Roisin and Lou, aka ROOUE are two electro-pop twins born in London but living in Dublin since their early teens.
The duo merge glistening noughties pop, gorgeous harmonization and R&B infused stylings to create an honest, insightful look into love, loss and uncertainty in 2022.
On Friday 22, the duo will release their fifth single, ‘Orbit’ - their most compelling and radio-friendly to date. A song about stumbling through a new reality, ‘Orbit’ takes its inspiration from that disorienting feeling experienced at the end of a relationship, when it feels like your whole world has imploded.
Despite only being around a couple of years, the sisters' musical connection is instantly recognised and have made a big impact in a short space of time, headlining their first gig in The Workman's late last year.
1. Could you tell us a bit about your new single ‘Orbit’?
‘Orbit’ is a super personal single for us, it delves into the vulnerable perspective of how one is suddenly expected not to be in love, just because the relationship has ended. However, hours before the break up, you would have done anything for that person.
'Now I’m supposed to not love you and play like I don’t even want you'.
When being in such an emotionally deep relationship you give a part of yourself away, once it's ended you don't recognise yourself. You try desperately to find a way to fill that hole again, to escape the fantasy of you and your partner.
'I really can't escape this fantasy of you and me'
2. How did ROOUE come to be?
ROOUE came to be as soon as we could talk. Growing up together music has always been a big part of our lives. From school talent shows to weekly gigs, we have built a dynamic together that allows us to be creative and utilize the best of our voices together.
3. How have the past few years affected your music?
Our music has definitely developed over the last few years, we found that the more we wrote together the more we would find ourselves leaning towards dark pop with a hint of 90’s. During Covid we spent a lot of time together and music was the one thing that genuinely kept us sane.
From listening to music while cooking breakfast, on our one millionth walk to get out of the house to writing our own music. The over consumption during lockdown really made us to consider genres like disco and more experimental production references allowing us to get more creative in our own songwriting.
4. What was it like being on stage in front of a full crowd for the first time?
Amazing and completely overwhelming, beyond our expectations. Our first headline show after lockdown was the most incredible feeling, it was our first time playing our music live to an audience and the adrenaline was incredible. Hearing the crowd sing our songs back to us for the first time will always be a favourite memory of ours.
5. How do you wind down after a gig?
Lots of peppermint tea and a midnight snack, Netflix always does the job too.
6. Name one act that you would love to collaborate with.
We would love to collaborate with so many artists it is so hard to choose one, but if we were to choose an Irish artist at the moment it would definitely be Aby Coulibaly and 49th and Main.
7. Name one record that everyone should hear and why.
Lil Nas X 'Montero', this hands down has been a game changer album for us this year. Lil Nas X is doing such great work for the music industry and making some seriously beautiful/iconic music.
8. What’s the one song you wish you’d written?
‘everything i wanted’ By Billie Eilish
9. Who are your biggest influences in your music?
This is such a hard question to answer, we have had so many influences growing up from Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child to Billie Eilish. Production wise BANKS and James Blake have been a huge influence on us.
10. Finally, what are your plans for the next few months?
Our new single 'Orbit' drops April 22 and will be followed by a music video, lots of exciting gigs, and making some really exciting music for our upcoming EP.
'Orbit' by ROOUE is out today, Friday, April 22 and available to stream.
