Nothing's going to drag Rozz down!
One thing's for sure, Rozz is spurred by the love for his art and there is no stopping this passionate performer
First off, Rozz performs in drag. While that might not seem like a big deal, bear in mind that he actually sings the songs as well and not just lip syncs!
Apart from his obvious vocal talents, this performer comes armed with brains as well. Ivy League schooled in international relations and theatre on scholarship, the world was his oyster.
While singing was a great passion, it was kept on the back burner while he served his time with the company which sponsored his studies.
"After I graduated I auditioned for like a million shows on Broadway. I did The Fantastiks and Beauty and The Beast for three months each and then was offered to sing in a club but I came back because my studies were sponsored and I was required to serve the company for six years, or pay them a penalty of RM50,000" Rozz said.
Trained vocally from the young age of four, he said that while his parents wanted him to take up either the organ or piano, he had begged his mother to let him take singing lessons instead, which we must say, have paid off tremendously!
One thing that most will realise about Rozz is that he does not sound like a man when he sings. He sounds like a very talented female singer. So yes, we asked the question on everyone's mind if it was something that came naturally.
"I have an unusual range for a man. My voice is too low to be a woman's and too high to be a man's, but yes it was something I was born with," Rozz said.
While his specialty is apparent, Rozz is quick to add that he is, first and foremost, a musician.
"Drag is fun and light but I always remind people that I am a musician first before I am a drag queen. I think it brings out the character of the one that is brave to tease the audience, and say outrageous things but my mannerisms and the way I speak and sing is the same whether I am in or out of drag."
For Rozz, his major music influences include Handel, Freddie Mercury and Sondheim.
"There are people in KL, like the amazing Isaac Entry, whom I am in absolute awe of. Maybe one day I might get to work with him.
"I am very technical when I watch others perform so I look for clarity, tone and pitching. However, phrasing and emotion are equally important too. Most of all when I watch a singer, I want to be emotionally moved by what they are singing," Rozz said.
He added that every singer is a work in progress, and it is important to continue to keep improving by learning new things.
When The Malay Mail caught Rozz's performance at No Black Tie, the venue was almost bursting at the seams on a Sunday night, but he said that it was not always this way when he first started out. However he is not a man who is afraid to chase his dreams.
"I was offered a job in a place called BAGAN where I still perform. The first time I went up and sang, I decided to write in my letter of resignation to my day job. Yes, it was difficult financially at first, but I have never been happier," Rozz said.
"Unfortunately, most of the work I do in Penang goes highly unnoticed and unappreciated. I only started building a name for myself once I started performing at No Black Tie about two years ago."
If you have a chance to catch Rozz perform, you would realise that he injects something different into almost every song he sings by rearranging it or putting it into a medley.
"I think my audience knows that every time I put on a show, there was a lot of work put into it and everyone appreciates something different, and I am that, if not anything."
Rozz, who is always dressed to the nines during his performances said that a JENDELA KL dress is something that every singer should possess besides a great voice.
What else can he do apart from singing? Well, he is pretty adept at the piano.
" I also have an unsurpassed ability to shop for clothes, bags and shoes!" Rozz laughed.
On a more serious note, his favourite part about doing what he does is the relationships he has forged through his work. "I have met some of the most amazing human beings."
What does the future have in store for this multi-talented musician?
"I am about to start a community arts project in Penang, and a website designed to promote the work and art of trans-gendered people. I will also start shooting for a movie soon."
He also added that an album recording called Rozz-Live at No Black Tie is in the pipeline.
One thing's for sure, he is spurred by the love for his art and there is no stopping this passionate performer!
