Today we’d like to introduce you to Rozen.
Hi Rozen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born in the Philippines, moved to Nigeria, India, Thailand, England, and America. Growing up as a third-culture kid abroad, one thing always remained the same; my love to create. Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved the arts and entertainment. I was always involved in the arts growing up whether it be plays, musicals, choir, talent shows, dance classes, cheerleading, etc., – I loved performing and I loved being creative. I think that is truly the overarching theme in my life. My past experiences have shaped me to have my creative eye and unique “ROZEN” flair. I love that everything has led me to have the balance I have now with my career. Being able to switch from artist/singer to director is amazing. I love that when I’m not creating for myself as an artist with my music, I’m creating for other people. No matter what, I’m just constantly creating. It took me creating so much content for myself as a Pop/R&B singer to realize that I was actually pretty good at being a creative director. During 2020, I started running social media for several accounts and creating custom content for each client. It lights me up to be able to help others tell their story. Lately when I’m not creating content for brands and other creatives, I’ve been working on my debut album. I’m happy to say that I’m taking my time with the creation and release of this project. After shedding my skin with the release of my debut EP, Pages, it’s been nice to get to know who I am and what that sounds like musically. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life and I want to be able to share that with the world through new original music. It took a lot of deep self-work to get here. A lot of processing and a lot of confronting my own limiting beliefs led me to become the woman I am today. I have embraced my scars and wear them proudly.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Nothing is ever a smooth road. Nothing worth having is that easy to acquire. Sometimes when things are going so well, that’s when hardship appears most. I think it’s the struggles in life that make us stronger. Some of the most painful struggles have been the unexpected loss of friends due to several reasons from envy to just outright personal differences. Another big struggle I’ve dealt with are all the empty promises. From unfinished songs to promised deals/opportunities, there’s a lot of times in this industry where your hopes are high only to be unfulfilled. For example, I remember one day getting fitted for my custom in-ears for tour and the next day finding out the deal was off. You have to be able to go with the changes even if you don’t see them coming. I think if this industry has shown me anything, it’s that I am resilient and really good at finding the energy to be resilient even when you’re in the deepest rabbit hole of self-doubt. Another beautiful struggle that has been so worthwhile is finding the ones you can trust your craft with. From musicians, photographers, videographers, choreographers, dancers, back-up vocalists, etc., – it takes a village! Finding each person, from guitarist to wardrobe stylist, it’s been a beautiful and tedious process that had its own fair share of struggles but were all the while worth it. The struggles is what makes each of our experiences our own.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My name is ROZEN and I am proud to say that I am an independent Pop/R&B artist and a creative director. I am currently working on my debut album and hoping to release it in the fall of 2022 and when I’m not working on music, I’ve been busy working with several clients to create their visual content both through my LLC @createdbyrozen and as a director for Tubescience.
I remember one of the first articles I was ever featured in, I felt like I was lying when I said “I’m ROZEN. I’m a Pop/R&B artist based in LA,” because I knew my real answer was, “I’m Rozen. I’m a server at a restaurant and struggling independent artist on the side.” Not so say that being a server is beneath anyone, it’s the fact that this current time in my life was once a dream to me. I always dreamt of just being able to create and be artistic FULL-TIME. I used to dream of the days when I could ditch the grimy side-hustle jobs to just do what I truly love, so I’m proud to say that I am living that dream. It feels amazing.
In short, I’m a third-culture kid living out my dreams in the City of Angels. Having lived abroad my whole life, then finally settling in to call Los Angeles my home, I feel like I have a very unique eye and taste which works in my favor both as musician and as a creative director.
Aside from working as a director for Tubescience, I have my own content creation business known as @createdbyrozen. My week consists of shooting video content for brands like Il Makiage, Lively, Blissy, and Dollar Shave Club to creating video content for a client of mine that is sometimes a breath-work coach, yoga instructor, or massage therapist. When I’m not doing that, I’m switching gears to focus on my personal content as an artist, from music to creating music video treatments and producing live shows/visuals to accompany my musical releases. I love that I know my day gets to consist of switching gears creatively and, for example, leaving a content planning meeting for a bra brand and hopping into a Zoom meeting with my music producer to discuss my album theme ideas. I love that I get to create all the time. I think what sets me apart from others is my unique flair that has formed from the combination of my past experiences in the arts and entertainment industry. I’ve worn all the hats so I know how to play every role, every part. I’ve been the audience member and the leading lady, the backup singer and the headliner.
It lights me up to bring all my knowledge and first-hand experiences from multiple roles to the table but also making it a point to have a deeper connection with whoever I work with. What I’m most proud of is my ability to make the most of my resources. I love taking absolutely anything and finding beauty in it and making art out of it. I am proud that I’ve been able to appreciate the bigger resources I’m blessed with now. Going from DIY backdrops made out of gift wrap and clothesline clips to directing shoots on big production sets with multiple PA’s — it’s something to marvel at. I’m proud every day to have been able to make my own way here by creating something out of nothing at times.
Any big plans?
As far as my music career, in the very near future, I’m looking forward to the release of my debut album in 2022. I’m so excited to share what I sound like rather than what I sound like when I’m hurting. I cannot wait to share my happiness with my listeners and for them to get to know me for me. With new music coming, means new live shows. There’s nothing I love more than performing on stage live with my band, backup singers, and dancers. I’m really looking forward to every step of the creating process when it comes to the roll-out of my debut album.
As far as Director Rozen, I cannot wait to work with more creatives and small brands to help share their stories! As for future plans, I hope to continue building @createdbyrozen and building a team that is bigger than me. A team I can travel with, interns I can train, and more content creators I can add to the team.
On a more personal note, I’m ready to graduate onto the next phase of my life whatever that may look like in my relationship, work, and living situation. I’m happy to be in a place where I’m ready for it all.
Pricing:
- $1.29 “BBO” Single
- $4.95 “Pages: Pt 1” EP
- $4.95 “Pages: Pt 2” EP
- $45/All-Inclusive Hourly | Custom Content Creation
- $1,000/month | 30 days of Custom Content Roll-Out
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.officialrozen.com
- Instagram: @officialrozen & @createdbyrozen
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialrozen
- Twitter: twitter.com/officialrozen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdnIjRCpYXgzrQ_KVhYCVqw
Image Credits
Living ProoF / @artist_teej Jejuan Smith Photos / @jejuansmithphotos Charles Benoit / @cbenoitphoto
