After establishing himself with his vibrant initial efforts 'Chicago' and 'If I Was In Love With You...' last year, emerging singer-songwriter Brandon Rosen looks to continue his upward ascent with the breezy new offering 'Blurry'.
Capturing more of that rich and immersive pop-rock sound he has cultivated for himself already, 'Blurry' makes for a wonderfully warm and inviting listen. With his broad and sweeping voice layered across a sprawling piano-led production from start to finish, he is returning with one of his most captivating cuts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The piano. I’ve been playing the piano ever since I was 4 years old! My mom was a classical pianist and it's been a key part of my life for as long as I can remember.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I loved whatever my dad would play me in the car home from school, a bunch of 80’s rock: Bruce Springsteen, Journey, The Beatles - before I eventually developed a love for Coldplay that inspired my journey as a musician. I also had a huge Taylor Swift phase when I was 10 or so.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Surprisingly enough, the first album I remember owning is Bob Marley’s “Legend”! I traveled to Jamaica as a child and apparently loved Reggae so it came home with me.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
This is such a tough question as there are way too many! One song that I never get sick of is John Mayer’s “Walt Grace’s Submarine Test 1967.” The perspective and storytelling is one of my favorites from Mayer. I love the character he creates, and the lyrics can be interpreted in so many different ways depending on what you’re going through that day. Also, the 12 string guitar riff and instrumental hooks are constantly stuck in my head.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don’t think I have any superstitions - but I’m always trying to get as much of the creative avalanche out within 30 minutes. Songs come anytime anyplace - but I often find that’s my unfiltered splurge of creativity and then I get very specific and targeted in my approach.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve been all over the place! I love Dominic Fike: especially his version of Paul McCartney’s “The Kiss of Venus,” Omar Apollo, Phoebe Bridgers, and Leon Bridges. My classics always on rotation are John Mayer and David Bowie.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Coldplay. They are one of the first stadium shows I ever saw as a kid and I remember committing to myself that night in the crowd that I wouldn’t stop till I was on that stage. Chris Martin and the band has been such a formative influence on me. That would be a true dream.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
There are so many rewarding parts, but the one that sticks out to me the most is the connection that being honest allows. I always remember being a kid and feeling tremendous comfort in lyrics that said what I was afraid to say. The more I’ve been writing like that - the deeper connection I feel to my music and others when performing. Also, the songwriters and performance high is unmatched!
And what is the most frustrating part?
Probably consistent social media presence. I find it hard to be focused on the artistic side while also constantly thinking of packaging yourself and promoting nonstop! But that’s the world we live in, so I’m getting better and better at it.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To be authentically yourself. If you are, you are unapologetic about your music and creative process, and you don’t have to work as hard. Overthinking is so easy to do sometimes, but holding yourself to honesty and vulnerability helps eliminate it.
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Brandon Rosen's new single 'Blurry' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.