29 October 2023 - 0 Comments

The Justice System fails many women and sexual assault victims, as it’s a crime that is both difficult to prove and heavily stigmatised, resulting in less than 20% of cases actually being reported. In their new single Burn Me, Rosie Roulette reimagines their own experiences reporting a sexual predator as a witch trial from bygone eras.

“Only 1 in 7 reported cases ever go to court, meaning that victims tend to know the odds are stacked against them from the word go. The justice system has failed me, and countless others, and so the only way I’ve been able to find peace is through turning my pain into art.”

Rosie has never shied away from making bold statements through their art, first capturing fascination with New Zealand audiences as an artist that “polarised opinion” and was “born in the wrong century” on New Zealand’s Got Talent in 2012.

They went on to independently release their debut single ‘Romeo’ in 2013 and later another single called ‘Sweet Madness’ in 2018 which was nominated for Best Music Video in the Oz International Film Festival with high praise from judges.

Moving to Melbourne from Christchurch, New Zealand in 2014, Rosie has also found success in producing sell out burlesque and cabaret shows, having also sung and performed around Australia and New Zealand in festivals such as the Australian Burlesque Festival and the NZ Splore Music Festival.

But Rosie’s true heart lies in writing music that draws inspiration from both true events and fairytales, finding healing and catharsis in channelling their frustration and anger into songs like Burn Me. Learning that ‘believe all victims’ is a useless sentiment when both sides are presenting themselves as the victim, they describe their experiences with coming forward as turning into a witch hunt. Their abuser publicly turning the tables back on them and all the other victims who were brave enough to step forward. But Rosie refused to back down. “You can wave your torch, as though it makes you right, but you just lit this red hot passion that’s urging me to fight. Throw your stones and do your worst, I won’t pretend like it doesn’t hurt, but while you burn me through, I know the Devil lies within you.” Rosie protests.

“Writing ‘Burn Me’ was a healing experience. It’s a revenge fantasy, allowing me to imagine myself in a position of power where I previously had none. And when the system fails to stop predators, leaving them at large to offend again and again, I think a little revenge fantasy is completely natural.”

“I also love the idea that I can immortalise my assailant's misdeeds in song, forever holding him accountable for his crimes on this plane of existence or another.”

Burn Me is the lead single which will be released ahead of a full album of work called Moon Phases. An album that took many years, and lockdowns, to realise.

New single, Burn Me will be available on all digital platforms Friday 13th October.

Album Moon Phases to be released on November 27th.

Photo Credt: Jayden Byrne Photography

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