A dramatic outpouring of frustration and stunning, razor-sharp electro-R&B, ROZET’s passionate new single “RIGAMAROLE” is a soundtrack to 2020’s vicious cycle of inequity, injustice, and inaction.
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Stream: “RIGAMAROLE” – ROZET
I looked up and found myself fed up with society around me.
If you haven’t screamed your head off at least once or twice in 2020, then you might be living on a different planet.
Life here on Earth has been a bit of a sh*tshow of late – and while it wasn’t all that great for many folks beforehand, the global pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement have brought to the fore a litany of social, racial, and economic inequities and injustices that permeate much of Western society. Long overdue conversations are only just beginning to trickle into the mainstream’s consciousness, and yet despite a year of sustained protest and activism in the midst of a pandemic, one cannot help but feel like we are a far ways off from the kind of reforms we so desperately need.
If you’re feeling exasperated and disillusioned by the system, you’re not alone: A dramatic outpouring of frustration and stunning, razor-sharp electro-R&B, ROZET’s passionate new single “RIGAMAROLE” is a soundtrack to 2020’s vicious cycle of inequity, injustice, and inaction.
It’s a song so many of us need to hear, if only to help strengthen our own resolve, reignite our spirits, and keep us in the fight.
Caught up in temptation
Got Lost so lost – Inside
Let go of my frustration
To the gods – Maybe I’m the cause
Step back- got nothing nice to say
I’m out of options, words, and ways
Independently released October 23, 2020, “RIGAMAROLE” and its accompanying music video (also directed by the artist) represent a stunning best foot forward for musical newcomer ROZET (aka Katrina Rose Tandy), who debuted in March 2020 with the dreamily ethereal “Phantom City.” Born in Miami and now based in Texas, ROZET’s first two singles immediately establish her as an exciting artist to watch – one with a voice, a vision, and the talent to mold those two together at will.
“I looked up and found myself fed up with society around me,” ROZET recently told Atwood Magazine, speaking about her sophomore single. “To keep from projecting my frustrations onto others, I started texting myself a combination of poetry and questions for the gods, deities, and universe.”
“But, one day I reached a limit. My internal damage was maxed out. I sent myself this text that I later titled ‘RIGAMAROLE,’ a word which represents the nonsensical, meaningless talk and procedures often used to confuse people. I say “NO MORE RIGAMAROLE” because I was tired of feeling stuck in this repetitive loop of injustice and misinformation. I wanted to be heard and with the current state of society I know much of the world feels the exact same.”
“RIGAMAROLE” features a finessed mix of singing and spoken word over a relatively open aural plain. Speckled with claps, chants, and beats, funky little guitar licks, layered harmonies, and tempered synths, the song makes for a compelling anthem for all the weary and worn-down: Essentially, all those here on Earth who’ve been taking action and speaking out, in an effort to form “a more perfect union.” The song’s chorus represents an undeniable climax of feeling and meaning:
No more Rigamarole
On my Tippy toes
Don’t walk Egg shells, though
I’m Still whipping cold you see me
No more guidelines
On my own time
Cuz I Ain’t satisfied so
When I dip you trip let’s ride
Cuz I ain’t satisfied you aint satisfied
You know I can’t lie
You know I’m bored out of my mind
Cuz I Ain’t Satisfied you ain’t satisfied
Same thang new day man I’d rather die
If it feels good to hear your inner anger and ire expressed so beautifully in song, then ROZET’s music video will provide a whole new level of catharsis.
The dystopian filmic experience begins with a personal message, narrated by the artist over a minute-long series of establishing shots:
Sitting here in the heat, but we are cold. Looking, but we are watched. Our minds, stuck in a loop in brainwashed farms being fed lies from behind a screen. The aching feeling in my heart is as if it were no longer attached to a mind. Taught that our trauma is now our karma, manipulation breeding us to be patient. The only way out is through; this is not a trend: It is a responsibility. From the trees, from the winds, from the hearts of our dead friends.
Conviction and confidence flow through the artist’s poetic words. following a guttural scream, the video opens up to a series of striking depictions set on a visually stunning Texas ranch. Emphatic, almost zombie-like dancing and an emotional acting performance by ROZET help make “RIGAMAROLE” an entrancing experience through and through; she and her fellow actors strike the perfect balance between fluid and mechanical movement.
Yet ultimately, it’s the meaning behind this impressive music video that resonates the most, long after the performance itself is complete. ROZET explains how the video captures her frustrations in “seeing all the social injustices, mistreatments for mental health (especially Black mental health), and fake media surrounding us and the lack of support and funding for it all.”
Lined up in formation
Like clones – no ones home inside
Take notes of affirmations
We’re the gods – no ones taking spots
Step back got nothin nice to say
I’m out – of Energy + hate
“RIGAMAROLE” may be dystopian, but it’s closer to the truth than anybody in their right mind should want it to be. Inspired by the “hurt that Black people have faced over the last 4 years under Donald Trump and beyond,” ROZET’s art is an important part of today’s larger conversations around prejudice, injustice, and racial equity. Stay tuned for more from this promising artist – easily one of the year’s best debuts – and don’t sleep on “RIGAMAROLE”: As catchy as it is deeply intentional, this song truly captures so much of 2020’s pain and verve.
ROZET’s debut EP, Torso Tales – described as “a seven track audio-visual project interwoven with stories and captivating visuals” – is set for release later this fall.
No more Rigamarole
On my Tippy toes
Don’t walk Egg shells, though
I’m Still whipping cold you see me
No more guidelines
On my own time
Cuz I Ain’t satisfied so
When I dip you trip let’s ride
Cuz I ain’t satisfied you aint satisfied
You know I can’t lie
You know I’m bored out of my mind
Cuz I Ain’t Satisfied you ain’t satisfied
Same thang new day man I’d rather dieeee!
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:: stream/purchase “Rigamarole” here ::
Stream: “RIGAMAROLE” – ROZET
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