It was supposed to be a sunny day in Shoreditch. It was instead, very greyish. I ordered a spicy margarita that I instantly spilt over myself. The bartender looked on in a demoralised manner as I attempted to salvage the remaining droplets. As I was about to ask for a complimentary cocktail, I noticed their highly unsympathetic, and slightly aggravated, facial expression. The relayed sentiment felt almost telepathic. Without exchanging words, I knew they weren’t in the mood to create a fresh blend of spicy margarita and I wasn’t going to buy another one. I decided to go sit outside instead.
In hindsight, I probably could’ve put thirteen pounds towards something more tangible, but none of this mattered. I was waiting for someone very special. I began to reflect on the stunningly talented and effortlessly chic, Rosa Cecilia. Authentic, raw, inspiring and honest are just a few words that came to mind when I think of Rosa. Bringing a bright and enthusiastic energy with her and in perfect time, Rosa appeared. We briefly exchanged our irritations of spilt drinks and London overground delays; transmuting our agitation into sparks of sarcasm and laughter.
Clarifying her intention behind her talent, “it’s really about connecting with people”. Looking introspectively, she continues: “that’s why we do art at the end of the day. It’s the beauty in finding that artist who you love, the message is always something you can tap into.”
I couldn’t help but recall the enthusiastic energy of her packed-out gig at Oslo, Hackney a few weeks before. Welcomed by fans, friends, family, and curious newbies, Rosa teased us with her unreleased single Justify, with accompanying vocals from Kieron Boothe. With the support of her jazz-inspired band, she performed La Rosa, for the first time with a live percussion, bringing an edge and fresh feel. Originally written as an ode to womanhood, La Rosa was dedicated to her grandmother, which felt even more special to be able to witness live. I recalled myself being hypnotised by her warm on-stage presence. Watching her fully rooted in confidence, calmness and talent, Rosa clearly secured her place on stage with her striking presence, mesmerising vocals and sincere lyrics.
Your lyrics carry a lot of emotion and depth. Do you intend to prompt introspection for your listeners, or is music simply an outlet to convey your creativity and emotions?
“I think about the listener a lot. I think the lyrics are the most orchestrated part of how I write a song because I actually do them last. I think a lot of songs nowadays are all about empowerment - which is great and such an important message, but at the end of the day we’re all human. I think we don’t always make the most empowering choice. We often make messy choices. So I wanted to make a song about that and say how it’s okay; we all do silly things sometimes and it’s okay that it’s messy.”
Her ability to alchemise feelings of unease into enchanting words of relatability is what Rosa does best. In Rosa’s 2021 EP Take None, she takes the listener on a sensory journey with her soulful voice, combined with intellectual and thought-provoking lyrics. Her songs flow through various struggles; from social issues, to how to navigate intimate emotions and feelings of identity, Rosa refuses to shy away. She contemplates heavy emotions and sifts through complex topics with an often light and playful approach. In Ambidextrous, Rosa sarcastically answers a solemn question, “Do you empathise beyond the realms of yourself?…I doubt it.” Rosa’s clever use of rhetoric is unmatched as she touches on experiencing a myriad of feelings. Paired with her ability to convey deep vulnerability, she allows herself to intuitively express often conflicting and contradictory feelings which love, identity and sexuality can sometimes bring. As Rosa uncovers these topics with confidence and calmness, she allows the listener to do the same.
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Rosa shows her dedication to her fan base, gifting her top 25 listeners with a digital collectable, including an exclusive version of her unreleased song at the time, Justify. Showing her appreciation, Rosa reflected: “I feel so grateful for the community and people already listening to me at such an early stage.” It’s clear that establishing a sense of community is at the forefront of Rosa’s vision, “I’m always looking for new ways to connect.”
When asked about moments where she’s felt the most fulfilled since releasing her music, Rosa brought it back to two things: “it’s been people coming up to me at shows and building my team. When people come up to me at shows and say how much a song meant to them, that is a feeling will never ever get old.” Rosa highlights the importance of her team: “I’m very lucky. I feel fulfilled to get to work with people who see my talent and trust my vision.” As she continues to craft her vision, she acknowledges and praises those around her, “I used to work in fashion and found amazing musicians and visual artists; but recently my business team have also been incredible.”
Rosa proves her ability to wear a lot of hats: with her impeccable ability to sing, write, perform, navigate social media and ultimately be able to be a people person: “I’ve learned and matured more in the last 18 months than any other time in my life, especially with being a woman.”
I loved that you shared a recent public harassment incident; it is so important to be able to be share that and show how it’s an issue. Have you ever experienced sexism within the music industry?
“I’m very lucky that hasn’t happened to me yet. I’ve definitely been there where people immediately assume I’m just there to write a top-line and didn’t realise I also write the bass line and the drum beats. The idea can sometimes be: ‘the boys are the producers and the women are the singers’. More women in PR, more women behind the computers, behind the instruments, that’s where the change is gonna happen.”
She discerns how autonomy is the most important thing for artists nowadays: “I have to make executive decisions for the sake of my future and my income every single day and that is an empowering thing. I think I’ve changed a lot and I’ve learned how to put up boundaries.”
Being brought up in a home with sounds shifting from Latin-Jazz to Badu, D’Angelo, Joni Mitchell and Kelis, Rosa reveals her love of music has been present throughout her whole life: “I grew up in a normal part of London where people were listening to a lot of trill and rap. I think British and London music is sick because it’s this mish-mash of sound and that’s probably how it’s influenced my art the most.” She went on to mention her love of collage-type song making, “sometimes I’ll make a reference playlist - which could something with a 2 second guitar riff from a 1962 Brigette Bardot song, but on a Pharrell drum beat. That’s probably my favourite thing”
How do you feel your heritage, being of British and Latin descent, has influenced your self-expression within your music?
“I think being mixed in general, you always have this identity crisis. A feeling of looking one way, being brought up another way. A feeling of never really fitting in.” Rosa went on to say that growing up, she naturally felt herself leaning towards being a people-pleaser. “A lot of immigrants, especially immigrants of colour is the narrative that you should be seen and not heard, you have to please.’
Opening up, Rosa shows immense gratitude to her family, “I was raised by Latin women. I’m trying to reclaim the label of pride as a Latin artist. I think even with all of my pride, I am sometimes still scared to say I’m a Latin artist because I don’t want that to limit me.” When asked about how she feels her heritage has shaped her experience within the British music industry and how she navigates it, Rosa candidly answered “the fact that I’m scared says more about the industry than it does about me. I want to say to say it feels more of a help than a hindrance, and it does in my heart and it does when I’m with my people and my community. But the reality is, it is more of a hindrance, because you don’t have white British artists going through this.”
She recounted an intimate moment from Latina Live in the Park festival where she performed her highest streamed song, Gold Chains. In this song, Rosa expresses the complexities of her identity, touching on feelings of isolation and inflicted shame from societal prejudices. She went on to recount how two Sri-Lankan girls approached her after her performance. “The fact someone from a completely different culture could relate to a song so much was beautiful.”
You have a striking sense of honesty and authenticity from your lyrics to your performance. Do you follow any kind of mantras in order to feel connected or grounded?
I really do believe in energy and that goes back to the people around me. The fact that the people I have around me already work for big artists that are successful. People like Little Simz, Demae, Bel Cobain and other people that I really admire in this scene. The fact they take the time out to work with me makes me feel grounded. Musicians and producers master their craft so much - the art is always first and I think having those people around me is so important. I think starting with this new management, everything is about trust first and foremost. It is about who I am as a person, not just a product. So surrounding myself with the right people and the right energies is so important. In the entertainment industry it can be cool to be c*nt. But I think kind is the most c*nt.
She recounted an intimate moment from Latina Live in the Park festival where she performed her highest streamed song, Gold Chains. In this song, Rosa expresses the complexities of her identity, touching on feelings of isolation and inflicted shame from societal prejudices. She went on to recount how two Sri-Lankan girls approached her after her performance. “The fact someone from a completely different culture could relate to a song so much was beautiful.”
Have you ever had a f**k it moment?
Haha - Everyday I have a f**k it moment! I got scouted the other day for a job at HSBC. The money was good, don’t get me wrong, but no - I just have to say f**k it. I do it for little me who wanted to see someone like me being able to express themselves in this way. So no! Every single day I’m living on the edge haha.
Rosa admits some challenges to staying dedicated to her artistry: ”I think as artists we’re always looking for that extra kick of fulfilment. We can get so greedy, which is fair enough.” It’s clear however, that Rosa will embrace all that comes her way with trust, clarity and hard work. Stating herself, that devotion to her passion, drive and ambition are the three things she values most. Although slightly new to the music scene, this poses no setback for Rosa. After very tragically losing her father in June, Rosa is even more committed to her creativity, herself, her vision and in growing her following. She showcases her indisputable talent across her live performances which you can find on her social media page. It is clear that her incredible uniqueness and impalpable authenticity is what resonates with so many people. Rosa Cecilia is the perfect example of how your strength lies in your authenticity and vulnerability. and how showing up as yourself brings you all you need to get to exactly where you need to be.
What would you say to anyone struggling creatively? Do you have any advice, feedback or what are your lasting words for anyone listening?
Striking a balance between don’t rush it and also to push yourself. I push myself too hard and I think sometimes put things out too quickly, so I should take the don’t rush it advice. but others who are making music and just sitting on it because they are worried or anxious that no one’s gonna want it, I would say pedal to the meddle vibes. I think striking the balance is best. Breathe, take your time and set those boundaries. But also put your f*cking sh*t out - because it’s not gonna happen until you release it.
