Rosé: The Devil in the Details

Although Drag Race’s Rosé has been on the drag scene for a relatively short time in drag years (four years), she has earned her place in both the drag and reality TV hall of fame as a finalist for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13, a special guest on The Voice, and as a contestant on America’s Got Talent. Being a member of a “cool kids club” is nothing new for Rosé as part of the final four with GottMik, Symone, and Kandy Muse; she is also a member of Stephanie’s Child with Jan Sport and Lagoona Bloo.

This summer she has stepped out on her own with a bop delivered just in time for Pride season. “The Devil in the Details,” co-written by  and SIXFOOT5, the track’s producer, features the powerhouse vocals we would expect from her with a pop and throwback 80s glam vibe. The result is sublime – could a Hedwig and the Angry Inch reboot be near in the future? Hmmm…

“The Devil in The Details” was inspired by my turning point on RuPaul’s Drag Race. I began the season with a firm endeavor to deliver a pristine and polished product to Ru and the judges, but about halfway through the season, I began to realize I was losing a vital, vulnerable, and unique piece of myself. I needed to loosen up and allow my true colors to shine! That’s when I really began to enjoy the experience of the show. Ru noticed it, too, and during one of the deliberations which not only changed my course on the show but gravely impacted who I am today, Ru remarked, “the Devil’s in the details!” I smiled and thought, “I’m gonna write a song about this.”

She’s proud of her accomplishments, and her love of self and growth is reflected in the song. “I want people to come alive and dance when they hear it. It’s perfect for summer. It sounds like being outside or at the club! The predominant instrumental theme is a new wave cartoon fantasy, and the vocal harmonies are meticulously and densely layered. She’s lush, honey.”

Rosé’s journey to the States has been eclectic, to say the least. We saw a glimpse of her heritage during her performance as Mary Queen of Scots for Snatch Game.  Ross McCorkell, aka Rosé, moved here with his family from Scotland at the age of 10 to Houston, Texas, and would fake an American accent just to fit in. Now a New York City resident, he doesn’t have to fit in anymore and as the popular saying goes, we could have Rosé all day, every day.

Do you remember the first time you did drag on stage?

Of course! The VERY first time I did drag onstage was in a production of Pageant: The Musical, in Oklahoma City. I was hilarious and looked absolutely horrid.

Do you remember what the hardest thing to adjust to as a 10-year-old from Scotland was?

YES. Speaking! [Laughs] Nobody could understand me, and I was already used to being picked on for being flamboyant. I listened and adapted and started speaking with an American accent at school. I think it was an overnight process, though, which is so funny to think about now.

What about your heritage do you wish people knew more about?

Foreigners (and mostly Americans) fawn over the idea of the Scottish dialect and it’s probably what we are best known for, but I wish more people truly knew and understood how passionate and expressive Scottish people truly are — culturally. A room full of Scots is a room full of CHARACTERS.

Who is one musician who sticks out from the early days that inspired you the most?

Beyoncé.

We see the fun side of you being a vocalist…what is the reality of being a singer that we don’t often see?

Voices are FRAGILE! Being a singer can be difficult when you’re having an off day — which can happen for any number of simple reasons, like allergies, fatigue, etc. Singers learn to express themselves with their voices and when your body is being whack, the physical limitation is frustrating and hard to deal with.

All eyes on you with your first single! How did you keep the pressure of coming out with your first single out of your creative process?

It is so exciting. I’ve always dreamt of writing and releasing my own music. It feels great as an artist to have something available to the public that is tangibly mine. I didn’t really feel much pressure when creating this music. It had to be done, I was dying to do the work, and I knew I had the facility to make it all come together.

What details do you still obsess over?

I obsess over the details in my artwork. If it has my name on it, I want it to be finished a certain way.

What details do you let go of now?

Luckily, I’ve been so busy coming off the show that I often don’t really have time to focus so hard on the details the way I used to… Now, a lot of the time, I’m forced to just throw my best at the assignment and trust that it’s enough.

What do you want listeners to walk away with most from “The Devil in the Details?”

The story I am telling is romantic and reassuring, but the sound was designed to make you want to DANCE.

Can’t wait to see you on tour! What aspect of touring will be your hardest?

Thank you. Tour is amazing. It’s so great to be back on stage after so long. The hardest part is keeping things fresh. Doing the same show every day can be tedious, but I want to attack every performance with the same excitement and freshness as opening night.

What is your preshow ritual?

I do my makeup and warm up my voice. That’s it!

What is the most un-Rosé thing you do in your personal life?

You’d probably expect by bedroom to be really organized but it’s an absolute disaster at almost literally all times.

What is your message to your fans this Pride season?

HOLD EACH OTHER CLOSE AND LIFT EACH OTHER UP! We didn’t get a REAL Pride last summer — make up for it with LOUD love for yourselves and for everyone queer around you! Oh my god, I just got so excited writing that.

“The Devil in The Details” is available on Spotify, Apple Music and all streaming platforms.  Follow Rosé on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok @omgheyrose.

Photos: Robert Postotnik