After a handful of singles released over the last few months, Belgium-born, Melbourne-based artist Romanie has not only unveiled the exceptional “Stranger in My Skin” today, but also unveiled details of her forthcoming EP, Little Big Steps.
Equal parts dreamy and triumphant, “Stranger in My Skin” follows along from the release of songs such as “I’m Anything (But Myself Around You)” and “Fake Friends”, and sees Romanie teaming up with long time collaborators, James Seymour (Feelds, Merpire) at Small Time Group on production, with Isaac Barter taking on mastering duties.
Ethereal and melodic with the sort of songwriting prowess that makes you feel privileged to even be listening to such a composition, “Stranger in My Skin” is the sort of song that stays with you long after it has stopped playing.
A track that many fans of Romanie may have seen during her busking appearances, she describes it as one which many people seem to connect with. “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,” Romanie adds.
“‘Stranger in My Skin’ is a song about feeling lost and alienated from the outside world and yourself,” she explains of the song’s inspiration. “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.”
While “Stranger in My Skin” is officially out today, it’s also set to appear on Little Big Steps, the forthcoming EP from Romanie, which is on track to arrive on August 13th. In discussing how the EP came out, she notes that it arose following a conversation with a close friend from Belgium who had been going through a difficult time. As they discussed plans and dreams, Romanie’s friend explained that she would get back on her feet eventually with the help of “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,” Romanie explains. “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 it 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.
“I think writing music definitely saved me and felt really therapeutic at that time (still feels like it) and I think a lot of artists feel the same way.”
Romanie will also be launching her forthcoming EP with the fittingly-titled ‘Little Big Celebrations’ concert set to take place at Penny’s Bandroom in Melbourne on the day of release, with details available below.
Romanie’s “Stranger in My Skin” is out now, while her Little Big Steps EP will release on August 13th, with pre-saves available now.
Romanie’s ‘Little Big Celebrations’ – Little Bit Steps EP Launch Party
Friday, August 13th
Penny’s Bandroom, Melbourne, VIC
Free Entry
