Rozes Talks from SXSW

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One on One Interview with ROZES from SXSW

Unrated Coren: We were able to catch up with ROZES (born Elizabeth Mencel) at the SXSW this year and do a one-on-one Interview: Rozs how was your experience there performing? Were you able to attend any events or see any performances?

I had so much fun performing at SXSW this year. It was my first year, so I had no idea what to expect, but I had a blast. It was amazing to see a full crowd and people singing along to my songs. I was able to attend only a few other performances, unfortunately. I saw (one of my absolute favorite bands) Bel Heir, and I also got to see Ra Ra Riot… Both were an absolute blast.

Unrated Coren: Your music is very beautiful and it seems like you play every instrument known. Which one is your favorite to play?

Ha-ha! My favorite instrument to create music on is the piano; however, I feel like I couldn’t choose my favorite in general, it’s like asking who someone’s favorite family member is, at least for me, it’s impossible! (I favor the piano the most, shh).

Unrated Coren: Your EP Burn Wild was just released in March (2016), what was the inspiration behind this record?

Burn Wild was written over the course of the last year and a half. I was going through a life changing period where I was away at school and dating different people. It’s really a journey of me constantly having my heart broken by miniature disasters.

Unrated Coren: Speaking of inspiration, how do you write your songs? What is your process?

Usually I end up sitting at the piano late at night with a giant glass of red wine. I’m a deeply emotional and dramatic person, so the littlest things could send me to the piano to vent. I don’t have much of a process, it’s different each time, to be honest, the only thing that is consistent is the fact that I’m always allowing myself to be vulnerable. I want people to hear my secrets.

Unrated Coren: As far as music, what are some of you influences?

I love Gwen Stefani, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Sia, Fleetwood Mac, The Spice Girls, and Nicki Minaj. I like an artist that goes against the grain… aren’t afraid to feel, and more importantly, aren’t afraid to show it.

Unrated Coren: I read you went to Temple for a year. Compare being a college student to what you are doing now?

Nothing against college, but leaving was the best decision in my entire life. Temple was defining for me, and an experience I will never ever forget, however, right now, for the first time in my life, I feel like I belong. I was always that kid who studied super hard and would get the lower grade than the person who didn’t study at all. In the music industry, I’m the latter. All I have to be is myself, and I succeed. It’s amazing to find your place in life.

Unrated Coren: Ok. I am a sports fan and I know there is a huge rivalry in Philadelphia when it comes to the Eagles and the Steelers. Do you have a favorite or do you even care? LOL

E-A-G-L-E-S, EAGLES. Also, huge flyers fan! ANDDDD I love the Phillis! So to answer your question, I’m a typical Philadelphian, I love our sports teams.

Unrated Coren: Reading about how you already charted with your songs and your partnership with Andrew Taggert of the Chain-smokers, how do you take that all in?

It was amazing writing with Drew. From what I understood, it was really the first time The Chain-smokers got into the studio with an artist rather than just sending out a track for someone to write to. It was really cool to be able to show them what the writing process is like, and how I truly pulled from real life events to write roses. From there, Drew says he’s been writing a lot more. It’s really cool that I was able to influence him in that way. It’s still mind-blowing that they, and other artists, are among my peers now.

Unrated Coren: After such a huge festival like SXSW, what do you do to relax?

I sit down at the piano and write 🙂

Unrated Coren: What are the plans for the rest of the year?

Work, work, work, work, work, work (In my Rihanna voice). I plan to conquer the world with my music. I want to become a household name… the artist people skip to on their playlists. I plan to sign a record deal, and have a non-featured ROZES song on the radio.