Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Romanie
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I was part of the scouts in Belgium growing up and we’d sit around the campfire with friends singing songs and sharing stories. I think this is where my love for music started to develop and where community and music found its way into my brain.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I always liked singing other people’s songs, learning covers and dreaming that one day I could make my own songs. I think one day I just realised that that was a possibility, so since then I’ve never really stopped writing.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
It’s basically an insight into my brain and who I am as a person (scary). There’s not really a persona, as my music is very much just who I am as person. I’m really learning not to hide behind anything, which has both been terrifying and liberating.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
The duality of chaos and calm, beauty and ugliness. I really like to look at music and transform it into something weird and beautiful. At least that’s what I hope people can get out of it.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Be yourself, don’t listen to anyone else.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I think I’d like to say I don’t have a process, but it usually always starts with a notebook and a guitar. And an overwhelmed brain.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
There’s so, so much good music coming out at the moment. Back home here in Australia I’ve really been loving the new Belair Lip Bombs, Folk Bitch Trio, Milly Strange, Chitra album. I love Viagra Boys, Wet Leg, Dry Cleaning’s new albums. The list is endless, I wish I could listen to music 25 hours a day.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Absolutely, I think it’s always stemming from my personal experiences and then transforming into a broader story.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I would love for people to feel inspired and empowered? I think music has changed my life and I think my biggest dream would be that my music can do that for someone else one day.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Community is everything. Bonding over music with other people and other musicians is simply the best thing in the world.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Meredith Music Festival in Australia. It’s the best place on earth.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Again, the list is endless as I admire so many musicians who do their own thing – currently I’d love to collaborate with Wet Leg as they’re just amazing people who make phenomenal music.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
I’m (hoping) everywhere – main source would probably be my website romaniemusic.com where all the other links live. I also made an OnlyFriends mailing list in case social media shuts down one day, which you can subscribe to and I sometimes send out chaotic emails with updates.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I would love to just continue to create music and tour the world with my band. I love playing shows and being in the studio. I hope that one day I don’t have to work 5 jobs to sustain myself financially and that we can do this more often.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I’m excited for my new album to come out in February. It’s called ‘It’s Not That Funny’ and it’s very personal and special.
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