RØRY - 10 Questions + fuck fame (Single)
UK based artist and songwriter RØRY releases her debut single ‘fuck fame’ via TYM Recordings/ADA.
You may already be familiar with RØRY – she’s the songwriter behind the global smash ‘Post Malone’ by Sam Feldt - and has also written songs for the likes of Alison Wonderland, and Slander. Or you may have heard her voice already – she’s featured as a vocalist on tracks by K-391, and William Black (‘Drown The Sky’ has over 4 million streams on Spotify in the UK alone) – with her vocals earning comparison to the likes of Halsey and Ellie Goulding.
Now, in 2021, she is set to break out her own, with the release of her debut single ‘fuck fame’ – produced by James Lewis and Zakk Cervini (Yungblud/Machine Gun Kelly) - an emo-pop /rock hybrid that harks back to her formative influences including My Chemical Romance and Paramore, and perfectly showcasing her versatility as an artist and songwriter.
RØRY sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
The first time I sang in public was actually at my Mums funeral... that probably explains why all my music is kinda depressing! I played piano as a kid, and wrote my first song at 12. It had the lyric “through all the thrills and the spills, my heart still bleeds for you” - I can still remember my Dads face. Like “what the fuck is this about”.
Honestly though I have a love / hate relationship with music. In that I love what other people release and hate my own stuff a lot of the time. It’s all kinds of low self esteem / imposter syndrome stuff that I’m working on and managing - for a long time that meant I played it really small and never showed up. Sobriety, an amazing team, an amazing therapist - all of that allows me to have random flashes of believing in myself, and when I don’t I have amazing people to encourage me.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I love Mod Sun... he got sober and then started pursuing his artist career and is doing amazing! That resonates as I’m a recovering addict too. I love how his music and his branding are so bold and real. Artists like him and MGK are bringing pop punk back and I am here for it.
I would love to work with Lauren Christy - you might not have heard of her, she’s an INSANE songwriter. She’s written all the big Avril hits. I love looking at the credits to see who wrote a song, songwriters are the heart and soul of the industry and so often people don’t know how much they help craft our favourite songs.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus
It’s motivation for me... I have ADHD which means starting something can feel extremely overwhelming. Some days I just lay in bed doom scrolling and not doing anything I’m supposed to, and then feel really shit about wasting time. Other days I do get started, but find it so hard to focus. I can’t count the times I’ve started a song and then been like “ohh, I wanna go paint a bag”.
Working in a studio with other musicians provides structure that I really need. Even as simple as a start time. I don’t like to let other people down, so I know I am gonna be on time (ish) and we all help each other stay focussed and the song gets finished.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Emo / alt. pop
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Honestly it’s gonna sound lame but it’s right now. Releasing my first single. It’s been a pretty long road for me to get here, a few years ago I was in a really dark place. Depressed, self harming, pretty deep into addiction and I thought I had lost the opportunity to be an artist. I really took on that identity of being a failure and a loser. So coming through that and being able to release music, I’m forever grateful for that.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Absolutely... first one, look after your mental health! For me that’s staying sober and having an amazing therapist. That comes above all else because this industry is so up and down, your art is criticised, your looks are criticised, things take so long, and if you aren’t in a safe place in your own body and personal life it can destroy you. Other than that - I’d say be patient, develop your sound and your style so you can honestly say this is the best representation of you and your art. Creative people aren’t often patient, so we rush in and release stuff too soon. I put out so much shit in the past I really wish I hadn’t.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
I love GIRLI and July Jones - I’m a bit biased as they’re my friends but their music and style are both so good! Also I loving what Pale Waves are doing, really bringing the Paramore / Avril vibes back, and I’ve recently discovered the Tramp Stamps. They are hilarious! They do mad harmonies and their lyrics are just so on point.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
YUNGBLUD - Weird!
Avril Lavigne - Let Go
Mod Sun - Internet Killed The Rockstar
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Stress out that I should be making music and that I’m not doing enough... but, when I get the raging perfectionism under control, life is pretty peaceful. Walking with my fiancé, roller blading, podcasts. Love all that. I spend a lot of time on my mental health, whether it’s therapy, deep conversations with friends, intentional rest. Keeping myself calm and ok is my number one priority so I can show up when I need to at work.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Auto tune. That’s it, that’s all I need.