Rumia is a rising star whose music blends haunting melodies, raw storytelling, and a deep connection to her roots. With influences ranging from Radiohead to Taylor Swift, her sound is both ethereal and emotionally rich. As she gears up for the release of her latest single 'Shift in the Air', Rumia sat down with Sonic Sisters Magazine to talk about her journey into music, the women who have inspired her, and the personal experiences that shape her songwriting.
Thanks for chatting with us at Sonic Sisters Magazine! Can you share a bit about how your journey into music began?
Music has been a part of me since I was very young. I always loved to sing, it was the one thing that brought me the most joy. But it wasn’t until I was 16, when I picked up the guitar for the first time, that I realized that music wasn’t just a passion, it was something I wanted to pursue professionally.
Who have been some of the most significant influences on your musical style?
If I had to choose one, I’d say Radiohead is at the top of my list. I love how they explore different genres. I’m also very passionate about lyrics, so I gravitate towards American pop artists like Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams, who are incredible storytellers. But I think my Galician-Portuguese roots play a big role in shaping my melodies.
And which female musicians or women in the music industry have inspired your journey?
Taylor Swift is a huge inspiration. She once thought she’d be forgotten by 30, yet she became one of the biggest artists in the world. I also admire Sabrina Carpenter; it took her ten years to break through. There are so many incredible women who have shaped music: Joan Baez, Patti Smith, and Dolly Parton.
How do your personal experiences shape your songwriting, and what do you hope listeners take away from those connections?
My personal experiences are everything in my songs, they’re the most important part of what I do. It wasn’t always like that, but once I discovered the joy of putting my own experiences into words, there was no going back. I just hope listeners can connect with my stories and find something that resonates with them.
Congratulations on your brand-new single “Shift in the Air” what inspired this particular song?
It was actually really fun to make. We wrote it during a songwriting camp, and we wanted to create something that felt like a simulation world, where reality starts shifting, and you begin to believe it’s because your loved one has been erased from existence. On your way home, small details change: your sweater is different, maybe you originally bought it with them, so now it no longer exists. The book you were reading transforms from a romance into a dystopian story… Everything subtly unravels.
What song (not your own) has had the biggest influence on you and why?
That’s a really difficult question. But I always find myself going back to Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead. I think it’s just beautifully written, and the melody is absolutely perfect.
Is there a song in your catalog that holds a special personal meaning for you? We'd love to hear the story or inspiration behind it.
I’ll admit, I just went to Spotify to refresh my memory! Haha, I think How to Stop Time. it’s really difficult to still love your own songs after a while, but that one still feels special to me.
What are some of the aspirations you have for your music moving forward?
I want to enjoy what I’m doing more and worry less about the outcome.
What advice would you give to emerging female artists who are just starting out in the music world?
Run away from anything or anyone that makes you feel uncomfortable in this industry. And trust yourself. You know more than you think, especially when it comes to how your own music should sound. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?
I hope they enjoy my new song! And there’s more music coming soon, I can't wait to share it!
Comments