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Romanie is a Belgian-born, Australian-based singer-songwriter. Moving between alt, pop, and indie, she released her second album It's Not That Funny on February 20th. The record takes shape as a deeply personal project and a dedication to artistic honesty and to social justice.
The B-Side Hour: Your sophomore album It’s Not That Funny is out now. How did your creative process evolve compared to your debut album Are We There Yet?
Romanie: It’s Not That Funny very much came from an internal process rather than a product to be shown to anyone.
The B-Side Hour: I Won’t Yell touches on an experience many women can relate to: not being listened to or being talked over. What are some things you’ve learned over time as a woman in the music industry?
Romanie: I’m definitely still learning to open my mouth and be loud when I need to be.
The B-Side Hour: Were there moments during the creative process where the album took a surprising turn from your original vision?
Romanie: Surprisingly I have really stuck to my original version with this album.
The B-Side Hour: You grew up in Belgium and moved to Australia a few years ago. What do you enjoy most about evolving in the Australian music scene?
Romanie: I’m very lucky to be surrounded by many amazing songwriters and creatives in Melbourne. I feel like we all help each other grow and explore.
"It’s important that we care about each other and talk about things. Especially when people with a platform have the power to be a voice for people who have lost theirs."
The B-Side Hour: Your music moves between alternative, pop, and indie. What influences have been most important in shaping your sound?
Romanie: I have so many musical idols and I love that they’re all distinct and different. From The Cranberries, to Mitski, to Cat Power and Wet Leg and Dry Cleaning. Maybe the thread in this list is powerhouse women.
The B-Side Hour: You described It’s Not That Funny as ‘11 songs of chaos, trauma, and acceptance’. How do you channel such personal experiences into your songwriting?
Romanie: I feel like I wear my heart and art on my sleeve more often than not. It’s been nice to learn to be more vulnerable in my writing.
The B-Side Hour: What part of playing live and touring do you enjoy the most?
Romanie: The connections and friends you make along the way.
The B-Side Hour: You believe that art is ‘inherently political’. How do political and societal issues find their way into your creative process?
Romanie: I think I’m very occupied with things that are going on around me and in the world. It’s important that we care about each other and talk about things. Especially when people with a platform have the power to be a voice for people who have lost theirs.
The B-Side Hour: You’ve shared the stage with artists like The Moving Stills, Gordi, and Telenova. Is there an artist or band you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
Romanie: Again, my list of potential collaborators is endless. I’d love to work with my musical heroes but also just would like to forever make music with my friends who I think are all so talented.
The B-Side Hour: You mentioned wanting to ‘seek out the imperfections’ in It’s Not That Funny. What do imperfections bring to your music that polish sometimes can’t?
Romanie: Bringing reality and authenticity into it just makes it more like real life I guess? I’m not perfect, no one is.