‘Universe’, the chart-topping hit, is the latest addition to firecracker Rosa Linn’s power-pop. After representing Armenia in The Eurovision Song Contest 2022, Rosa has gone on to support Ed Sheeran on tour, capture a US Platinum Hit with ‘SNAP’ and gather a staggering 12 million monthly listeners. Reimagining the heartfelt song in French, Rosa is ready to spread the song’s heartfelt message further across the globe. We talked to the singer about labelling ‘Universe’ the ‘anthem for daydreamers’ her love for the old music she grew up with, teaming up with Jeck, and the creative process behind it all…
Congratulations on the release of ‘Universe (French version)! In your own words, what does this song mean to you?
I call “Universe” an anthem for daydreamers. I spend a lot of time in my head making up different scenarios and imagining things I can’t have in real life. And this song is about being in love with someone you can’t have in this world. But maybe in another “Universe” it could work!
Have you always wanted to be a musician?
I don’t remember myself wanting to become someone else. But I also never saw music as my job. Writing, playing the piano or just singing was all I wanted to do for fun and it became my whole life eventually.
What artists are you currently loving?
I love Sting, Bocelli, Stevie Nicks, Cigarettes after sex, Bon Iver.
I mostly listen to old songs, I strongly believe that music was way better before I was born.
Can you talk us through the creative process of ‘Universe’?
I was lucky to write this song with such talented people. We spent a lot of time just talking and learning things about each other. I’m always very honest in the studio with people I work with as if I’m on a therapy session. That helps with finding a storyline for a song. We loved the concept and the word “universe” as a title. And then the melodies happened really fast.
How did the collaboration with Jeck come about for this new French rendition?
I was doing a radio interview and I mentioned as a joke that I’m looking for a french artist for an alternative version of “Universe”. Next day I got a text from the interviewer saying that he found me an artist. Funny enough when I texted Jeck to see if he wanted to do this duet he said his team was already talking to my managers. So it was absolutely meant to be!
‘Universe’ seems to refer to an alternate reality where everything falls into place – how does this resonate with your personal experiences?
As I mentioned I live in my head more than I live in reality. It’s not the best way to deal with everyday worries in life, but it makes me feel so much better. And music is always the lead part of that journey. I either listen to songs while I daydream or I write them.
How do you hope listeners will relate to this concept?
I think a lot of people can relate to this song. We all have impossible dreams and we all long for something we can’t have. And of course everyone has at least one unrequited love story.
During the recording process, did you come across any creative breakthroughs or challenges, and how did you overcome these?
The biggest challenge was to learn the lyrics for the alternative versions of the song. I’ve never tried to sing in French before. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to music, especially my vocals so I had to sing every word a lot of times to get the pronunciation right. But that was really fun.
Lastly, can you give us a glimpse into what’s next for Rosa Linn?
I’m writing an album. I want to make it very honest and authentic. Most of the songs are written so I hope it will be ready soon.
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