WHEN DID YOU DECIDE THAT SINGING WAS WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO?
When I was quite young, I was always having a concert of some kind in my house with dance routines and stuff! So I’d say … around 5? But, as I got older, left college/home I felt the pressure of bills, nice cardigans, shoes and jewellery, so ended up going to the city and working in some major banks for a while.
SO QUITE DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW
Completely different! I needed a regular income, and thoroughly enjoyed my wage so I took roles like selling Unit Trusts for a while or Supplier Management. I'm a sensitive person (my star sign is Pisces) and one day I just decided I was “sad in my heart” so had to do what I was sent here to do. Write songs … sing songs and share songs.
HOW DID YOU MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM BANKING TO MUSIC?
I don’t really know! I recorded a song called Dare with Gorillaz which I thought nothing of, but later it became really successful and the album went platinum with Dare being their only number 1. That definitely helped.
IT MUST HAVE BEEN AN UNUSUAL PROJECT TO WORK ON
Different… and AMAZING, being part of an animated band that comes to life on stage with some of the best musicians and Humans in the world. Probably one of the best experiences of my life.
OUT OF ALL THE COLLABORATIONS YOU’VE DONE, WHICH PROVIDED THE GREATEST PLATFORM FOR YOUR CAREER?
I’m really not sure which has created the greatest platform, but I definitely enjoy all of them!
I GUESS THE SAME HOLDS TRUE FOR WHO WAS THE MOST FUN TO WORK WITH?
Most fun to work with… hmmm. I'd say… that’s a hard one… Gorillaz is always fun because there are so many of us. The year before last I spent 5 weeks on a tour bus with Little Dragon and Bobby Womack - they’re both on Gorillaz 3rd Album.
It was so much fun and a real learning experience. Then last year I toured with Redlight … shout-outs to TTMG, he knows who he is, and did a couple of shows with SBTRKT and Buraka Som Sistema- all of these were the best times for different reasons. The same goes for working in the studio… My job is amazing y’know?
TELL US ABOUT THE CREATIVE PROCESS. HOW MUCH CREATIVE LICENCE ARE YOU GIVEN?
Well I generally write the lyrics and melodies, and then I might bang a drum or make instrument sounds with my mouth … everyone I’ve worked with so far allows me to be free as a bird.
DO THE ARTISTS SEND YOU A TRACK AND YOU WORK TO THAT?
That’s generally what happens. SBTRKT sent about 30 instrumentals. I think I vibed to a few but Pharaohs was the one that that I enjoyed the most.
SO YOU GO FOR THE TRACKS YOU FEEL MOST CONNECTED WITH?
Yep!
HOW MUCH FREEDOM DO YOU GET WITH THE VIDEOS?
Freedom is varied … I’ve only done a few really…. With the video for Buraka Som Sistema’s Up all Night I think I had the most. I love that video, it's nice, light and warm. Love it….
WHO WOULD YOU IDEALLY COLLABORATE WITH IN THE FUTURE?
I really love Kwes right now, he’s so talented. Bjork just to sit in the studio with her and share vibrations … that’d be dope. There really, really are too many to mention….
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH YOUR SOLO WORK?
Everything!!!! The mixtape’s just about ready…. recording my album… Looking forward to sharing.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOUR SOUND?
You can expect honesty…and hopefully goosebumps….
YOU’VE PERFORMED FROM UNDERGROUND VENUES TO MADISON SQUARE GARDENS. WHICH DO YOU PREFER?
That’s a hard one. When I’ve done those massive arenas like the O2, or the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, it’s generally with Gorillaz so it’s a completely different feel. With underground stuff, it’s more vibey, I don’t have to get dressed for an hour in the dressing room! I don’t prefer either one, I love being able to do both.
ARE THERE ANY PROJECTS OUTSIDE OF MUSIC YOU ARE INVOLVED in OR WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN?
Although I don’t do much anymore I really enjoy acting and doing voiceovers… I also love fashion/makeup etc so whatever pies I put my fingers in 9 out of 10 times it’ll revolve around being creative.
DO YOU HAVE ANY RELEASES COMING UP?
I’ve almost completed my mixtape with Dj Martelo and it will be released around the 31st January.
I’m always writing and have also written some hooks/songs for various artists that will probably be released in the New Year. For now, I’m constantly working and loving it.
SOUNDS EXCITING!
I’m excited too! It's gonna be dope!
WHO ARE YOUR IDOLS?
I don’t really have idols, the universe is my idol!
I’ve consistently loved/respected Bjork as an artist and I’d say Mary J Blige as well. I went to one of her concerts at Wembley and I was crying like a bitch! My friends were like “what is wrong with you?” and I was like “I don’t know! I can’t help it! I love her!” Kanye is dope too and Coldplay and Emiliana Torrini and … and … and … the list goes on!
WE HOPE YOU GET BETTER, AND GOOD LUCK WITH THE MIXTAPE!
Thank you!!
Roses Gabor’s mixtape is available now via a ‘like’ of Roses’ Facebook fan page:
Interviewed by Olivia Matthias
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