After a year that’s included a performance at Ireland Music Week, May Rosa returns with her first single since March. Ahead of its release tomorrow, have a first listen of her new single ‘Not Me’.
The London based Belfast songwriter has a tendency towards all things alt pop and 80s, which continues to shine through in her music. ‘Not Me’ builds on this as an 80s beat lays the foundation, while swirls of synth and guitar further the influence. The track also sees May Rosa return to more personal themes, as she sings of a troubled, personal relationship, contrasted to her exploration of the suicide epidemic in Northern Ireland on ‘Ceasefire Baby’. A contemporary, personal track that is still rife with the sense of drama and nostalgic leanings of her previous releases, ‘Not Me’ rises out of its turbulent subject matter like the song’s protagonist.
“‘Not Me’ deals with loving someone with an addiction, the relentless vicious cycle of the illness, the guilt of not being able to help the person and ultimately ending a co-dependent relationship. It’s probably the most personal song I’ve written. I wanted the music to be in contrast to the lyrics, with a big 80’s-esque beat, a funky guitar riff and lots of synth hooks. Ryan and I had so much craic working on this one – it just all came together so quickly’.
May Rosa
The song was written in London alongside Romanian Popstar Eneli, with production at home and Start Together studios, Belfast alongside producer, engineer and long time collaborator Ryan McGroarty (Beauty Sleep, Wonder Villains). ‘Not Me’ caps a year that has seen May Rosa release her hardest hitting track to date and perform at the prestigious Ireland Music Week. The single preludes May Rosa’s second EP, set for release in Spring 2022.
