In the music of Romanie, the listener is invited to become immersed in a rich palette of sounds and influences, buoying a natural vocal talent.
For Belgian-born, Melbourne-based singer and songwriter Romanie Assez, the music has always stemmed from an innate desire to express creativity through personal and engaging storytelling.
Releasing her debut EP – Little Big Steps – in 2021, Romanie introduced herself beautifully with a collection of music that boasted influences as varied as Lucy Rose to Big Thief; Wet Leg and Alvvays, to Middle Kids. At the core of the material, a captivating sense of songwriting nuance and strength that was unafraid to delve deeper in its exploration of personal themes.
Her 2023 debut album Are We There Yet? was nominated for the Australian Music Prize, AIR Feature Album, saw her winning the triple j Unearthed x NIDA music video competition and the 2023 Upstart Award, become a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, and finalist in St Kilda Festival’s New Music Competition.
Romanie has received a wide range of industry support including Junkee, Tonedeaf, triple j, RRR, Amazing Radio UK/US and MTV. Are We There Yet? landed multiple editorial playlists across Spotify & Apple Music which quickly gathered over 100k streams on streaming services and the music video for ‘Hallucinating’ was selected as ABC rage’s Wild One. In July 2024 Romanie was a mentee of Wild Turkey’s House of Music 101 receiving mentorship from and showcasing alongside Angus and Julia Stone.
Ever since Romanie moved to Australia in 2019 she’s been establishing herself as a powerhouse in the live music industry, touring both solo as well as with her band; nationally and internationally - supporting artists including Trixie Whitley, Telenova, Blanco White, 10cc, Yoke Lore, playing alongside Katy J Pearson and opening for Australian favourites such as Keli Holiday, The Moving Stills, Mia Wray and many more.
“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.”
“I can already see this capturing the hearts of the nation - gorgeous storytelling abilities Romanie!”
“If the car ride sounded as good as this, I wouldn’t ask “are we there yet?” once.”
“After establishing herself as one of Melbourne’s best singer-songwriters of the last few years, Romanie reflects thoughtfully and maturely on life, her place in the world, and her relationship with others, recalling the quiet contemplation of Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker.”
“Romanie’s vocals are pure and direct. The lyrics are poignant, the melody gorgeous and the song has an appealing honesty to it. The production is confident and assured, with her captivating vocals gliding above the strident percussion. They work together in tandem seamlessly.”
“The Melbourne-based, Belgium-born singer-songwriter has burst forth with one of the best debuts of the year.”
