Conversations with Roni Bates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Roni Bates

Hi Roni, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am originally from Lancaster PA. I grew up in a very musically oriented family and was introduced to a wide array of music since I was a kid. I started on piano when I was 3 years old and quickly grew a passion for playing instruments. I was always very shy about singing until I got my guitar in middle school and became obsessed with writing music and singing while playing. After that I became dead set on recording my own music and making music a career. It became a very emotional process for me especially during COVID where I had to turn to music to deal with the isolation. I had always dreamed about Nashville and decided to apply to college there. I chose to go to Lipscomb University where my skills were nurtured, I joined a band and started working on my own solo music. Now I’m working towards my first full length album with my producer Avery Roy.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Since childhood music has always been a coping mechanism/emotional outlet. I was never vocal about my emotions or issues growing up so I emoted through my favorite artists and their songs that could articulate how I was feeling better than I could. I experienced a lot of significant changes in my childhood where I felt very isolated and lonely and I always leaned on my creativity to help me through, whether that be dance, theatre, choir and eventually songwriting. One of the most challenging experiences for me was going to college with so many amazing musicians. I had always been pretty confidant in myself growing up but the comparison and insecurity I felt with the competitiveness of school really harmed my outlook on music. For a good bit I was writing things that were purely to impress other people rather than to honestly represent myself and my experiences. Seeing other musicians who were much more gifted than me in certain areas made me question my ability altogether and if this was something that I could truly accomplish. Through my time at school and my friendships with other musicians I have since then realized that these differences didn’t mean I wasn’t capable it just meant I had my own unique offerings to the world.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I grew up consuming a wide array of music from the Beatles to new wave to 2000s indie electronic to CCM. I’ve always had a passion for multiple genres and this shows in my music. I started out writing sad girl indie music and have slowly transitioned to my rock/pop roots. I have a very spunky and colorful aesthetic that fits my. music well. I am most known for my acoustic guitar playing. My favorite part of writing a song is making up intricate guitar parts and I base the rest of the song around the guitar.

What were you like growing up?
I was always very passionate growing up. Interested in all things creative like dance, writing, reading, gymnastics, instruments and obsessed with music. I was very energetic, optimistic and a deep thinker. I loved school mainly for the social aspect and learning but wasn’t the best student.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: roni_a_bates
• Other: https://linktr.ee/ronibates