An Interview with Rona Rougheart of SINE

All images courtesy of Howlin’ Wuelf Media

Recently, we caught up with veteran musician, Rona Roughheart. Among other things, we touch on what she’s been up to during the lockdown, her origins in music, her newest music with SINE, and a whole lot more.

If you would like to learn more about Rona Roughheart and SINE, the link to her Facebook page is here. Once you’ve checked that out, dig into this interview with Rona. Cheers.

Andrew:
Rona, I appreciate you taking the time today. How have you been holding up over the last year or so? What have you been up to?

Rona:
I’ve been doing OK. Just trying to stay creative and have fun every day! I think that’s important. I’ve spent most of the last year creating new music for SINE’s forthcoming EP trilogy, Mantis, and tweaking my live show production. Other than that, I’ve been working on some music videos, remixes, and art pieces.

Andrew:
Before we dive into your professional career, let’s go back a bit. What first got you hooked on music?

Rona:
My dad liked rock ’n’ roll music and The Beatles, so I was exposed to lots of it as a child. He also was a musician and genuinely loved playing guitar, and keyboards. It was a special thing to share with my father because it was joyful and fun! I believe that I inherited that excitement from him. It feels very natural to be doing what I’m doing. Music is everything! It makes you love, it makes your fear, it makes you feel excited, it makes you sad…it’s beautiful and it drives me. I love it!

Andrew:
Who were some of your early influences?

Rona:
Depeche Mode, Curve, The Cure, The Smiths, Erasure, and Cocteau Twins were my absolute favs growing up.

Andrew:
Let’s talk about recent events. Tell us about your new album, Desire, Denial, and Paramania.

Rona:
I like to see it as my, “Catching up with Depeche Mode,” but the SINE version, of course! I wanted a comprehensive look at everything I’ve done, but also have a new song, and some remixes in there. I think it’s a good way to get to know SINE for those who may not have been around for the earlier releases. The songs are favorites of mine.

Andrew:
What lyrical themes are you exploring with your new music?

Rona:
I really don’t intentionally have themes. It’s possible that some of the lyrical content may kind of go together because I tend to write about undesirable traits in humans. Maybe that’s the theme…people and the anguish they cause…set to dance music. [Laughs].

Andrew:
How about the production side of things? Do you self-produce, or do you bring in outside voices?

Rona:
I’ve been working with Charles Godfrey on production since SINE’s debut album, INSOMNIÆ. I bring him demos, and he helps me flesh them out and arrange them. He also adds some instrumentation and occasional backing vocals. Currently, I’m working on some new material with Mark Pistel. I’m very excited to see where it goes! More soon!

Andrew:
Are you into vinyl? Cassettes? CDs? Or are you all digital now? What are a few of your favorite albums and why?

Rona:
Currently, I have digital and CDs. I’m into the other formats, but it’s been a hard road with delivery times on stuff like vinyl. So, I think partially that puts a pause on that, but I’m open to other formats and are looking to have some this year.

Image credit: Steve Dement/All images courtesy of Howlin’ Wuelf Media

Andrew:
What other passions do you have? How do those passions inform your music, if at all?

Rona:
I really like creating art of any kind. I’ve painted, made jewelry, made clothing, etc. I also like re-purposing and upcycling materials. I love finding stuff in thrift stores, and creative reuse centers. You never know what you’re going to find! That’s part of the fun for me. I just feel like there’s so much stuff on this planet already, so I try my best to use what is already here rather than demanding more be made.

Andrew:
In your opinion, what is the state of the music business these days? Should artists be hopeful? Scared? Both?

Rona:
I think this is the time artists should be brave. I think it’s about time the artist stand up for themselves, fight for better ways of creating, releasing music, and making a living from it. There are a lot of opportunities in these times to create your own world. My advice would be to stay creative, open-minded, and possibly try to learn something new, whether it’s music, video production, or graphic design. Really think about what it is you want, and find that path. It’s not impossible, and you can do a lot on your own, especially now.

Andrew:
Last one. What’s next on your docket, Rona? What are you looking forward to most in the pos-COVID world?

Rona:
I’m looking forward to the release of SINE’s EP trilogy entitled, Mantis. I will also be releasing some brand new music videos, and possibly, a new stage show. I can’t wait to do more live shows! I feel like this is a great time for SINE because I’ve been able to work behind the scenes and grow. Now, I just need to get out there!

For those of you that are inspired by SINE’s music, and want me to play your city, the best thing you can do for me is to tell your local DJs, venues, bands, and promoters about SINE. I really would love to line up a show in YOUR city one day! Your help allows me to grow, and that growth helps me travel to do live events. Thank you again!