INTERVIEW: Rose's Diary on her debut single, Superhuman
You know that here at the Coven we promise to bring you the freshest emerging talent in rock, which is why you'll be buzzing to hear this debut single from Portsmouth indie-rock darling Rose's Diary! Trust us, you'll want to jump on her first release Superhuman now, because with the charming sincerity of Beabadoobee and the guitar-driven dreamy flair of NewDad, Rose's Diary is certainly one to watch.
Hailing from Fareham, the self-proclaimed bedroom rock queen projects you headfirst into a coming of age film with her sunny pop-rock sensibilities and relatable lyricism soundtracking the struggles of everyday life and transitions into adulthood. The first chapter into Rose's Diary offers indie-laden guitar plucks, infectious drum beats, and swooning harmonies on an introspective chorus that reminds us that we all have strength in our daily battles. Sometimes just getting out of bed feels like a big accomplishment, and Rose gets that.
For the newcomer's debut single, Superhuman is refreshingly transparent and uplifting, perfectly moulding a nostalgia-tinged soundscape and vulnerable lyrics to craft a vibrant indie-rock bop. With support from BBC Music Introducing Solent, even being crowned Tip of the Week, Superhuman is already a clear winner for Rose's Diary.
Since getting our first cut of Rose's Diary with the track, we've been hooked, which is why we had to sit down with Rose and get to know all about her, the inspiration behind Superhuman, and her goals for Rose's Diary!
Hi Rose, thanks for talking to the Coven! Please introduce yourself for our readers.
Hey, I'm Rose aka Rose's Diary. I'm 21 years old and I just released my first ever single out in the the world! I started writing songs at 15 as a way of dealing with my emotions, particularly when I felt I didn't have anyone else to turn to. Everything I do is pretty DIY, the song was recorded in my friend's bedroom and I made the single artwork on my laptop. I'm basically just trying my best to navigate becoming an adult and growing up and writing songs about it.
How did you decide on the name 'Rose's Diary' for the project? Were there any other names on the list that you almost went with?
It honestly took me so long to choose a name and I spent hours coming up with lists of names on my phone and bouncing them off my brother. Some of the ones I seriously considered included Pizza Kitty, Pink Jeans, and Dear Diary. I liked Rose's Diary because to me it sounds like the name of a 90s riot grrrl band, and I liked the way it felt secretive and private, because song-writing can be a very personal thing and sharing songs can feel scary, which is why it feels almost like I'm letting you read my diary.
Describe your sound for us!
I would describe my sound bedroom rock. A bit like a bedroom pop with that intimate and DIY feel, but with much more rock influence, particularly my other songs. I really love The Strokes, Radiohead, and Beabadoobee, because there's something about the way they all use the combo of guitars and drums, in particular, that really hits me deep and that's something I really want to aim for and create within my music.
How does it feel to have your first single out there for everyone to hear?
It's mind-blowing. I can't believe how positive the response has been so far, and being played on BBC Radio Solent Introducing was absolutely crazy. I feel like so many of my lifelong dreams have come true in this past week, and I'm really happy that the song is out there and I hope it that it can mean something to someone. It's so odd to put something so personal out there and for so many people, particularly people you haven't talked to for years or distant friends and family to tell you that they've heard your song, and that they like it. Superhuman is definitely one of my more family friendly songs, so it will be interesting to see what happens when I release something a bit more controversial or risqué.
Superhuman is about the bravery we face everyday, especially those struggling with their mental health. Take us through your process of writing this song.
I wrote the song when I was feeling very alone and lost within my life. I was still at uni at the time, I was very miserable and I just didn't have the motivation to do anything, especially basic chores like washing my dishes, and I felt so overwhelmed by life. I wrote the song to help myself out of my hole, and make myself feel less alone. It is both a sad and happy song, which is my favourite type of song because it takes you on a journey of emotions, which is sometimes what you need from music. I remember when I was about 14 and felt very lonely and depressed and I started listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers' By The Way and Californication albums. I had never felt such a strong emotional connection to music before and I discovered for the first time just how powerful music can be.
Who is a favourite local South Coast artist of yours?
I really love Lauran Hibberd, who's from the Isle Of Wight. She has a real 2000s Weezer sound and I love her attitude and lyrics, I would love to play support for her at a show in the future. Any girl rocking out with a guitar on stage is an instant hero of mine. I can't help it, it just connects with me on a different level, because from my personal experience, it can be hard to battle through the sexist bullshit you hear as a kid and stick with playing an instrument gatekept by men. That alone is admirable. I still get terrified any time I have to go to a guitar shop because I am always assumed to be a beginner by the staff and I feel so much pressure to prove myself, because everything is branded is such a hyper-masculine way, it's very intimidating and makes you feel like you're not supposed to be there, like it's not for you.
Superhuman is your first release and a great start to Rose's Diary - where would you like to see yourself in a year's time?
I would love to have released my first EP and be playing shows and festivals! It would be awesome to be living off my music and to reach people like me and build a little community. I really want to see and support more people rocking out who don't feel represented and included in the indie/rock scene, particularly POC, oppressed genders and queer folk. I'd also love to collaborate with more artists and push and develop my song-writing and production to places I can't currently reach. I have a lot still to learn, but I'm enjoying the journey and looking forward to seeing where it takes me.
We really love that message of supporting diversity within the rock community, that's what we're all about here. Thanks so much for your time, Rose, we can't wait to hear what you have in store for us next!
In the meantime, you can grab a ticket to see Rose's Diary live at the Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth supporting Tugboat Captain on Sunday October 24th. For just £6, you know we'll be there!
Stream Superhuman on Spotify and Apple Music
Review and interview by Chloe Robbins
Photography by Eliya Kizozo
