Meanjin soulstress, Rosa Mack, has released her highly anticipated debut single ‘When I’m Alone’. Backed by a seven-piece soul and blues collective, Rosa's enchanting stage presence and deep, soulful voice have already made waves since their inception in late 2020, with sold-out shows and festival performances. Her debut single is a smooth soul-rock journey, enriched by Rosa's silken vocals, a blend of soothing organ, bass, and blues guitar. Culminating with a blasting horn section and an electrifying guitar solo, Rosa hits note after note with her really impressive vocal range. Being her debut release, we wanted to catch up to find out more about this project.

Can you tell us what this track means to you and what you want people to take away from it?

This song speaks to a challenging lesson in my life which I’m proud to have overcome. Understanding autonomy and actualising self-empowerment was an important step in my adulthood - it would be humbling to know that a listener could catch a glimpse of that feeling in this song, even more so if the same spark of liberation could be ignited in another.

Who are some of your influences and why?

Joni Mitchell. Frida Khalo. My mother Katherine. All for their wisdom, creativity & feminism.

What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?

Allowing deep introspection has been an uncomfortable but ultimately rewarding step in creative processing. Being painfully honest with ones’ self, understanding and encapsulating narratives in poetry, eventually adding melody. Sometimes it takes months or years to decipher these stories, or sometimes it comes out in one day. Recording might be the scariest part though, laying it bare for all to see. But essentially, I believe that time is my greatest tool, whether it’s giving myself a deadline or letting it breathe. Both can work in favour of creativity, but it’s important to distinguish which one is necessary.

What do you think makes a great song?

I think the constitution of a great song lies in authenticity. A message can be received in ambiguity, clear words or no lyrics at all, but I believe when the feeling is honest and the creator doesn’t hold back, a truly great song can be born.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

I’ve always been a big lover of harmonies & soul, so I would go with Melbourne Gospel Choir - add a bit of rock ‘n’ roll guitar licks and away we go.

When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?

Interior designing, crafting, writing poetry, baking sourdough, latte art, fire twirling.

Who are some local bands we should check out?

Menajerie, Solchld, TYDE, Tommy Sexton and the Suggestions.

Winter or summer and why?

Winter - for fires, warm colourful layers, and the added bonus of wearing less sunscreen for someone of my sensitivity.

What else do you have planned for 2023?

Relaxing at Woodford Folk Festival with my family!

Follow Rosa Mack

www.rosamack.com

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A Quick Chat With Rosa Mack