Los Angeles has another rising star and his name is Rouxx. This emerging alt-pop singer was brought to our attention with his killer single “Hit Harder” and has now returned with another banger. “LO$ERS” was released on May 14 and features the always-amazing Mod Sun to really elevate the track. Atlas got the chance to catch up with Rouxx as he talks collaborating with Mod Sun, connecting with listeners and hopeful fall touring plans.
While you’ve been in music for quite awhile, you’re really starting to come into your own with this latest project. How would you describe the evolution of your sound from when you started to where you are now? What’s been the most rewarding part of exploring this side of music?
As people we are all constantly evolving. Learning new things about ourselves everyday and finding out who we are. I don’t think that ever stops. The same goes for being an artist. When I first started writing I was inexperienced but as I worked with more experienced producers and writers I learned a lot about how a song is written and have also learned that it’s ok to be vulnerable and to let people hear what you’re really going through. All of my songs are stories about my life, past experiences, fears, insecurities and hope for what the future holds. I’ve lived a lot of life and getting to share my experience with my listeners and letting them know that I’ve been through it too and that it’s going to be ok gives me a reason to continue making music. Being a voice for people who can’t articulate their emotions or who don’t have anyone to talk to about it makes me feel like I’m successful as an artist. I get messages from people all the time telling me that I’ve helped them through some of the hardest times in their lives. There is no better reward in life than to help someone who is going through something that you yourself have come out on the other side of.
What’s the story behind your killer new song and how it all came together? What was it like collaborating with Mod Sun?
Thank you so much! Making this song was one of the best experiences in my life. Sometimes it takes a village. The song was originally written by an artist by the name of Zuzu and another artist by the name of Munkey Junkey and was played for me at the first session I had with two of my producer and writer friends (Tony Rodini and Matthew Marino). The bones were there and the song was incredible. It just really struck a note and I had to sing it. I re-wrote a bunch of the lyrics and melodies to reflect a situation that I was currently going through and came up with the concept “You can say we’re losers but we’re never gonna change”. The song is about being genuine to yourself no matter what people think about you, loving your life and the people you’re surrounded with.
I didn’t originally intend to have a feature on it but Marino was like “why don’t we hit up Mod Sun and see if he would be down to feature on it”. Tony and Marino had previously written a few songs with Mod. Mod loved the song so we went over to his studio the following week and tracked the feature. It was INCREDIBLE. Mod Sun and I go way back. I went on my first tour with his old band when I was 17 so reconnecting was rad. We lost connection over the years but once we saw each other it was like we didn’t miss a beat since then. We had a blast that night. I swear there was magic in the room. It all came together so easy and the vibes were 100. He’s an incredible writer and brought everything that was missing to the song. After the song was recorded, I went to two of my other friends who have a production duo called “Feels” (Eric David and Charlie Michener). They added a lot to the song including guitars and additional drums as well as a killer mix! Everyone involved in the making of this song brought absolute heat and I truly feel that this is one of the best songs I’ve made. My vision for the song is fully apparent and came to fruition.
Are there any other artists that you’re hoping to/looking forward to collaborating with in the future?
I love Yungblud, Twenty One Pilots, The Kid Laroi and Post Malone. Those would be some dream collabs.
Who do you count among your top influences and inspirations when you’re making music these days?
I’m a huge MJ fan. I always listen back to some of my favorite songs from him before sessions. I really love Prince and Queen too. The writing style is just amazing and I don’t think it gets better than that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qkVI9tcsts
What are you hoping listeners will take away from your music?
I want people to feel something when they listen. It doesn’t matter what but as long as I’m evoking some kind of emotion and a sense that things are going to be ok.
Thankfully it looks like the entertainment world is starting up again. What’s in the pipeline for you for the rest of this year? More music, live shows, etc?
I know! So dope! I have a lot of music coming out this year and potential plans for a fall tour. Things are still up in the air with touring so we’ll see what happens. I’m just going with the flow!
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you or your music or is there anything you wish you could talk about more that you may not get asked?
I’ve dealt with depression, drug and alcohol abuse my whole life and if anyone ever needs some insight, I’m here to help. It never goes away but life is beautiful and I want to help people see that.
‘LO$ERS’ is out now!
Story by Olivia Khiel
Image courtesy of Rouxx
