Q&A with ROSALEE – Talks New Single, “Just My Thang” with SNOOP DOGG and More!

Hi there Rosalee! Where does our interview find you today and what’s on the agenda today besides our interview?

Hi Nicole! Right now, I am based in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas.  I just finished my East Coast radio tour from Atlanta to New York.  After our interview today, I will be back in the studio working on new music. I have a great song that I’m in the middle of called “Day Ones” about all of the people who have been there since the beginning. 

For those that are not as familiar with you and your music, how did you get your start? Who or what was the catalyst for you to want to be a musician and performer?

Most people view the life of an artist as a musical gypsy, but I wouldn’t necessarily classify myself that way. I started singing at a very young age and I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing. My family couldn’t afford vocal lessons so I would always mimic female R&B artists I heard on the radio.  I always dreamed big but the reality of my circumstances always found a way to try and discourage me.  All it really took was for someone to believe in me and give me a chance. That was my opportunity. 

Rosalee, you are taking the UAC world by storm! You have the one and only Snoop Dogg featured on your very first major single, “Just My Thang”…how did you and Snoop connect with one another and what kind of words of wisdom has he bestowed upon you?

My producer (Darren Sher) was working with Snoop Dogg at The Omnitone Recording Studios in Las Vegas on some other projects and managed to share some of my material with him.  He said he liked it and offered to do a feature on my album. I about lost it when he said that. 

“I’ve always been a huge fan of Snoop’s, so for him to express interest in my music was a defining moment for me.  I am beyond honored to have him on my song and I feel very fortunate.  Snoop is one of the most talented artists out there and one of the hardest workers in this industry. He is so family oriented and has always been such an advocate for new talent.”

You are already being compared with Janet Jackson, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. That is quite a lovely comparison! Who have been your inspirations growing up that also inspire you today?

I’ve always been inspired by powerful women in general.  My earliest inspiration was Tina Turner.  I fell in love with her voice and those legs.  And even today she looks like she did in the 70s.  She’s beautiful inside and out.  I also truly love Aretha Franklin.  Her music is timeless and she has one of those voices that just makes you want to cry. 

I understand you call your fans, “SOUL-diers”. Why is that?

When I was younger I was an army of one fighting for my dream. It was me against the world. I encourage people to fight for their dreams and believe in themselves even if all of the odds are against them. My fans are “SOULdiers” because I am a soul artist and I stand with them as they work to achieve their dreams.

What was the inspiration for your new single, “Just My Thang” (featuring Snoop Dogg)?

“Just My Thang” encourages everyone to embrace their authenticity and what makes them unique. It is a feel-good song that plays tribute to an era in music that I was heavily influenced by. It’s got a little bit of everything I like in music from jazz to funk to hip hop, so it worked out perfectly that Snoop chose this song to do a feature on. 

“I also wanted to pay tribute to my Filipino heritage.  That’s why the city Manila is mentioned in the chorus.  This song is just about me appreciating the steps I’m taking towards success.”

Life is already a little different.  A lot more traveling and tons of meetings.  This song is just me enjoying the process along the way.  Where’s the fun in the journey if you can’t enjoy the ride? I want listeners to be inspired to embrace their “thang” and celebrate what makes them unique. 

Rosalee, you are a beacon of light to women who are exploited, unloved and striving against all odds with your soulful and meaningful lyrics. Would it be fair to say that music has been just as much a form of therapy for you as it has been for your fans?

Absolutely!  Music is my sanctuary.  It’s always been my escape and it’s helped me deal with some major events in my life. I think the reason that my social media community has thrived is because people need a positive place to come, find encouragement, and celebrate themselves. 

Nowadays, everything is so instant…you press a button and it’s yours ala Spotify, Soundcloud, iTunes etc. What was the first album you saved up your hard earned money as a kid and bought for yourself?

Janet Jackson’s  Janet  album.  I had that album on repeat for several months. I was even fortunate enough to see her in concert for that album tour.  I know every word to every song on that album as if they were my own. They helped shape me as a singer. 

What was the first song you fell in love with (or made a lasting impact) on you and why?

This is a hard question for me to define.  I just can’t nail it down to one song.  I’ve fallen in love with so many songs at different times in my life.  How can one compare The Beatles to Stevie Wonder?  They are totally different energies and I love them both equally for different reasons. 

“Honestly, I have such a broad musical palette.  Artists that range from Johnny Cash to Sly & The Family Stone and everything in between.  I don’t think it would be fair to narrow it down to just one song.”

 

What’s on tap next for you Rosalee? What are you most excited about for this year?

This year has been so exciting already! I recently wrapped two music videos for two singles that will be released late spring/early summer and I am looking forward to getting out on a summer tour.

I am most excited to connect with my fans, share my story and hopefully inspire them to believe in themselves and love themselves enough to shoot for the stars.

Download a copy of ROSALEE‘s new single, “Just My Thang” featuring the one and only Snoop Dogg on iTunes here

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