Born in 2000, in Teaneck, NJ, Loza Rose started singing and playing piano at the early age of seven. She took piano lessons for two years before performing in theatre both as a singer and a young actress. This continued until her Freshman year of high school, where she changed her interest to choir full time. In 2014, she took to YouTube where she sang covers and spoke about mental illness. During her Junior Year, one of her videos reached 200k views within a month. This inspired her to begin composing her own music, and she did starting in 2015 writing over 30 songs that year. Right out of high school, Loza decided to push her musical talents to the next level. Taking independent vocal lessons and hiring a manager to push her career forward, she was signed to EAR after six months of developing her sound.
Loza gives credit for her lyric style and musical composition to her idols. Her grandmother, Elsa Maria Loza (known as a singer and an accomplished performer in Quito, Ecuador) inspired Sophia to appreciate music in all forms. It wasn’t until that close family member fell ill, Sophia’s drive to achieve a career in the music industry began. After pursuing a life of performing at small events, Sophia created Loza Rose as her stage name to remember and honor her grandmother, Elsa… Click Here To Read More About Loza Rose
Website: www.lozarose.com
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Pre-save Link: www.lozarose.com/js
Spotify EP Link (available on March 19): https://open.spotify.com/album/4iSlHin7kifsEajLRmsz04
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
Although the music industry is extremely demanding, I would say the opportunity of expressing yourself however you want is something that gravitated me towards this career. I am aware that there have been cases where artists fall into a situation where their label controlled everything they did, from what they wear to how they can express themselves on their own tracks. But it’s 2021 now and artists everywhere, even pop stars like Taylor Swift are taking back ownership of their music.
My biggest role models are a bit cliche but I gotta say, Demi Lovato, Lady Gaga, and Ariana Grande. In my eyes, these three women are the strongest, and most talented singers in music history.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
To everyone I am just a young female artist in her 20’s who is trying to make a name for herself in the music industry. To myself, and I’m hoping my fans too, that I am not just some other celebrity, but an artist that will listen to my people and always deliver the truth through my music. I want to tell my story in a way that will resonate with them on a personal level, because they deserve music that will help them heal or make them feel something they’ve been suppressing.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
There’s a lot of events that have happened in my life that I had to endure, but I would say the most difficult is the fact I live with severe OCD. Some days are manageable, but others are painfully difficult to even get out of bed. Mental illness is a topic I’ve used to inspire my songwriting and I will continue to do so in future projects. I actually am already in the process of writing new material that is dedicated to mental health.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
It depends on the situation, there are times the words just flow out of me like word vomit and other times I will analyze a song that is either trending or inspired me. I’ll try to use the song as a template and start to write a similar style to it. But before I do that I create the topic I want to center the song around and then I make a list, after I establish a list of words I start matching them up with words that rhyme. Once I finish writing the song from there I bring the lyrics to my producer and together we come up with a melody and after we put it together, I practice until it’s perfect for the studio.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
It’s to be unique in not only my image but also improving and evolving my music by being a step ahead everyone else. I haven’t found it yet but I think I’m at a good start on creating my own sound and statement when it comes to my brand. No one else has a name or voice like mine and what I mean by that before everyone thinks I’m a vain individual. I’ve noticed and I’ve been told I have a very distinct voice, like you can just tell it’s Loza Rose. And that’s why I feel as though I can be memorable.
6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
The kind of system and team I have right now is ideally where I’d like to stay, only because my manager who is also my mentor has guided me since the very beginning to be an independent artist. Which I am okay with because I like owning my own material, but I wouldn’t mind working with a label for a song or an EP if it will make a positive impact on my career. Which leads me to answer your question, yes and no do I believe that the traditional way is kinda dead only because of how social media has made it easier for artists to independently release music.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?
I think that it affected the music industry in a positive way because now it’s so much easier to market your music to any group of people or in some cases a specific targeted audience. I mean social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook but most importantly Tiktok has made it possible for young influencers and artists to grow their brand and be able to make a name for themselves without the help of a huge budget.
8.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
No I don’t. I think it would be a poor choice to make on their part if they are trying to promote their content. Social media is how you spread the word. I mean have you seen how quick rumors spread like wildfire?
9.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
Personally I don’t see them as “sell-outs.” I think that artists that choose to go in that direction (working with a label) are just taking the next step in their career. I think musicians that know their material has potential but need that financial push and exposure to get their name out there, decide to pair up with a label. If I was given the opportunity by a label to push my music, I would consider it. I think having that experience and honor to work with professionals in the music industry is something that is worth having under your belt.
10.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now? What are the positives and negatives of the music industry? What is it about the music industry that makes some artists push forward? What do you think makes some artists quit?
The music industry is a battlefield, so I believe artists are under a lot of pressure to win this “race” to be the next big thing. Which is something that motivates them to push forward, or gives them a reason to quit and give up early without really giving themselves a chance. I feel as though there’s a lot more negatives than positives in the music industry and that’s because of the way labels have made it out to be. There’s a reason there’s so much pressure and it’s because all these professionals are expecting a picture perfect working machine. But the reality is that we are starting to break out of that. Which is what makes me see the positive side of being in this industry. We should be more focused on the quality of music than what looks better on a billboard. Yes image matters, but upcoming artists are constantly being discouraged due to the status quo. So professionally I see myself in a financially stable place by relying on my music, and being known worldwide. But personally I see myself changing the music industry by being a symbol of encouragement that it doesn’t matter what size you are or what you look like. You deserve a chance like everyone else, if you can sing and write that’s all that matters.
