Rossi is Bringing Back the Excitement of Pop: Back in the ’80s, ’90s and early ’00s, pop was thriving, but the rise of country and hip-hop saw the popularity of the pure pop star wane. Sure, there’s Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, etc, but it’s just not enough. Rossi is the antidote for those us yearning for such a melody-fueled artist.

That said, there’s way more to Rossi than saccharine pop. The artist pulls influence from ’70s glam and ’80s new wave – a glorious slab of androgyny with a mullet. Make-up and a five o’clock shadow. Rossi is the sort of pop star that stands out, that makes you take notice when the larger music industry can seem so very homogenized.

The L.A.-based popster is originally from a supportive, musical household in Oak Forest, Illinois – his father is a world-renowned accordion player, and the likes of the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin were always blasting in the kitchen. A career in music was a no-brainer.

At a young age, he was inspired by icons such as Prince, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, and his mind was set. “I’ve always known my destiny is to perform,” he said. “I’m a huge fan of pop music. Always have been. The people that put on a show, with sets, dancers, choreography, are my favorite. I’m a showman.”

The man can certainly put on a show, as seen on his new single “7 Minutes.” When asked about the inspiration behind the song, Rossi said “The song really is just about the nostalgia of playing seven minutes in heaven in the closet when you were younger, and having a crush on someone, and deciding how to go about navigating it. I sometimes still feel I don’t know how to navigate my crushes, but that’s another story.”

We sat down with Rossi to dig deeper into that very story.

Did you guys set out to film on dimensions that were designed for social media consumption?

Rossi: I loved that you picked up on that. I just know people consume video content so quickly these days, and I also felt it would be so cool to have such an ’80s feel to my song and video but add a little bit of a present-day twist with the perspective that it was shot in. So that was definitely a choice there.

Between the overall feel of the song, the wardrobe choices in the video, the disco ball, the nostalgia is real. Do you ever wonder what it would be like to live in the 80s? Do you think things would be any different for you? Or the same?

Oh my God, I think about it all the time. If I could live in the ’80s or even the ’70s it would be so major. Some days I think I was supposed to be born in that era, but then I also feel like I belong in the present day and get the chance to pay homage to the artists that came before me. The way that the rock stars in the ’80s were able to be so glam and campy is everything I’m going for right now. If I really lived in the ’80s, things would definitely be different. I’m so lucky to live in today’s day and age where I can be my full queer self and be celebrated for that.

We’re progressing every day and I am going to continue to put out the most authentic version of myself that I can.

What’s coming up for you this year? What’s 2022 looking like?

Funny we’re doing this interview today, because it was just announced that I am performing at L.A. pride in the park in downtown L.A.! I’m so excited I actually am dead. The craziest thing happened. I’ve been a fan of Christina Aguilera since I was eight years old and I have always said I wanted to perform with her. Well, guess who is the headliner for the festival? XTINA herself. So dreams do come true kids!!! I’m performing in the same lineup as my idol. I’d say 2022 is looking pretty great, glam, and fun if you ask me.

Rossi is Bringing Back the Excitement of Pop: Rossi’s “7 Seconds” single is out now. He performs at LA Pride.

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