Band: R.O.S.A.
From: Berlin, Germany
Their formation story:
(Til, drums): "It kind of started when our singer Hassan and I were playing a reunion tour together — he with his band Patsy O’Hara and I with mine, Empty Vision. That’s when we started talking about forming a band together. It took a few months, but then I met our guitarist Jörg by accident on a train. I sat down in the empty seat next to him, noticed his long hair and tattoos, and struck up a conversation about music.
"We quickly realized we knew a lot of the same people and were into the same kind of music. So I kind of recruited him right then and there. Our bassist Max completed the band when he moved from Hamburg to Berlin. I’ve known him for ages — back when I used to play with his band, Tackleberry."
Their sound in their own words:
"I’d say we play a kind of dark hardcore punk with lots of vocal echo. So you could compare us to bands like Bib, GAG, or Spy — but with a bit more of a metallic edge."
Latest release info:
"We’re releasing our first three songs digitally and without a label. We figured we’d just start that way and show people what R.O.S.A. is all about. Recording, mixing, and mastering took place at Alexander Pusch’s Berlin-based studio, Obscured By Evil.
"We also released a music video, directed by Berlin filmmaker and videographer, Hannes M. Meier. All the effects were done practically — no digital filters. The dance performance in the video features model and photographer, El. All of these awesome people helped us out for free. That’s the beauty of the hardcore and punk scene: so many talented people are willing to support small bands like ours with their creativity."
Future plans:
"We want to get out there, play some shows, and eventually find a label and record our first full-length. There are a lot of plans, but at the same time, it’s not that easy anymore. I turned 40 this year and life gets in the way [laughs]. But playing in a band is still the greatest hobby in the world. All of us feel that way, so we’ll find a way to make those plans happen!"
What other bands from their region should we check out?
"Berlin has a vibrant scene full of great bands, so obviously I can’t name them all — but if you’re into NYHC, check out Blockage; if you’re into black metal, give KRYK a listen; and if you like to smoke some weed and listen to Krautrock, check out Weite."
R.O.S.A. on social media: Instagram
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