A Q&A with Rozu

Aggressive metalcore melodies from Denver, Colorado – here’s Tim from Rozu…

What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
The latest release was our single ‘Rue’. This song means a lot to me for many reasons, but it lyrically tells the story of putting the past to rest and finally moving on from our own baggage. It was really great bringing in Scott Barnes (In Fear and Faith) to sing on it and give the song a second life having two different perspectives on this story.

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
I think the hardest thing was the overall concept of the music video, we really wanted to do something different and turn some heads as opposed to a typical ‘playthough’ music video. Our director Sean Martin and I came up with this inner beast concept that would play very well with the lyrical back and forth between Scott and I then all of a sudden, pieces started falling into place. Big shout out to Cory Bryant for using some old walking dead makeup to bring the monster out of me because that was a serious make or break element to this release.

Who produced the release – what did they bring to it?
Our producer Tyler Ruehl (BlackGate Co) is literally the man! He is not only an incredible producer on the rise but a seriously great friend to all of us and has been there with us in the beginning. If Tyler wasn’t in the picture with us or bullied me into giving music one last shot this band wouldn’t be a thing. He brings out the best of us and enforces our strengths and pushes our boundaries so much, basically everything you want in a friend and producer.

What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
All of our music lyrically talks about struggles that I have gone through in the past or currently dealing with. Underlying in these topics are a feeling of hope and a light at the end of the tunnel that these struggles will get better, all we want our listeners to feel is that they are not alone.

How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
It’s always a little different when we start a song, it can come from a single riff, a melody, or a line of lyrics and we just build off it. The one thing that is consistent is how in the box we are, and we bounce a lot of sessions back and forth with each other. Especially in lockdowns we were always writing even if we can’t be in the same room.

What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
We love the sound of Plot in You, Wage War, Underoath and Fit For a King. We draw a lot of influence from those bands because they write great songs and helps give us a bar to set sights on.

What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
As many countries as we possibly can to be honest, the traveling aspect of being a musician is something we all truly enjoy. I do really want to play some of the Impericon festivals because I know they are just mental to play and be a part of.

If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
I think ‘Rue’ does give the best representation of everything we can offer. It has all the elements we love from heavy aggressive parts to beautiful soft sounds of melody.

What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
At the end of the day I just love creating art and sharing my story through music, for this band we just want to keep pushing and see how far we can actually take the project.

Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Much love to everyone and thank you for your support! Whether new or old fans this music is as much yours as it is ours because without you all we wouldn’t be able to share the music we share!

For more info visit: rozuband.com