Interview: UK RnB Singer-Songwriter Rosita Discusses Her New Song "Masterpiece"
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“I feel singing and performing live will always be food for my soul, however there’s just something about writing and sharing personal, raw, vulnerable songs and people relating to them.”
How did you get your training as a musician? Are you self taught? Tell me about your back ground in singing and songwriting, and how you discovered your love for both. Additionally, what feeds your soul more: singing, or songwriting?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions people make about me is that my voice and singing ability came from nowhere. It’s probably half true, but vocal/performance training definitely played a huge part in my development as an artist.
I started singing around 8 years old when I attended a performing arts school, alongside that I was having private vocal lessons, where I was trained in genres such classical, musical theatre and light opera. I started writing my own songs at around 12 years old, I had just been bought a piano so I was always playing chord progressions and writing lyrics to them.
My musical style began to change when I started writing my own music and started to establish my own artistic sound being pop/soul; my style now has evolved into R&B. I have always been influenced by some of the greatest vocalists in R&B/Soul such as Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, Beyonce etc. Other influences include Ariana, Jhene, and Jazmine Sullivan.
Even though I was vocally trained for years, by listening to these artists, I was able to adopt techniques such as riffs and runs etc. Being able to pour every emotion I have into a song and let it out as a form of therapy is hugely important to me, if I have an issue I write a song about it and put it to bed. I feel singing and performing live will always be food for my soul, however there’s just something about writing and sharing personal, raw, vulnerable songs and people relating to them. That definitely feeds my soul more.
“Masterpiece” has a jazzy back beat that seems to blend a few influences and perfectly matches your voice, whereas “3AM” seems to pick it up a bit with afrobeat and dancehall inspiration. What’s the process of choosing a beat and working with producers on your tracks to make sure they fit your vision?
For each producer I worked with it’s always been a slightly different process. I originally wrote “3AM” on keys and was super sultry and ballad-like. Once I had sent the song over and received back the first demo I was like woah, this brings a whole new feel and type of energy which I loved, I think it can be hard putting your trust into producers because you have to make sure what they’re making represents and resonates with your sound as an artist; not just theirs.
With “Masterpiece” I worked with Kenniblu, he sent me a few beats and I chose whichever I felt most drawn to, being the beat behind “Masterpiece”. I think these beats were initially made for hip hop artists, but with my melodic lyrics it seemed to fit really well.
When I first heard the track for “Masterpiece” I fell in love with the whole sound and thought I could write something real special. I managed to write the whole song the day I was sent the beat, everything just flowed and felt so natural writing to it; it was definitely a bit of me.
The meaning behind “Masterpiece”, as you’ve mentioned before, is all about confidence and self-love, which we always celebrate at DCWS. Does making music help you practice self confidence and self love, or was there a particular story behind “Masterpiece” that mentally took you to that space?
It’s taken me a while to learn to be confident in my own body, I’m still learning today. Some thing that helps me is listening to empowering songs, songs about self love, feeling good etc. I wanted to make one of those songs so other people can listen and get the same feeling I did.
Did CV a creative block on you or motivate your music making process?
When we initially went into lockdown, I had lost all my gigs and uni had closed; this gave me all the time in the world to write, record and better my skills as a musician. It definitely motivated me in terms of making music, I didn’t have life get in the way of anything so everything was pretty smooth in terms of the music making process and releasing music.
I had all my recording equipment with me at home, so I was able to still create, I definitely think this lockdown was a blessing in disguise for myself and my artistic development.
What was the first gig you booked and what did it mean to you? Since social distancing guidelines and livestream concerts, we’ve entered a new era of concerts. What was the favorite venue you ever played at, and would you ever consider doing a livestream performance?
Since about 13 started doing pub/bar gigs as a good money earner and to gain performance experience I guess. But the first gig booked for myself as an artist was on the Unsigned Stage at NEC Birmingham, it was awesome. I had a full band with me too, which is just a wholesome experience; hearing arrangements of your own music is so beautiful.
My favourite venue/gig I’ve ever played has to be at Gloucester Rooftop Festival, the vibe and setting was stunning, the atmosphere was great and I had a whole orchestra backing my songs. It was such a surreal moment and one I defo won’t forget!
I would definitely like to do a livestream performance, I would prefer to perform with my band/ some sort of live backing rather than use tracks, I guess that’s why I’m a little hesitant to do so currently. Hopefully very soon though!
Your sound reminds me a lot of old school R&B songstress - you cite H.E.R and Jorja Smith as inspirations, but are there any contemporary underground artists that inspire you today?
I’m always listening to new, up and coming R&B artists, some recent artists which I’ve been inspired by include: Kojey Radical, Victoria Monet, Jessie Reyez, Miraa May, RAY BLK and KAYWHT.
Tell us about the Artists Development program “Upsurge” that you were accepted into, and how that influenced your experiences as a musician?
Being a part of Upsurge has enabled me to collaborate with some of the best producers and engineers I’ve ever worked with. It’s also allowed me to connect with loads of other musicians, I’ve made friends for life with some of the members. It’s definitely speed my eyes to new gen res of music, and allowed myself to grow as an artist, in terms of performance, confidence and as a writer.
Who is your dream artist to write songs for, and who do you dream of collaborating with one day?
I would absolutely love to write for/with SZA and Jazmine Sullivan. They’re unbelievable song writers and performers, it would be INSANE to work with them one day!
I would also love to collaborate with Jacob Collier, his musicality and theoretical knowledge blows my mind; I am in awe of his work.
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