The ROE Effect: Why Her Voice Is One to Watch
ROE is more than a name to know. She is a woman carving out her own space, embracing her voice, and becoming part of a larger cultural conversation. In our conversation, we talked about identity, ambition, creativity, and what it means to navigate the world unapologetically as a woman for the culture.
Let’s start with the moment everyone was talking about: former president Barack Obama included your song “Stay” on his favorite music list of 2025. What did it feel like to see your name on that list, and did you notice any real shift in your career or opportunities afterward?
That moment... I’m still taking it in because it was so surprising! I didn’t even know that list existed, let alone that Barack Obama was somewhere in the world listening to my music and enjoying it. To me, it doesn’t get bigger in our culture honestly, so it meant so much—and still does. It also showed me you never know who’s watching and listening, so just do you. Career-wise, I’d say it definitely made me someone to watch and pay closer attention to.
You’ve been in rooms creating music with some major names, including having songwriting credits with artists like Usher and Tiësto. What did those experiences teach you about the business of music that you couldn't have learned any other way?
So with the Usher song “Papers,” I got a really late, last-minute call. I was a kid basically—I had school the next day—but we went anyway, and it was so worth it. That album went on to win a Grammy as well as other amazing awards and is now triple-platinum. I learned to answer the call and stay ready because you never know what it’ll lead to.
You’re not just a singer. You’re a songwriter, producer, and executive producer. At what point did you realize you needed to take ownership of the entire creative process instead of waiting for someone else to decide what your career should look like?
I first want to say that no one cares as much as you do in the beginning, so you have to take the reins until people begin to see and believe. It’s whatever the moment calls for to make it happen. Honestly, it was a natural progression because I’m not the type to wait for someone else’s yes; I try to figure out a way to make my own yes. It’s the same with, for example, makeup—if someone’s not available, I can do it myself! We move and learn faster that way.
The music industry can be a very different game for women, particularly when it comes to being taken seriously as a creative, negotiating your value, and having control over your work. What has navigating the industry as a woman taught you about knowing your worth?
Great question! I first want to say that no one cares as much as you do at first, so you have to take the reins in the beginning until people begin to see and believe. Knowing your worth really jumps out when it’s time to say no. It’s a tough muscle to build, but alignment is so powerful that it supersedes any initial guilt you may have for putting your belief, intuition, and integrity first.
Your recent music, including “Stay” and “In My Skin,” shows different sides of you, from vulnerability and intimacy to confidence and sensuality. How intentional are you about allowing people to see the woman behind the artist?
Being a grown woman is so special and magical. I’ve waited my whole life for this. It’s very important because we all have that side to us, and under the right conditions, we really shine! Also, real, genuine connection is something unexplainable; it’s my favorite thing to write about.
What is something you had to unlearn about being a woman in the music business? Was there ever a point when you realized, “I don't have to play by those rules anymore”?
I had to unlearn needing loads of outside approval on what I wanted to do, people-pleasing, and playing small to make others feel comfortable. Sometimes you aren’t asking for too much; you’re asking the wrong people. I learned it’s okay to walk in your power and to trust yourself. There’s this fear of the dreadful “B” word being labeled simply because you are sure of your vision or confident in yourself. As long as you are respectful and kind, it’s okay. Don’t fear boxes and labels—they’re distractions.
You’ve already experienced what many artists spend years chasing: major credits, collaborations, and now global recognition from someone like Barack Obama. What still feels unfinished for you? What is the next level you're chasing?
My journey is just beginning and still being written. The love I have for music and creating it is so fulfilling that I don’t really look for accolades; I believe it’s a byproduct of authenticity, alignment, and timing. I am really excited for more features, more people becoming aware of my music, and touching more lives with my work.
There’s a huge difference between having talent and building a sustainable career. What has been the hardest part of turning your talent into an actual business, and what do you wish more emerging artists understood about that side of the industry?
I always say it’s 30 percent talent. The other 70 percent is business, politics, and strategy! For emerging artists, I would say nurture your relationships—the friends you make early will most likely become your allies at the moment you need them the most!
“Stay” being selected by Obama is one of those moments that can easily become the headline, but what do you think people still don't know about the journey it took to get you to that moment?
Definitely. There’s so much work that goes into this—every day, all day. Living and breathing the business that brings your dreams into fruition. I’m making it a point this year to share more, though.
If you could sit across from the version of yourself who was just getting started in this industry, what would you tell her about protecting her creativity, navigating relationships, choosing collaborators, and staying in the game long enough to see the breakthrough?
All of these things mentioned are keys that I actually mentioned in some of the earlier questions because they’re so important. The long game is played through each present decision, so never feel pressured to decide fast or against something that’s counterintuitive. Also, pivot faster! If a dynamic isn’t working, edit quickly; you’ll align much quicker. Also, know that a “fail” is information, so onward and upward, babes!
You’ve been successful behind the scenes as a songwriter, and now you’re stepping more fully into your own identity as ROE. Was there ever a fear that stepping into the spotlight would change how people valued you creatively, and how did you overcome that?
Well, I came into the industry at 15 years old as an artist signed to Macy Gray, so writing was just a pit stop to sharpen my tools. I never saw myself as just a writer, so the thought didn’t cross my mind. I felt extremely excited! What I will say, though, is that because of all I’ve seen and been connected to behind the scenes, I feel this sense of pressure to be great. Knowing all that it takes, I could never play small. In that, I was pushed into business, raising capital, managing budgets, etc. It’s a lot of work, but I love it because when it’s all said and done, I just really, really care.
ROE is a woman whose story is still unfolding, and if this conversation is any indication, there is so much more to come. From her perspective on culture and creativity to the music she is bringing into the world, ROE is creating a lane that is uniquely her own.
Be sure to follow ROE on social media at @thatsroe and stream her music on your favorite streaming platform. This is only the beginning, and we’ll be watching to see where she takes it next.
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