About this episodeRomy discusses her journey from a bullied child in Los Angeles to an independent artist with 40 million stream…AI summary
Romy discusses her journey from a bullied child in Los Angeles to an independent artist with 40 million streams, emphasizing the importance of maintaining creative control and authenticity over conforming to industry standards. She shares insights on navigating record deals, the value of mental health advocacy, and her admiration for polarizing artists like Lady Gaga and Marilyn Manson who refuse to fit into boxes.
Key takeaways 5
Romy signed a lucrative deal at 19 but unknowingly gave away 50% of her rights, leading her to prioritize independent distribution where she retains complete creative control.
She believes that being 'polarizing' is better than being 'okay' because it attracts genuine fans and repels those who wouldn't understand the artist's authentic self.
Her musical identity is shaped by a mix of heavy influences (Kanye West, 36 Mafia, Marilyn Manson) and pop icons (Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani), reflecting her desire for both grit and pop sensibility.
Mental health support was crucial; her mother insisted on therapy rather than medication during her teenage years, which Romy credits for helping her process depression and bullying.
Cultural respect for craft is a major theme; she cites Japan and Mexico City as places where people take immense pride in their work, regardless of scale, contrasting this with the US industry's tendency to commodify artists.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“They wanted a girl who looked like a Dollskill model because that's what was cool at the time... who made music that was generic and soulless and had no grit whatsoever.”
▶ 0:00Romy explaining why she rejected early industry attempts to mold her into a generic pop star.
“I have yet to see or hear about an experience with a major that I think is deserving of the word love. So, I would not say I hate the machine in its entirety. Um, and I honestly would love to have that experience kind of reclaimed.”
▶ 19:52Romy's nuanced view on major labels, preferring independence but acknowledging the potential for positive experiences.
“I find that so easy [to handle hate] because I'm just so grateful. Like I get to bring my friends with me around the world.”
▶ 22:56Romy's strategy for dealing with social media negativity and fame, rooted in gratitude.
“The Fame Monster was one of the first records I ever owned... I realized that there was an example of a pop star that I resonated with when I found Lady Gaga because she was strange. She did not conform. She was loved or hated. She was polarizing.”
▶ 38:18Romy identifying Lady Gaga as a key influence for embracing her own unique and controversial artistic identity.
Chapters & Sections (20)▼
0:00New Music, Childhood Bullying, and Family Influenceschapter2
1:59New Song Anthem for Misfits
3:38Family Musical Influences and Support
5:59Early Music Influences and Lady Gaga Encounterchapter
10:32Cultural Respect, Lady Gaga, and Music Career Originschapter3
13:16Childhood Depression and Music as Therapy
14:42Venus as a Boy Cover and Björk Influence
16:22Early Social Media and Career Discovery
18:34Navigating Record Deals and Independent Artistrychapter2
21:03Rejecting Industry Pressure for Authenticity
22:44Handling Fame, Gratitude, and Fan Safety
25:31Mental Health Advocacy and Hollywood Forever Cemeterychapter2
27:52Hollywood Forever Cemetery and Headstone Plans
29:05Finding Peace in Cemeteries and Nature
30:32Pray to Me Collaboration and Touringchapter1
33:07Overcoming Discouragement and Touring with Limp Bizkit
35:35Mount Rushmore Artists and Rock Trendschapter3
37:21Perfect Albums and Polarizing Artists
39:46Metal's Rise and Lady Gaga Collaboration
41:05Upcoming Music Releases and Horror Film Favorites
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