Romanie Gives Insight On New Single ‘Anthony’
Drawing on her personal life, Melbourne based indie-pop singer/songwriter Romanie weaves her haunting storytelling alongside dreamy vocals and heartfelt lyrics on new single Anthony. She seamlessly pairs jangling guitar riffs with chilled pop vocals on this new single, which was written after watching the movie The Father starring Anthony Hopkins. A story and song about dementia, Romanie is unfortunately familiar with the topic having lost her grandfather who was suffering from the disease before passing away last year.
Mining her personal life for inspiration is something Romanie never shies away from in her songs and with Anthony – it’s easy listening from start to finish. Her evocative writing reveals an honesty that the listener can’t help but to be compelled to love. To record the single, she enlisted the help of producers Alex O’Gorman (Angie McMahon, BATTS) and Hamish Patrick (George Alice, Gretta Ray), with Romanie also co producing the track. It was mastered by Isaac Barter (Alex The Astronaut, Didirri). Romanie tells Hi Fi Way more about the single.
How exciting is the build up to your new single Anthony?
Very, very exciting! It’s been such a long time since I’ve released new music and I’ve been working on this in the background for quite some time, so to finally let it go from myself into the world is a big thing. It’s exciting and daunting at the same time, but it’s always worth putting yourself out there.
What is the story behind the single?
It’s based on the movie The Father, starring Anthony Hopkins – a film about a man who gets dementia and a portret of how his family slowly loses him. In a bigger picture it’s also based on my personal life so I think that’s why I was so moved by the topic and wrote the song in one sitting after coming home from the cinema.
Did the ideas for the song come quickly?
Yes, they actually did for this song. I remember I was taking some notes in the movie and trying not to want it to be over to go and write a song haha. When I got home I got struck by this wave of inspiration and just sat at my desk until the song was mostly written. It’s not always like that with songwriting but from time to time moments like that happen and it always gives me such an adrenaline rush.
Was this personal song quite a therapeutic process?
I think I mainly write songs for myself – to process things or try to understand things that I can’t yet put into words in the real world. It’s probably not the best coping mechanism and makes my music really personal and specific but it’s just the way my brain seems to work.
Are you building towards an album or an EP?
I don’t want to give away all my secrets just yet but let’s say there is definitely a lot more music coming this year.
How would you compare it sonically to some of your other music?
I think (and hope) there’s definitely an evolution from my previous work into a bigger sound that suits my band vision a bit more. I’ve also grown up heaps as a person so I think I’m trying to tackle the songwriting a bit more mature and honest.
Who are some of your musical heroes you look up to for inspiration?
There are so many, everyday I discover my next musical obsession and I actively seek out quirky and indie music. Some of my biggest influences would be Big Thief, Alvvays and Middle Kids – incredible songwriting, catchy hooks and melodies and phenomenal live.
Are you looking forward to being able to tour more broadly around the country over the summer?
Absolutely, it’s been my absolute dream to take my band – who are also some of my best friends – on the road and just play shows. It used to freak me out to go on stage but once I’m up there something magical happens (sounds daggy, but I can’t even explain how genuinely special a connection with the crowd can be). But yes, hopefully we can book some cool shows and try and meet a few people around the country!
What’s next for Romanie?
I don’t really make fixed plans anymore after the last few years, mainly to avoid disappointment when cancellations happen or when things don’t work out the way I want them to. But I still have my little big dreams and goals of course. I mainly just want to connect with people this year and get music out through playing live and creation. It’s been a lot of fun so far so definitely want to keep this all going.
Interview By Rob Lyon
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