Since its release less than a week ago, the music video for Favourite Type has already reached almost 200,000 streams on YouTube. ROXEN, the rising Romanian pop artist known for her ethereal vocals and genre-blending sound, has not stopped working to establish herself on the global music scene since gaining international recognition as Romania's representative at Eurovision 2021. Presenting herself without a script in front of everyone, opting for humanity, and speaking openly about mental health, we now talk to her about her early career, her dream collaborations and her upcoming projects.
“It was one of the most difficult responsibilities I ever had on my shoulders because it wasn’t about me. It was about our country, and everyone had huge expectations,” she responds when asked about her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest a few years ago. The international music competition celebrates its final this weekend in Basel, and the artist wants to send a message to all those who will take the stage to represent their countries in just two days: “Have fun and enjoy every moment.”
ROXEN, congratulations on your new release, Favourite Type! How do you feel now that you've shared the single with your audience? What feedback have you received so far?
So excited! I am happy that you liked the song, and thank you for this interview. People seem to love it so far, and that’s honestly so great!
Favourite Type oozes richness and blends irresistible pop vibes with smooth R&B influences. How did this single come about, and what does it mean to you?
Favourite Type came very naturally; we were vibing at the studio, though the time was not really on our side because I had to catch my flight back to Bucharest. It was created in Warsaw, where I had many other sessions. The producer, Jungleboi, is incredible, and I loved working with him. We are truly vibing together, and this is a very important thing — he came up with the melody, and I wrote the lyrics. We liked it and wanted to show everyone too.
What was it like working with him? Are there any anecdotes from the development process you'd like to share with us?
Jungleboi is amazing, and all sessions with him were easy, and everything happened incredibly naturally. We have some great songs together that I can’t wait to show you all!
The track arrives a few weeks after the release of Save You, which climbed into the top 50 of Romanian radio and continues to receive nationwide airplay. When you unveil a new song, do you get nervous about how the public will react? How do you experience the days leading up to its release?
I used to get really nervous, yes. I realised that I am going to do this for a while, and I can’t get stressed each time I have to put out a song. I prefer to let things flow and enjoy all the beautiful moments that come with this process.
You've built a strong connection with your fans by talking openly about your mental health and musical journey. Was it difficult for you to open up emotionally to your audience early in your career, or have you always felt comfortable expressing how you feel through your art?
I really do care a lot about my community, and I tried to be present as much as I could. Yes, at first it was a bit difficult but necessary. It was a confirmation of the fact that we all struggle and try our best to get through everything, and this really makes me appreciate people more… seeing them so strong even when they feel like they are powerless. In general, people think that being an artist or not having a regular job means happiness, and I presented myself without a script in front of everyone so they can understand that being an artist or having any other job in this world doesn’t take away the humanity inside of us, and we all suffer and struggle with different things for different reasons.
Do you remember when your debut single became a juggernaut on Romanian radio, topping the airplay charts? How did you feel back then?
I was happy and grateful; I worked a lot, and it really made my inner child happy.
We can't stop talking about your time at Eurovision 2021, which further positioned you on the international scene. What did you enjoy most about that experience?
It was one of the most difficult responsibilities I ever had on my shoulders because it wasn’t about me. It was about our country, and everyone had huge expectations, especially people from the Romanian ESC Community. I am more experienced after everything, and I am grateful for the opportunity.
Now that the Eurovision Song Contest is about to begin, what advice would you give to all the participants?
I would just tell them to have fun and enjoy every moment.
A few weeks ago, you travelled to Madrid to perform at the Eurovision ES pre-party. How was it?
It was super fun, and I fell in love with the city. I didn’t expect to be so captivated by everything, as it was my first time in Spain, and I can’t wait to be back. I loved being at the Eurovision Pre-Party, and it was amazing to meet some people who are part of the ROXEN community and take pics together and talk and sing their favourite songs.
What international festivals would you like to perform at?
I love Electric Castle; that was the place where one of my dreams, seeing Jessie J, came true, and I had lots of fun with my friends and made amazing memories.
Any dream collaboration?
Tough question. It’s very hard for me to choose since I don’t have one specific favourite genre or artist, as there are so many artists that I listen to and that make my life so much happier with their art. Lately, I’ve been obsessing over Tate McRae. She is truly amazing – I guess that’s a good choice for a dream collab!
Is there anything you can tell us about your musical projects for the coming months?
All the songs I worked on are songs I fell in love with, and it’s going to be so hard to choose, but so much great music is on the way, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.