Singer/Songwriter Rosa Mojo writes 'dark romantic pop noir' inspired by the moody blues of Billie Holliday, the eccentric warblings of Kate Bush & Bjork. the angsty sociopolitics of Sinead 'O' Connor & Bob Marley, the fragile authenticity of Anthony & The Johnsons and the unique musical peacocking of Hendrix, Bowie, Bolan & Prince. Mojo's melancholic vocal's are often regarded as having a vintage haunting quality. This is partially inherited from her mother's Galician ancestors who sang 'Saudade', a singing style which invokes a deep yearning for something that does not exist or is unattainable, a gutteral cry in song form that can also heard in other emotive artists such as Nick Cave.
Growing up in Harlesden Mojo listened to her Bajan father and Spanish mother's vinyl collection of ska, country, flamenco, motown, reggae, northern soul and opera. Her parents (above) met in a psychiatric hospital, as nurses, where she was conceived. She remembers the visits to the hospital where the patients (appearing to mingle with spirits) seemed to be the most normal sight in the world not realizing at the time that she herself was already showing the first signs of withdrawal from dissociative depression. At age 5 Rosa put her finger under a sewing machine needle because she wanted to 'feel pain' and this 'silver dancing ballerina' could mend clothes and makes them pretty so why not her? She knew the needle would hurt but not just how much! The searing pain came but it was her own primal scream that filled the void. The 'singer' sewing machine needle on flesh accompanied by Mojo's scream was thankfully replaced with a record player needle on vinyl serenaded by the ghostly noises her voice would make. Music became Rosa Mojo's intravenous drip.
As a teen she wrote with Juni Morrison (Funkadelic/Soul 2 Soul producer) who described her as being one of the most talented songwriters he has worked with. Jazz Summers of Big Life Records also spoke of her unique vocals and songwriting style as being reminiscent of Patti Smith. Unfortunately, on the verge of a record deal and still trying to manage her blues she was unable to deal with the opportunities presented. However, what didn't kill her, made her a warrioress. Today Rosa Mojo has written a huge wealth of material and continues to thrive on performing live and succeeding on her own terms.
She has performed at The Dublin Castle, Hope & Anchor and many other venues in the UK. Her brand of queer rock n roll feminism has also rocked The National Portrait Gallery for 'Gay Icons' as the bastard child of Monroe and Hendrix. She is not afraid to approach her musical idols to ask what they think of her music either. Tony Visconti told her that if she was in New York he would arrange a meeting to discuss potential production and more recently Eurythmics 'Dave Stewart' tweeted about her live acoustic vid likening it to the blues legend and equally eccentric Jessie Mae Hemphill. Now living in Camden Town she wishes to also write for other artists and has worked with several up and coming producers and musicians such as 'Time Takers Alex Hromcovs' and neo soul singer 'Jake Reid'. She is now working with producer 'Lewis Andrews' on the new forthcoming EP 'Black Sheep Cried Wolf'.
"We only have a shooting stars worth of life on this planet. You don't wan't to be on your deathbed lamenting on how you didn't shine hard enough. You want to be meeting the reaper with a kickass grin saying 'Thanks for the ride, I've had great passions and too many sorrows but they've made me what I am AND maybe my art will be heard more now I'm dead!'. I may not be a recognized figure on todays musical landscape, However, I do hover above it, like this thing ever creating despite of itself, experienced in knowing that occasionally a kindred soul will look up and share the passion in my music" Rosa Mojo
"The bluesy passionata sotto voice of Mojo ... I've fully and completely fell in love with this breathy, insouciant, wonderful noise" Emmy 'Music Emissions'
"Infectious melodies, eclectic style, passion-fueled music, Rosa Mojo is like Billie Holliday on Absinthe! 'Brighton Argus'
"It is hard to forget the the haunting insight she conveys passionately in her music. A rebel in her own medicine bottle she invites you to consume" 'Jake Reid (Nordic Giants Featured Artist)'
"Majestic Sounds!" 'G3 Magazine for Lesbian & Bi Women'
