your favourite songs?
Rosie: Honestly, I just chose my favourite songs and rolled with it and it fell into place perfectly. Having too much vision can sometimes be disappointing if you don't get what you were wishing for.
YATCB: What were the main inspirations behind putting together your EP?
Rosie: At gigs, the big question that I'm always asked is "where can I buy your CD?" so I thought I may as well make one - people are clearly interested - so that's where the idea sprung from! As well as that, a few of my closest friends have released their own and I saw how much fun they had and the success that it brought them.
YATCB: What was your most favourite part about putting the EP together?
Rosie: It's hard to pin point the best part, but holding the finished CD in my hand and thinking 'I've done this' is the most unexplainable and incredible feeling - maybe I'll write about it [laughs].
YATCB: What is in the pipeline for you? Do you have anything planned after your EP is released? A possible album?
Rosie: As far as making more music, that won't stop. An album is a tad too ambitious, but I will be moving to Liverpool in September to continue my learning and growing at LIPA, so who knows what opportunities that will bring me.
YATCB: The launch is this Friday at AKA in Banbury, how are you feeling about it?
Rosie: Nervous and excited! It's my first headline show with a full band - it's a crazy thought - I just hope people enjoy it, because I know I will!
YATCB: And, to finish off, what single are you loving most right now?
To catch Rosie Samaras playing, head down to AKA Banbury this Friday - but in the mean time, have a cheeky watch and listen to her new single below!
To follow Rosie on any one of her social media sites, click the links below
Enjoy!
No comments
Post a Comment