ROZES, a rising pop artist from Philadelphia, was part of one of last year's best dance tracks in The Chainsmokers' smash, "Roses". Now in 2016, she's looking to advance her solo career with the announcement of her debut EP, Burn Wild, and its first, eponymous single that we're premiering here today. If you were expecting "Burn Wild" to be another EDM-centric single, you'd be forgiven, but if you've heard her past material (she's released five original tracks dating back to 2014), you'd know she has her own sound to stand upon. With her latest track here, she's again showing her potential as a pop star. "Burn Wild" is a triumphant-sounding track packed with emotion, a soaring chorus, and vocals that sound like they were recorded post-heartbreak. Simply, though, if you weren't a fan of her original material before, it's safe to say you will be now. In addition to the new song, you can find the tracklist for her forthcoming project below and read up on a few responses she had to some questions we asked her earlier this week. Burn Wild tracklist: Everything Desirable R U Mine Burn Wild In & Out Fragile Forever 1. When we premiered your debut song, “Everything”, a little over a year ago, we knew that you were superstar material, but we had no idea you’d catch your big break so quickly. How did your collaboration with The Chainsmokers come about, and how do you think it’s changed the course of your career? My collaboration with The Chainsmokers came about quite organically. They heard a song I had done with Just A Gent, "limelight," which led them to follow and message me on twitter. I had no idea what would come from it all, but we ended up getting together and ultimately writing ROSES. For a lot of artists, getting a song on the radio is "the last stop..." First, blood sweat and tears, then, if record label likes what you're doing, they'll take you under their wing and develop you. Now that I'm on the radio, everything is a bit different... I'm not sure that its 'changed' my course, but it's certainly made for an interesting route because not many unsigned artists are top 10 on iTunes, or top 20 on Billboard Hot 100. 2. Tell us a bit about your story, such as how you first began singing and when you knew you wanted to pursue it as a career. Hmmm, my story. I feel like this is everyone's favorite question. I don't like to harp on the past because it's made me who I am, but I was that girl in 7th grade that sat by herself at lunch because the "Mean Girls" decided I wasn't cool anymore. I was already a musical person, my parents had me in piano lessons starting at 6 years old, singing in children's choirs, taking violin lessons and so on, but I guess I have the "Mean Girls" to thank for leaving me out because I started spending my lunches in the band room practicing my saxophone for Jazz Band. That's when I decided to start playing guitar and wrote my first song. Music and music writing became the only thing I understood and the only thing that seemed to understand me. It was the only time I got to be emotional. I guess ever since I started writing music, no other career fulfilled me. I tried Nursing school, then Journalism, but like I said, it didn't fulfill me. I'd count down the minutes to when I could take a guitar break, and thats when I truly realized that song writing wasn't just a hobby for me, it wasn't just an interest, or something to do in my free time... It was my only clear path, my only knight in shining armor, and the only thing I could see myself doing every single day for the rest of my life. So, last year, I dropped out of college as I was entering my Senior year at Temple University, because I decided to stop trying to pursue my "plan B's," and to stop pretending that music wasn't the only thing I ever wanted to do. 3. Who—and what—have been your biggest influences? I come from a huge Jazz background, so my biggest idol and influence has and will always be Ella Fitzgerald. I'm also influenced by Amy Winehouse, Adele, Gwen Stafani, Tove Lo, and Sia. 4. You’ve already worked with two of the most popular EDM producers in music. Who are some other artists or acts that you’d like to work with? I'd love to work with Diplo, David Guetta, Max Martin, Paul Epworth... I could really go on forever... 5. We think “Burn Wild” is the most refined, well-made song you’ve released yet. Do you feel like you’re constantly growing as an artist—or are there certain moments where you feel like you take larger steps forward? I do think i am always growing as an artist. My writing is ever-growing. I certainly feel that right now, I am the best writer I have ever been. I am taking risks and always striving to be outside of the box. 6. “Burn Wild” presents the issue of a troubled relationship that’s nearing its seemingly imminent end. Is this a theme that carries throughout the EP? I am a deeply, deeply, emotional person. I tend to find meaning in everything. I overthink, I get far too depressed, anxious, and doubtful. This EP represents who I am not only as an artist, but who I am inside and out: emotional. During the making of this EP I went through a deep depression and decided that I would allow everyone to know why I was feeling the way I was. I wanted my listeners to be able to hear my words, and feel my struggle. I wanted to say the words that no one else had the guts to say... As far as "Burn Wild" goes, It's about saying a constant goodbye...a long distance relationship. It's about how letting him leave killed me every single time, but I would always let him "Burn Wild" anyways. Pre-orders for Burn Wild begin this Friday (January 15), and, if you stake your claim now, you can receive an instant (free) copy of her new track here.
ROZES