Belgian-born, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Romanie returns with her newest single 'Stranger In My Skin', which is also a poignant reminder to take time personally for self-care to maintain your own mental well-being.
Sparse but lush-sounding indie pop production is paired with a meandering rhythm and soothing indie rock guitar licks backed by Romanie's piercingly honest vocals detailing vulnerable and personal lyrics."'Stranger In My Skin' is a song about feeling lost and alienated from the outside world and yourself," Romanie says.
"I wrote it during the second lockdown in Melbourne last year – a period in which I felt very alone and very far away from home (literally as well).
"I had some really bad days where I wouldn't take good care of my mental health and this song was written the first time after I had picked up my guitar again. I was really angry with myself for feeling that way and let myself slip.
"The first line I wrote was: 'I don't want to be this person anymore.' I have been playing it while busking and people have stopped in their tracks to come tell me how relevant it feels to them.
"I hope this song can help anyone that has a bad day to allow themselves to feel sad and know that another good day will come too."
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (28 July), scenestr is thrilled to premiere 'Stranger In My Skin' today. Enjoy.
While the song details a dark period personally, Romanie is glad she penned the lyrics to 'Stranger In My Skin'.
"It's a very personal and vulnerable song but I'm happy that I wrote it because I look back now, knowing that I've survived such a dark time – and as a very big contrast, me and the band have the best fun playing this song live.
"It's definitely a reminder for myself as well to take good care of my mental health. 'Stranger In My Skin' was exactly how I felt when finding myself in a depression.
"I couldn't talk about it with anyone because I was just 'empty' and didn't feel like explaining things but writing the song felt like therapy. I think every songwriter can relate to this because it's just a coping mechanism really."
Romanie's sophomore EP 'Little Big Steps' is scheduled for release 13 August. "'Little Big Steps' was born after a conversation with one of my best friends from Belgium, who was having a bad time," begins Romanie.
"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.
"It's so important to check in on each other and just be kind. I love how ['Stranger In My Own Skin'] fits together in the EP because it's part of who I am, a person moving overseas and just feeling lost and looking to find friendship in new and old places."
