5 songs feature: Rosie Alena

Having gained recognition after the release of her debut single 'Mixed Messages', BRIT school alumna Rosie Alena has quickly become a familiar face of the south London live-music scene. Still the only release under her belt, Mixed Messages is an ideal debut, beautifully exhibiting Rosie's distinct sound and sense of direction; impressive for a first release!

A perfect blend of alt-folk and psychedelia, Mixed Messages is almost an open insight into Rosie's pouring thoughts as she finds a moment of calm amongst the bustling chaos of the city of London. Emotionally honest and atmospheric in equal measure, Rosie takes centre stage as she asks for understanding, singing; "feel my pain / develop it and send it to me."

With production from members of Black Midi and bass-playing from Finn Zeferino-Brichall - who also features on tracks from Olivia Dean - Mixed Messages is a real mixing pot of south London talent. It's sparse instrumental, though, allows for a strong artist focus, with Rosie's wonderfully apt lyricism being completely alluring. 

So, what 5 tracks did Rosie pick?

1. Honeycomb - Kadhja Bonet 

"This soulful tune is the perfect R&B, baroque pop infusion. I love how Bonet's voice sits so effortlessly on this track and quite literally sounds like honey; as the title suggests! The imagery is beautifully poetic as Bonet compares herself to the 'humble bee' tempted by the sweet 'honeycomb' which I can only presume is the metaphor for an enticing lover. The choice of instrumentation is gorgeous, including delicate sounds of flute and strings. 'Honeycomb' brings summer to this bleak season of winter."

2. Blackstar - David Bowie

"Confronting his own mortality, Bowie blends experimental jazz and rock with gut-wrenching drama; confining an almost whole sci-fi cinematic experience into one song. 'Blackstar' is iconic! Whilst the subject matter can leave me feeling uneasy and the story behind the album as a whole is unbelievably sad (Bowie released the album also titled 'Blackstar' just two days before he died) there's something quite cathartic about him accepting the brutality of his own death. It's an extremely brave piece of music! I love how the harmonising vocals are bare and upfront in the mix alongside the driving drum pattern. The solo saxophone and backing vocals are dramatic yer angelic alike; sounding like some sort of spiritual ceremony. David Bowie. What a legend he was!"

3. Eternal - Holly Herndon 

"Integrating a human choral ensemble with an AI (artificial intelligence) or "nascent machine intelligence" known as Spawn, Herndon creates an epic technological soundscape that extends beyond human capability. Eternal is intense in every way and at points nauseating, however the hypnotic manner of the song often leaves me in a strange trance-like state. This type of electronic, technology based style of music is a world I'm unfamiliar with, therefore I am inspired and in total awe of how everything works. An AI contemplating the concept of physical love? It's extraterrestrial to me!"

4. Seventeen - Sharon Van Etten

"This song exudes what it must feel like to be diving through open plains on a stereotypical American road trip; sun in my eyes, wind in my hair and a sense of euphoric freedom and deep nostalgia. I relate to this song immensely as even though it's not that long ago, and I've never been on an American road trip, I often reminisce over my later teens, especially being sweet seventeen. We often desire what once was; that fancy-free sensation of being young and fun! Van Etten allows us to exercise this emotion and feel seventeen once more."

5. Super Rich Kids - Frank Ocean 

"Ocean approaches his lyrics with such ease. In what seems like a breezy, steady paced song, Ocean candidly talks of cynical subject matters; 'super rich kids with nothing but loose ends, super rich kids with nothing but fake friends', playing into the darkness of a life without purpose. The song speaks fro itself without the need for instrumental embellishment; the super stripped and laid back arrangement allows breathing space. I love the precision of the lyrics in 'Super Rich Kids' and admire how Ocean manages to fit so much information into one song without overcrowding."

Listen to Rosie, here.
Instagram: @rosiealena