Fresh from the launch of her debut LP, ‘Louder, Please,’ Rose Gray spoke with Atwood Magazine about the importance of releasing an album and how her music aligns with today's pop sound.
Stream: ‘Louder, Please’ – Rose Gray
“I consider ‘Louder, Please’ to be an underground pop record. It’s undoubtedly pop, yet its roots are firmly embedded in the soundscapes and essence of underground club culture, dance music, and electro-clash.”
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Every emerging artist experiences a moment in their career when their visibility increases — transitioning from small gigs to becoming the highlight of nights out, with reviews evolving from promising to undeniable, and moving from party-goer to party highlight. Since the debut of Rose Gray’s album, Louder, Please, on January 17th, it’s evident she is in that moment.
In recent weeks, Gray has achieved significant milestones in her career — DJing at Vanity Fair’s glamorous Rising Stars event and winning the 2025 MTV Push UK and Ireland award, surpassing talents like Good Neighbours and Teddy Swims. She has won over some of the toughest critics, with The Guardian describing her debut as “sweat-soaked” and teeming with creativity.
As Gray’s career evolves while she promotes the album and gears up to headline three shows this March in London, Manchester, and Brighton, one wouldn’t guess it from her first impression. When she joined our call, full of enthusiasm, she mentioned feeling a bit stressed. However, it wasn't about her career or this pivotal moment; she was concerned about her internet connection. “I’m a bit stressed about my Wi-Fi,” she joked before reassuring us, “I think it should be better than before; it’s a new router.”
On her debut album, Louder, Please, Gray's sound is both bold and infectious, merging underground club rhythms with pop flair. “It’s definitely pop,” she clarifies, “yet it’s rooted in the soundscapes and realm of underground club culture, dance music, electronic, and electro-clash.”
The album is filled with euphoria, juxtaposing themes of hedonism and love. “I've always aspired to be an albums artist,” Gray notes. “I believe a solid album is not appreciated enough.”
With backing from some of the industry’s key players, such as Justin Tranter and Uffie, Gray's sound has found its niche at a time when pop, especially electronic pop, is thriving. “I’m very excited about the future of pop music — where it’s heading and what’s unfolding. I feel those open arms supporting what I'm doing right now,” she explains. “Big thanks to Brat Summer for paving the way for unexpected industrial sounds featuring female pop vocals. Madonna did it. Bjork did it. Even Sade with electronic elements, and now Charli – there’s a shift where club music has truly become pop.”
For now, we chatted with Rose Gray about her debut album, favorite lyrics, and the current state of pop music today.
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:: Stream/Purchase Louder, Please here ::
:: Connect with Rose Gray here ::
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A CONVERSATION WITH ROSE GRAY
Atwood Magazine: Congratulations on the release of your debut album, Louder, Please. How has the response been since its launch?
Rose Gray: Honestly, it's been really positive. I released it on January 17th. It felt great to debut it at the start of the year, and I was energized and ready for 2025. The feedback has exceeded my expectations; I genuinely feel like I'm gaining fans. I can sense it when I’m out in Hackney and someone approaches me. It’s still surreal to think that people are listening to my album.
Has releasing an album felt different from your past music experiences? I know you've previously released several singles and a couple of EPs.
Rose Gray: Absolutely! Many people are discovering me for the first time with this album. It’s nice because you can grasp my depth and musicality – it allows you to connect with me as an artist. There are various sides to me and my music, and I think the album captures that. I've released a lot of music, and while I'm proud of all of it, I believe this is my best work so far – and it feels good that it’s resonating.
Yes, I recall that you last spoke with Atwood Magazine in 2019, so it's exciting to reconnect for your debut album six years later.
Rose Gray: I remember that too; I was so young then!
What led you to decide now is the time for a full-length album after releasing music in smaller increments? Did it feel like the right moment, or was there something unique about this collection?
Rose Gray: Personally, I've always aimed to be an albums artist. I don’t think people recognize the impact
Hot on the heels of her debut album, ‘Louder, Please,’ Rose Gray spoke with Atwood Magazine about the importance of releasing an album and how her music aligns with the current landscape of pop music.
