Word of Smouth: Rosie

Nominated by Mike Kota, I was sent to see another lyrical wizard at the Green Room last night. Rosie took the stage solo and immediately charmed the crowd with a short, unfinished new song. It’s obvious that Rosie understands the importance of songwriting, as her merch table had a QR code that leads to all of the lyrics. Her songs come across as poems first, the lines cleverly weaved through the music. There’s an immediate sense of vulnerability in her songs, notably with “It’s a beautiful thing to be known”, a song about friendship. You can feel the yearning to feel seen and having someone by your side no matter the situation. 

The band joined Rosie for “Dramatic”, a song that was recently released as part of a remix contest. Rosie sat down and curled up on stage, channeling the lines one by one. As a viewer, it felt like she was at home, tucked in a safe place, sharing her thoughts. 

“one of us knows something 

but you’re too good at saying nothing 

one of us knows something 

but you don’t kiss and tell”

“I feel perfect” was another standout as the end of the song was washed in reverb. Rosie repeating the lines ‘i feel perfect’ again and again encapsulated the dreamy effect and resolve. “Casual Sex” had the biggest burst of instruments, with the drummer full body shifting back and forth on the kit. Rosie’s voice is a unique mix of soul and pop that cuts through the music, bathed in emotional genuineness. Ending with what felt like a ray of sunshine, “Sunny Stamps” carried the catchiest lines and hook. 

There’s something about witnessing an artist enamored by their own music. You see how they radiate with joy while performing and how it transports them into a different headspace. For Rose, it ultimately shows how being vulnerable in her songwriting only makes her stronger. And that is a contagious thing to bring to any stage.