Last week, indie pop-folk singer-songwriter Romanie released her sophomore EP 'Little Big Steps'.
For fans of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Rose and Julia Stone, the Melbourne-based artist had already released EP singles 'I'm Anything (But Myself Around You)', 'Fake Friends' and 'Stranger In My Skin'."'Little Big Steps' was born after a conversation with one of my best friends from Belgium, who was having a bad time," begins Romanie, who moved to Melbourne from her homeland of Belgium in the last half of 2019.
"We had very long Skype conversation about plans and dreams and one day she told me not to worry, because she would get back on her feet, 'with little big steps'.
"I found the phrase so beautiful and comforting and thought about myself – moving countries, moving away from friends back in Belgium, starting over and finding new ways.
"Everything started to make sense in my head and I started to write more songs about my own journey, transition and about self-reflection. I feel truly so grateful to be surrounded by so many good friends, both in Australia and back home in Belgium."
Here, Romanie shares ten tracls that inspired the 'Little Big Steps' EP.
'Alaska' - Maggie Rogers
This song (and generally songwriter) has been such an eye-opening moment for my own music writing and production ideas.The way Maggie Rogers blends in sounds she records in her daily life (eg. from her walking trip recordings placed into song production, through lyrical moments such as "I was walking through westward water") is just fantastic. A really important songwriter and producer for a younger, female generation to look up to.
'Conversation' - Lucy Rose
Lucy Rose is such a great vocalist and lyricist. 'Conversation' off her latest record has been a big inspiration for my EP because it made me think about the 'less is more' kind of songwriting.Sometimes it's much more powerful to say things in a simple, more human way rather than going over the top with metaphors or phrasings. Lucy Rose definitely got that memo and it makes her music so vulnerable and personal.
'Don't Be Hiding' - Middle Kids
One of the biggest inspirations for my music in general is Middle Kids. Everything about the band just makes sense. There's not one song in their discography I don't like. The honest songwriting and unique vocals from Hannah are definitely what draws me to their music.'Don't Be Hiding' is in my top most-listened-to songs of all time and it's not even that old. I love the fact that almost all of Middle Kids' music is driven by Hannah's vocals and mostly her guitar playing, something I really try to focus on in my own music too – probably because it comes naturally.
'Japan' - Matilda Mann
I fell in love with Matilda Mann when this song popped up in my Discover Weekly a while ago and I haven't stopped listening to her ever since. I love the stripped-back intro for the song for it to then evolve into a more mellow production, always keeping her flawless vocals at the forefront of the song.
'Motion Sickness' - Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers is probably one of the most important artists of my generation. Lyrical honesty and her way of word placing in songs has had such a big influence on my own songwriting.Phoebe is so descriptive, she can really paint a detailed picture with just words and unique melodies. In order to be relevant as a songwriter, I think you really need to get personal in lyrics and it's something Phoebe Bridgers really gets.
'Stay With Me' - Margaret Glaspy
The intro of this song is so iconic. Margaret Glaspy's vocals are standing out, and the hooky moments in this song really make it stick. I've been listening to this song during the writing process of 'Little Big Steps' and I hope it can translate a little bit in my own writing.I love how she plays with little moments of asking herself questions and then repeating the me-you contrast and moments of stripping everything back before building up again.
'This Is What You Did' - This Is The Kit
I remember when I was on my way to record 'Fake Friends' with James, this song popped up in my playlist. I just kept it on repeat the whole train ride as I am so in love with the banjo and how it just blends in with the vocals. I remember thinking I really wanted to introduce banjo into my production and the rest is history. Little important moments.
'What He Wrote' - Laura Marling
Laura Marling is, again among the other ones in this little list, such an important artist to me. I love everything about her songwriting and live appearances. A raw, unique musician who writes very special music.This song is written in the Joni Mitchell tuning and something I started exploring for my new EP too; a whole, new world opened.
'Vanilla Baby' - Billie Marten
I first started listening to Billie Marten because someone told me I reminded them of her vocals, something I reacted to with a smile as a grateful thank you at the time. But then I listened to her music and was like WHAT? THANK YOU.Billie's vocal range is exquisite and her songwriting is super genuine, so having been compared with her now feels like one of the biggest compliments.
'Vanilla Baby' has been an inspiration to 'Little Big Steps' production wise as well because it has all the natural elements, acoustic guitar and harmonies in there.
'Youth' - Daughter
From the moment this song came out, it stayed with me always. The guitar and vocal melody lines are so beautiful, there's really something about it.Elena's vocals feel like a warm hug and she's a great performer (both live and on the recording). The lyrics are hauntingly beautiful too, and in combination with the drums on this production the song really stands out.
