Alternative pop artist ROKI started writing and producing music at a young age as a creative outlet, and later headed up multiple bands. After taking a brief hiatus from music to pursue her love of filmmaking, she returned, producing new tracks with Ben Kaplan (Mother Mother) and Winston Hauschild (Wanting Qu). During the process of recording her debut solo album, MOTHER, she experienced the greatest changes and challenges of her life: becoming a mother while losing her own. The latter spun her into a darker state, and unsure how to process her grief she poured herself into her music.

2024 will herald a new era of sound for ROKI with her Lovable EP – dreamier, brighter, “loved up” and hopeful for new possibilities. With the message of trying to make love work, she was inspired to write “Hands Up” following a tiff with her partner. “There’s always going to be ups and downs,” she reflects. “[It’s about] figuring out how to navigate the ebbs and flows with more grace and understanding…sometimes you just have to put your hands up in the air, and say ‘enough’ to keep the peace.”

What can you share with readers about your new project?

My upcoming EP ‘Lovable’ will be out this November. The theme is that we are all “lovable,” even with our faults and challenges because nobody is perfect. We’re all on this journey of life. ‘Hands Up,’ my most recent single, is a lot jazzier and funkier than my previous material. I love taking twists and turns in music and honoring what the song needs and your feelings in the moment.

How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

My previous full-length album ‘Mother’ carried with it heavier, darker emotions, at least that’s how it felt in my heart. I was halfway through recording the album when I lost the most special person to me. It was a challenging time, and I struggled to find my footing. Music helped me to process my emotions. I wrote the album’s intro track ‘Take Me’ in the midst of the fog of grief. It expresses the feelings of hurt and confusion, wishing the one you loved was spared, and that you’d been taken instead.

My two recent releases and the material on my forthcoming EP ‘Lovable’ are written from a “loved-up” perspective. Feeling in love or coming from a place of hope. All these upcoming songs felt like they belonged together. It’s been fun hearing people’s reactions and feedback so far to these more upbeat tracks.

What about this single makes you most proud?

There’s so much about ‘Hands Up’ that makes me proud, but one thing that really stands out in my mind is the creation of it. It’s the first song I co-wrote with another artist. I had a writing session lined up with my friend and talented songwriter Tea Petrovic, and it just so happened the night before, my personal life hit a bump, which became the inspiration for our session. It was amazing writing with Tea; we clicked immediately, and the song flowed out of us effortlessly. It came together in a couple of hours tops. I feel like a song is meant to be when it comes out so naturally.

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

I’d actually been sitting on this song for a little while, waiting for just the right moment to release it, though it never felt right until now. It felt natural releasing ‘Hands Up’ as my second single; it’s a bit punchier musically with the saxophone and carries with it a message I believe a lot of people can relate to. It felt like the right follow-up to ‘The One,’ which was a bit softer sonically.

As for my goals, I hope ‘Hands Up’ resonates with people and they enjoy the groove. I’d love for more people to hear my music. There is nothing better than creating music and seeing others enjoy it!

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

Music is like breathing in a way; I have to do it to feel complete. In the past, I tried veering away from music to focus on different outlets, but I always found myself coming back to it.

There’s so much that inspires me; sometimes song ideas just pop into my head in my day-to-day life, usually a little lyrical hook that I have to record on my phone or jot down. Hard times, confusing, or strong emotions definitely are a catalyst; songwriting is a release and helps me process what’s going on inside.

Overall, I love creating, not just the music but also the visuals, getting to combine both my passions, music and film. I love the compliment a video can be to a song; all of that really inspires me and pushes me forward!

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

My ultimate collab would be Michael Jackson. As a kid, I dreamt about one day collaborating with him, but honestly, there are so many amazing artists I would love to collaborate with, such as Doja Cat, K-Os, Nelly Furtado, Sean Paul, and Beyonce.

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

Full transparency, the last song I listened to was one of mine. I have so much material I’m refining right now that I can’t wait to release. But besides mine, probably Ben Howard’s ‘Small Things’ or Banks’ ‘Waiting Game.’

Gosh, my favorite all-time artist is a tough question because there are so many! But my favorite all-time desert island pick is Melody Gardot. I could listen to her anytime, anywhere.

Some honorable mentions would be Doja Cat, Banks, Sophia Claudio, Billie Eilish, Rihanna…

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

My social handles are @callherROKI. You can find me on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and my website is www.callherROKI.com. Come join me on them all!

I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Thank you so much for inviting me to share my story and for highlighting ‘Hands Up.’ I really appreciate it! Stay tuned for lots of new material coming soon!!