Earlier this year, we told you about an amazing new artist that from the first moment I heard his voice, I was held captive by his sweet passionate voice. The man behind that voice….Roméo Testa. His voice was magical, filled with such passion and yet maintains a serene vulnerability. You can’t help be mesmerized by him and you are fully engaged as his words touch your heart and his song dances around you. Roméo Testa began his passion in music at the young age of 7 when he took up the violin and the guitar at age 8. He then went on to learn other instruments, and over the years began his incredible journey into singing and songwriting. His style can be classified as acoustic rock or folk rock, but is definitely not limited to there.
His songwriting skills are brilliant, as he is in the caliber of such great musicians like Ray LaMontagne, John Mayer or Jason Mraz. Yes, he is just that talented, give him a listen and you will soon agree. Check out his song, With You:
We had the opportunity to chat with Roméo and are pleased to bring that interview to you here:
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Music Junkie Press: First Roméo, we must congratulate you on the your song Light It Up as it is now featured in 7 UP commercial and everyone is getting hooked on it, perfect summer song! How did that come about for you?
Roméo: Thank you!! I’m really stoked on it! The label brought it to the table a couple months ago, and it just came to fruition. I was super lucky for this opportunity ’cause most of the time newer artists aren’t used for big tv spots like this.
Music Junkie Press: How has it been to see your song featured on the commercial and literally become the soundtrack of so many people’s summer this year?
Roméo: It incredible. I never thought I’d be in this place, so everything that’s happening is a total trip.
Music Junkie Press: Your EP The End has been getting a lot of attention and your song With You is really one of my favorites. You capture emotion in your words and translate it so well through your songs. Can you tell me more about the inspiration behind With You?
Roméo: The story behind “With You” is actually my favorite to tell. Basically I was in London one day and was staying right by Hyde Park. I took the wrong bus and ended up on the complete opposite side of the park – no phone, no money – so I just walked. My girlfriend’s dad is from the UK, and she has lived in London on a few different occasions, and I was there seeing all of these things that reminded me so much of her. So I pretty much started with a hum, and by the time I got back to my apartment, there I had half the song. After that I took it to one of my co-writers, Eg White, and we finished it an hour later!
Music Junkie Press: That is an amazing story and you do a beautiful job at bringing that to life in your song. Also, do you have a particular songwriting process?
Roméo: Not really. All that matters to me is that there are strong melodies and good lyrical content, so I just write till the song feels right to me!
Music Junkie Press: What are you currently working on?
Roméo: I’m working on my full length album right now, just trying to write the last of the songs.
Music Junkie Press: We know you play shows in Southern California and we are hoping to get out there soon but do you have any NorCal shows planned soon or a tour?
Roméo: Not yet! I do hope to get on a tour soon, and it’d be great to just tour the whole west coast!
Music Junkie Press: We will be patiently waiting and excited for you to head out on tour. If we could peak into your Ipod, what artist or song might we be most surprised at finding in there?
Roméo: Ha, oh god! I listen to a lot of random things. I got a lot of Big Pun which probably sounds random for the type of artist I am, Die Antwoord, Sinatra, but I think the song on my ipod that is the most random Burning Up by The Jonas Brothers…but that’s a story for another day.
Music Junkie Press: When you aren’t writing or performing, what do you like to do in your off time?
Roméo: Music and reading. I’m really boring but, I’m lucky because my job is also my hobby, so music is just my 24/7 thing.
Music Junkie Press: If you could collaborate with any one on a song, who might it be?
Roméo: I’d love to sing with Lauryn Hill. I think she is one of the greatest songwriters ever.
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We really look forward to what Roméo has in store for us. This talented young musician has quite a career ahead of him. Make sure to visit his social media sites so you can stay up to date on his latest news.
~ Marisol
Information & Links:
- Website: www.romeotesta.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Romeotestamusic
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/romeotesta
- Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-end-ep/id722408208
- Light it UP Tumblr: http://lightit7up.tumblr.com/
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