Roisin Quinn - The Shame (Single) + 10 Questions)
Rosin Quinn is back with a new single ‘The Shame’. It’s a mid-tempo vulnerable soulful hip hop track. It’s relatable for those who feel like they are stuck in a loop. It’s one that really hits home we caught up with Roisin to find out more
1. So tell me how did it all begin, what sparked your passion for music?
I guess it all began from day one really! I grew up in a household that had music playing almost 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. My dad had the biggest music collection and really eclectic taste so you could walk in and hear anything from the blues to classical, reggae to rock n roll, hip hop to folk. I also come from an Irish family, so tons of trad music and rebel songs. Someone gave us an old out of tune upright piano when I was about 8 years old, We’d just been moved to a bigger house and it fit in the hallway. I showed an interest and start playing it and that’s where life as a musician began.
2. How would you describe your sound?
As I just mentioned, I have a really eclectic musical background and I think that shows in my sound. My formatve years were spent listening to drum n bass, UK garage, hip hop and rnb, which I think comes through in my production choices. I often start writing at the piano so some more singer/songwriter soul and jazz vibes creeps in. I’ve also been experimenting more with sampling and production lately. I’m a big lover of vocal harmonies and work with a lot of choirs so that’s a big feature for me too. I try not to get too stuck to genre boundaries and do whatever delivers the message of the song. My upcoming album has a mix of what I’d call vinyl crackle laced melodic hip hop tracks and soul/folk/jazz tinged slower vocal led songs.
3. Who/what do you consider to be the biggest influence on your music?
Apart from all the great songwriters and sounds that have influenced me, I’ve gotta say my therapist haha. In all seriousness, my music is a massive outlet for me and it is how I’ve worked through and processed all the things I’ve been through in life. So I’d have to say my life experiences are the biggest influence. My upcoming album is called Beauty From Ruins, and a lot of my songs are all to do with making method from the madness of life, it’s a cathartic process for me, as it is for many songwriters.
4. Name three things you can’t live without?
Music, tea, walking in nature
5.Name 3 people you would love to work with and why?
Hak Baker, I really love what he’s doing, which is just being himself! I really relate to his life stories and music. Hearing his accent and the things he talks about makes me feel so at home.
Kneecap. Growing up as a child of Irish immigrants it’s been absolutely liberating to see the oppressed launguage and views unashamedly being shared, something I never really thought could or would happen, powerful stuff.
So hard to pick a third out of the many great ones out there, One of my dreams growing up was to sing backing vocals for Toots and the Maytals because I just loved the songs and harmony so much, and Toots Hibbert’s voice.. So if time travel is included in this question, then that’s my answer.
6. What’s the proudest moment to date for you as an artist?
Gotta be winning Novembars and releasing the track with DJ Semtex! I’ve always loved Novembars since I first found it. I was never concerned about winning or the competitive side because it was just so rewarding to connect with people every year and appreciate everyone’s lyricism etc, definitely felt like I’d found my tribe. It also gave me the confidence to speak out about stuff that I’d always felt like I had to hide away before. My freestyle on the Semtex beat was about being a working class artist, it felt pretty exposing and scary to put out there. I remember literally watching the video back when I recorded it thinking “can I really post this?”. Luckily I did and the response was amazing. Just goes to show, if you’re brave and be as honest and authentic as you can, that’s when the magic happens. Off the back of that freestyle I also collab’d with Toddla T at the Steeze Factory, which was a massive highlight for me, as was going to record an interview and one take with Blade. 2025 was a good year for collabs!
7. What’s the album you’ve played more than any other?
That’s a hard question, but it makes me immediately think of The Score by The Fugees, as I used to listen to the whole album start to finish every morning before school for a good year or two.
8. What’s the best concert you’ve been to and where was it?
Probably Damien Marley and Nas at Hammersmith Apollo on their Distant Relative album tour in 2010. I’m a massive Damien Marley fan, it was a great venue and the band were so tight, amazing music and vibe, and a blend of two of my favourite genres.
9. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
The only thing I feel qualified to say is be as authentic and honest as you can about who you are, where you’re from and what you’re writing about. “Be yourself” sounds like simple advice but I actually think its quite hard to do. As cliche as it sounds I’ve been on a journey to remember who I am and what I stand for, and my music is constantly helping me to do that. Then you’re not chasing numbers, likes or listeners, because you’re ultimately doing it for yourself.
And also, not to compare yourself to others. Especially without looking in to peoples background. It’s so easy to get preoccupied with the smoke n mirrors of how people are presenting themselves. Sometimes the people you see getting ahead have money or backing or are in some kind of privileged position. I spent a long time feeling like I wasn’t doing enough, or like I was lacking, before I realised all I was lacking was money and privilege. No shade on anyone who has that, good for them, just something for the other working class artists to look out for as it can really affect your self confidence. People don’t talk about it enough.
10. What have you got planned for the not so distant future?
I’ve just released a single called The Shame. I’m dropping my album Beauty from Ruins on 25th September this year, with an album show on 26th September in London. In the mean time I’ll be crowdfunding and taking pre-orders to get a vinyl run on the album done!
Independent artist Roisin blends beautiful piano, lo-fi beats, moody ambient layers and vocal harmony with love for lyrics, all wrapped up in a soulful Essex twang.
