The phrase “new year, new me” most definitely applies to singer/songwriter Kiuara Rose. With her single “Pretend It’s Slow” Rose marked the end of one era, and the beginning of a new. She taken 2025 to craft a new sound and is bringing it to the masses not only this weekend at The Wonder Bar, but in 2026 with a new record.
We caught up with Kiuara Rose to discuss her new era of music, working with Telegraph Hill Records and what’s on her horizon for 2026.
You released “Pretend It’s Slow” this year. Can you talk about how this single stands out from the rest of your catalog on a sonic and lyrical basis?
“Pretend it’s Slow” was the last remnant of the last era of my life both lyrically and sonically. It was something written during my time playing in a college basement show scene, and about my time there.
The sound is heavily influenced by the bands I was playing with and going to see at the time, making it (and eventually started my set and upcoming EP with it) has always felt significant, I get to say hello to a younger version of myself every time, something I wanted to leave as a time capsule and untouched.
Currently, you have a number of singles that you’ve released over the years. Can we expect a full album in the near future?
You can! My first EP called vagrant will be coming out this coming year in the spring/early summer and I couldn’t be more excited. I wanted something that felt intentional, a project that was able to take a listener through the last four years of my life, kind of introduce myself in a way. The songs are ones I hold really close to myself and I feel like really tie a bow around who I am as an artist. I think a lot of people will be able to find themselves in this project, I know I have.
This interview is in conjunction with Telegraph Hill Records’ What a Wonderful Year festival. So, tell me about 2025 for Kiaura Rose.
This year has been the most special of my career. I feel like as artists we end up shouting into a void until it shouts back, nearly drives us insane. This year I finally heard something back. I played shows I had only dreamed of playing, started playing with and working with the most talented people I can think of, and get to want something more with them. I got to find my identity as an artist while also seeing the beginning of the pay off, it’s been incredible.
Speaking of Telegraph Hill Records, can you talk about your relationship with the label?
Telegraph Hill has always been what I’ve seen to be the glue of a tight knit community of musicians. I’m very new to Asbury and the scene down here in general. I think a platform like this one creating opportunities and really shedding light on up and coming musicians is really special. Something that seems to have almost gone extinct over time and hearing my song on the radio for the first time was really special, something that has reminded me that everything we do has weight even when we don’t see it.
What are five things you’re excited for, as an artist, coming in 2026?
Definitely my EP — getting to share years of work after so much time feels as exciting as it is terrifying. Myself and the people I get to work with have all found ourselves really hungry, incredibly passionate about growth and the future of the project, and we plan on taking on a lot this year. A tour is in the works, as well as music videos and plenty more. Without saying too much, this year we’re hitting the ground running with a lot in store, and I am so excited for people to finally see what we’ve been sitting on.
