Q&A with Singer/Songwriter Romanie
Photo: Claire Louise
Melbourne based singer/songwriter Romanie is no stranger to writing deep tracks that in some way reflect on personal experience , and that’s what you can find with the artist’s first track of the year “Anthony”. Heartfelt lyrics, sweet vocals, and an extremely beautiful melody makes up this incredible track that starts the year off strong for the artist.
Check out our Q&A with Romanie below, and don’t forget to stream the hell out of “Anthony”.
Where did your love of music come from and what initially inspired you to start writing your own songs?
It’s a cliche but I’ve listened to and loved music for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Belgium and was in the scouts (Belgian version) and we used to sit around campfires in the summer and that’s when I first started to sing and pick up a guitar. Learning other people’s songs has always been fun but there’s something special about expressing your own thoughts and feelings through music.
What is something you are most proud of when it comes to your music career, and what is something on top of your goals list that you are striving for?
I’m just really proud of the music I’ve written and recorded last year. I’ve always had a hard time to take a moment to be proud of myself, but this time feels like the first time where I actually dare to say ‘this is me’. I’m learning to be more vulnerable in my writing and it’s made me have deeper connections with other artists and people who might be experiencing similar things to me. I’m also just feeling very lucky for all the opportunities that I’ve been given in the short amount of time I’ve been in Australia and the community I’ve been able to build around me. I got to work with people I’ve been looking up to, who I can now even call my friends and I’ve been so overwhelmed by the great response of Anthony so far, every person who’s gotten in touch with me about it has made my day.
Who are some local artists who are currently inspiring you?
I feel like I’m inspired every day by a different artist, it’s just incredible how much talent there is in this town. I’m trying to go to all of my friends’ shows so I’m out and about at gigs quite often, always leaving so inspired to work harder on my own music. My current rotation of local legends includes Elizabeth M. Drummond, Good Morning, Ruby Gill and the cheeky unreleased demo link of my friends Mature Themes.
Your new track “Anthony” is a real heartfelt moment. Tell us a little about what this track means to you.
I wrote the song after watching The Father starring Anthony Hopkins, a movie about dementia. Being familiar with the topic, the song just appeared out of nowhere. I remember sitting down at my desk and 20 mins later the whole song was there - that’s when you kind of know that the song will mean a lot to you, if it comes effortlessly.
If you had to choose a colour to describe “Anthony”, what would it be and why?
It’s funny you mention this, because there is an Instagram page called colorpalette.cinema which assigns a colour to every movie. The Father was mainly a teal like color so I feel like Anthony should live in the same realm - maybe a bit more of a faded version so it reflects the impact of fleeting memories.
What is your all time favourite song, and why?
Ah, my most dreaded question because I can’t pick just one! It probably is Simulation Swarm by Big Thief. It’s just perfect storytelling, production and vocal performance. I see Big Thief as one of my main inspirations, the whole band is just so talented.
What can we expect to see from you this year?
I’m finally ready to release music again so I reckon I might continue to do so this year! I’ve worked hard in the background last year, writing - recording and fine tuning who I want to be as an artist and person and I think I’m ready to step a little more back into the front end of the scene now. My band and I have had a few really fun shows in the past months and we’re super keen to play, so we’ll see what comes our way!