Oh Roxy, the 21-year-old “Retro siren” is David Gresham Records’ newest alternative pop act from Cape Town, and she is releasing her debut single, This Is Me, today. She is originally from Durban, but moved to Cape Town to pursue her dreams in music, and majored in vocals at COPA (Campus of Performing Arts).
We asked her a few quick questions to get to the bottom of it.
Who is Oh Roxy?
The single This Is Me is very much a “Hello World” announcement. If you had to pick one word to describe yourself in an introduction to the world, what would it be?
Hmmm, I’d have to go with: Passionate. Or weird. Haha!
The song claims that you “see things differently” – how important is it for a musician to have a different perspective on life?
Creatives have a unique way of seeing how things work. Our minds are different to others and we don’t always follow the rules. Not because we’re rebels, but because we want to be leaders. And that’s what my lyrics are all about. As musicians you have to see things differently in order to write music and create this escape for people listening to your songs. I feel like I have the best job ever!
What is in your CD player (or top of your playlist) at the moment?
Right now on my playlist is an EP from singer, Aurora. Her sound is haunting and mysterious and I can’t get enough of it!
This Is Me has a strong feminine quality. Do you have any strong female role models – musician or other?
Truth – not being cheesy at all – but my role model is my Mom. She is an absolute champion. She’s always been proud of the weirdo that I am and has never looked down on me for being different. She’s always backed me in my music career and has pushed me to pursue and succeed with it. Love her with all my heart. My biggest inspiration.
On a similar note: Any big musical influences?
I’d have to say Amy Winehouse. What an absolute power vocalist. She was way ahead of her time when it came to music. Loved how real and down to earth she was. Brilliant vocal role model.
You’ve been described as “The Retro Siren” – a combination of the cool 50’s, and a modern millennial. Is Oh Roxy equal parts of both, or is one side more prominent?
I would like to think both! When it comes to my music I’m very much a millennial – purely because of how different and alternative my sound is. But as a person, I’m definitely a 50’s girl at heart. I’m obsessed with the pin up style, my nautical tattoos, red lips and bandanas.
#ThisIsMe
Oh Roxy‘s debut single, This Is Me, is available now on iTunes.
