Rozzi
Interview conducted on March 25, 2022
By Dan Locke
Part of growing into adulthood is learning to trust your own voice. That is exactly what neo-soul luminary Rozzi set out to do on her “dangerously personal” sophomore release, Berry.
The much-anticipated Berry arrives three years after the San Francisco-born singer’s 2018 debut, Bad Together, which followed a series of high-profile collaborations with Kendrick Lamar and Pusha T, plus a sold-out arena tour supporting Maroon 5. Unlike Bad Together, which Rozzi calls a “narrative experience” based on chronological events, Berry features a selection of vignettes that pick up where her debut left off: some songs were written as far back as 2018 and some are as fresh as a few months old.
Featuring Rozzi’s smoky, full-bodied vocals, with songs that move seamlessly from upbeat pop, funk and R&B to low-key acoustic ballads, and a special contribution from iconic guitarist Nile Rodgers, Berry is ultimately an expansive record about growth, learning to trust your instincts, and, ultimately (“because I like a happy ending,” Rozzi laughs), embracing new love and change.
Rozzi shares her new single “Afterglow” in support of International Bipolar Awareness Day. The song is featured in the new short film Do This For Me which was released in conjunction with two charities: Bipolar UK + Film and TV. Created by April Kelley and Sara Huxley’s award-winning film company Mini Productions, the film explores friendship, sexuality, and mental illness in a way that inspired Rozzi deeply.
Rozzi is set to release her new Berry EP on April 22 via BMG. Her smoky, full-bodied vocals compel listeners to their feet, with songs that move seamlessly from upbeat pop, funk and R&B to low-key acoustic ballads.
How did you discover music?
It was always on in my house – The Beatles, Bjork, Eva Cassidy, The Supremes, Britney Spears, Fleetwood Mac – my family loves music. It’s been my favorite thing for as long as I can remember.
How did you start to write music?
I used to just make up songs as a kid – in preschool, at home, in the back seat of my mom’s car . They always started with words – I wrote a lot of poetry. I always felt this shadow side of myself that had a lot of emotions to express.
What was your first performance like?
I sang a Jewel song in my first grade talent show and that was it – I knew what I wanted to be.
How were you discovered by Adam Levine?
He heard a song I wrote and literally emailed me saying he’d start a record label if I’d be on it.
How was it to tour with Maroon 5? Was it your first tour?
My first tour was actually singing background vocals for Sergio Mendes and later Don Henley of the Eagles. But opening for Maroon 5 was my first tour as an artist and it was a dream come true.
How would you describe your music?
Raw, personal, soulful, emotional.
What do you think makes a good songwriter?
An honest one.
What is your songwriting process like?
I always start with words. For me the whole point of music is to express emotions, and I figure out my emotions through language. So I write poems and turn them into songs later.
How was it to perform ‘Best Friend Song’ on Dollface?
So fun! And an honor. I love that show and its creator, Jordan Weiss.
Tell me about the creation of ‘fflow.’
I wrote ‘fflow’ in the depths of quarantine on FaceTime with my friend Eric Leva. I was falling in love and feeling so grateful for the timing of it all – that I hadn’t met this person before I was ready for them.
What are your feelings about streaming music?
I love how easy it is for everyone to listen to music, but we need to do a better job of getting songwriters properly compensated for their streams.
You did some work with KO from Pentatonix. How fun was that?
It was so much fun. Kevin is one of the most talented people I’ve ever met!
Have you discovered any new hobbies or rediscovered any old ones?
I’ve gotten much more into playing piano. I also started a writing class and have been writing personal essays which I used to love to do as a kid.
You just played a show at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn. How was it to be in front of a live crowd again?
It felt amazing. Singing live is the reason I’m alive! I will never take those opportunities for granted again!
What is your happy place?
Anywhere I can go on a long walk and listen to music. Or The Hollywood Bowl – it’s magical to me!
