Interview: Rooted

How did you all meet and what made you want to start a band together?

Shalom: We met at a 2nd grade talent show at school and decided that it would be really cool to combine our talents together to make a band. Over the years many members have left, but we also have gained new members who share the same passion for music as we do.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Genevieve: I like to draw and watch TV in my free time and that influence my creativity by giving me ideas for performances and songs

Shalom: When I am not practicing music, I like to hang out with friends, read, and play basketball which help me clear my mind so that I can get new ideas and start with a clean slate.

Karissa: When I’m not playing music, I like to draw and create things with my own hands like crocheting, woodworking, enameling, and making crafts. This influences my creativity by giving me a more artistic view of things.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

Shalom: We came up with the name ‘Rooted’ during a group dinner. The name symbolizes how we are all “Rooted” in love and family since without them we wouldn’t be where we are now.

Karissa: To me, “Rooted” means being rooted in love, family, faith and music.

Tell me about your most memorable show.

Genevieve: The performance at Blossom Market Hall because we did it on behalf of AAPI Month and got to show some paintings the Boys and Girls Club kids painted.

Shalom: I think our most memorable show was at LACM College since it helped us gain a lot of determination and confidence which resulted us in pushing ourselves and improving ourselves further.

Karissa: Our most memorable show (in my opinion) would have to be when we performed at the Blossom Market in Temple City because the stage had a really cozy feeling, and the venue was really pretty.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Genevieve: I would play with Lovejoy because they are a big inspiration for me.

Shalom: I’d play with Cavetown, The Beatles, Clairo, Mitski, and Rex Orange County

Karissa: I would want to play alongside the Neighborhood, Declan McKenna, of Monsters and Men, Dayglow and Grouplove.

Tell us about your debut single “Waiting.”

Genevieve: “Waiting” is a bit of a lonely song.

Shalom: It’s one of the first songs I wrote during the pandemic. I wanted to write something about wanting something in life but being so afraid of not getting it that you don’t even dare to try. I guess a lot of people are afraid of failing. Sometimes the expectations and goals that people have of themselves can overwhelm them to the point of a mental and emotional shutdown.

Karissa: ‘Waiting” is about wanting something so much but knowing that it’s a big thing to wish for.

Which songs are your favorite covers to play live?

Genevieve: I like to play “Walk Like an Egyptian” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” because I get to be most active there.

Shalom: My favorite covers to play are “Hallelujah” because of how emotional and spiritual the song is. I also like “Sweet Child o’ Mine” because it challenges me.

Karissa: “Cool Kids” and “Take on Me” because they are the most exciting and interesting songs to play live.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Genevieve: With enough effort and motivation, you can accomplish many things. And if they don't work out, that's ok as well.

Shalom: In my music, I like to bring messages of positivity or acknowledging problems that many people have or are experiencing.

Karissa: We like to give positive messages in our music and bring joy to whoever listens to us play.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Genevieve: We usually just talk it out and see how it goes.

Karissa: Sometimes we disagree, and we get past them by listening to each other’s opinions and coming up with a consensus.

What does 2022 have in store for Rooted?

Genevieve: Some more concerts and hopefully we can make another song!

Shalom: We’re heading back to LACM (Los Angeles College of Music) Camp and working on more of our original music this summer. We hope to release our E.P. by the end of the year!

Karissa: We are going to be releasing our next single goin to the Summer Xperience at LACM and playing at more live concerts!