Rising soul-pop artist Red Rosamond is making waves with her debut album WIP and its lead single, “Tell Me the Truth”, released on October 18th. Red beautifully blends a timeless soul sound reminiscent of Aretha Franklin and Dinah Washington with a modern pop edge, capturing the attention of music lovers and critics alike. Her powerful voice has drawn comparisons to legends like Adele and Amy Winehouse while channeling the charisma of Billie Holiday and Eartha Kitt.
With millions of global streams and praise from outlets such as Billboard, VICE, Marie Claire, and Clash, Red is solidifying her place as a rising star in the ever-growing music world. Beyond the studio, she’s graced stages alongside rock icons like The Smashing Pumpkins, J. Mascis, Cage the Elephant, and The Black Keys.
Despite her growing acclaim, Red Rosamond remains one of the industry’s best-kept secrets.
We sat down with her to discuss the journey behind WIP, the stories that shaped her music, and what’s next for this immensely talented artist.
Tell us a little bit about your debut album ‘WIP’ and the inspiration behind it…
- RR: Thematically, it’s about life being a continual work in progress. It’s the first body of work that I wrote, produced, and performed. I was inspired musically by Tyler, the Creator, Marvin Gaye, Dr. Dre, Pink Floyd… The list goes on and on. My aim was to create a body of work that made you feel something. A body of work that offered lyrics and a mood that people could only get from my album.
When you began the writing process for the album did the theme “work in progress” come about before the creation of any songs? Or did it develop as you started writing each song?
- Like all of my projects, it developed as I went.
When did your love of soul music come about, and could you ever see yourself experimenting with genres on the other end of the spectrum? E.g. rock, metal etc..?
- Ever since I first heard soul music, I have loved it. I was a kid. As for other genres, I have continually experimented throughout my career and through different projects. I’ve never attempted metal, but know I have a handful of metal fans who dig my music.
Is there a song on ‘WIP’ that you feel resonates with you the deepest emotionally?
- They all do. That’s a tough question. The way I approached the album was to be vulnerable and honest in my delivery and writing. Every song has emotional depth.
Has there been a particular moment in your career thus far that stands out to you the most? Was it a specific show you performed or the completion of a song or album?
- This album. It’s a culmination of all the years I have put in the work learning, studying music, honing my craft, and discovering myself. It is simultaneously a love letter to all the music that I respect that has come before me as well as a love letter to individuality, self-expression, and personal growth.
What would you say is the most difficult thing you face in today’s ever-changing music industry?
- Energy. Having and managing the energy it takes to be spread so thin, vying for attention and audience. Over the years there has been more and more added to the artists plate as far as expectations of what needs to be done. I am more of an introvert so for me things like social media are very counter intuitive and draining.
If you could tour with any two bands or artists (living or dead), who would you want to be on the road with?
- Amy Winehouse and Tyler, the Creator
Did you do anything exciting for Halloween? If so, what did you dress up as?
- I got cozy on a couch, watched a movie with one of my best friends. I’ dressed up as self-care.
I noticed you have amazing taste in music, I see you have an affinity for some great female soul artists of the past (via your Spotify playlists). Do you have a favorite? Do you collect vinyl? Also, have you ever heard the song “Help Me Find My Groove” by Dee Dee Sharp? It’s one of my all-time favorites, but it’s not known very well.
- Thank you! I have favorite(s). Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, Dinah Washington.
- I used to collect vinyl and am about to start up again. Sadly, when I made the move from California back to Toronto, I had to sell my collection.
- I hadn’t heard “Help Me Find My Groove,” but I have now! AWESOME! Man. Thank you, I love this song. Damn.
What are your plans for the rest of the year going into next? Tours? More music?
- I am going to be setting up my studio space and working on more music. Rolling out some music videos and working on some collaborations!
Artist Links: Spotify | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Apple Music
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