Q: I love the storytelling in “I Am What I Am.” What was your creative process in making the song?
Roger Perelló: Thank you very much. I wrote this song on my guitar in the beginning of the pandemic when we were all home. Lyrically I wanted to create a clear picture of the love story that I sing about, using elements like a kitchen where one lover cooks for the other, a bed where they play guitar and sing songs, a bottle of wine they open and drink, a window through which rays of light come in when they wake up, etc. I wanted to convey a message of cosiness and comfort and the beauty of staying home with your lover. I worked on the song throughout 2020 and 2021 and made lots of changes. The vocal melody for the chorus, for instance, was changed just a few months ago. I prefer it this way.
Q: Did any real-life events occur in your life that inspired the song?
Perelló: It is actually based on the story of my boyfriend and I and how it all started. When the pandemic first hit the UK, we had just been going out for a few weeks and *boom!* all of a sudden we found ourselves in a situation where it was not safe to leave the house and we were surrounded by uncertainty. We stayed inside and lived together for the first time and got to know each other better. I guess it was a good thing to happen, because we’re still together after two years 🙂
Q: Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician?
Perelló: I would say that was when I was in High School back in Spain and decided that I would move to London and study music. I had been writing songs since I was eleven, but I guess I realised I did not want to do this as a hobby anymore. There is a great music scene in the UK and I am so glad I chose to move here out of anywhere.
Q: I love your writing style. Who are your biggest influences?
Perelló: Thank you. My biggest influence is the legendary Leonard Cohen. Obviously, he is on a whole different level, but I think that the very honest and visual lyrics have influenced my songwriting. His lyrics are self-mocking at times, which I love, and that is something I think you will be able to see in some of my upcoming songs. Some other artists that inspire me and my music are Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift.
Q: What is coming up next for you?
Perelló: You can expect more music releases from me throughout the year. Maybe sooner than you would think.
Q: What would you like to tell your supporters out there?
Perelló: Well, to anyone who supports my music and what I do I want to say a massive thank you. It feels great seeing that there are people who feel a special, unique connection with something you have put so much love and work into creating. That is the beauty of music, that it is a universal language.
Interviewed by Katrina Yang
FOLLOW ROGER PERELLO
