In the MUD: Ella Rosa

British artist Ella Rosa took a break from the recording studio to chat with MUD about the creative process behind her latest single, "The Ick."

Photo Courtesy of Ella Rosa

On a sunny Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles, Ella Rosa takes a break from the recording studio to chat with MUD's Maddie Craig for our weekly music segment, In the MUD. She joins our Zoom call from the rooftop of the studio, a bright smile beaming on her face.

"I studied Opera at The New School, but ever since that moment, I've switched from classical training to more songwriting and doing my own thing. This was since I was 18," Ella said.

A month ago, Ella released her latest single "The Ick." As unique as her sound is, this musical anthem featuring producer and rapper Kevin George introduces relatable lyricism in a song that feels deeply universal. Especially among Gen Z, "The Ick" feels like a representation of how relationships and crushes are perceived in the age of TikTok.

"The Ick was written about a feeling that Kevin George and I shared where we caught the “Ick” for a partner. We both found it pretty funny that one little thing could turn someone off so quickly at the beginning of a friendship, relationship, partnership, etc. I met KG at a roller blading release party of his and we became instant friends beyond the music. Knowing we could make music together was a huge plus also. Half of this session was spent laughing about things that gave us "The Ick" from seeing someone too drunk and falling all over the place to a weird face they make while concentrating. It sounds petty but we quickly found that most people have similar moments too," Ella said.

For MUD's weekly music segment "In the MUD," Ella Rosa opens up about how she wrote her iconic single, "The Ick."

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Follow Ella Rosa on Instagram and listen to her latest releases including "The Ick" on Spotify and all streaming platforms. Interview by Madison Craig. Segment Producer is Lucy Jones.