Elizabeth Mencel, known to the world as ROZES, is at a pivot point. After skyrocketing to fame as the voice and co-writer of the diamond-certified hit "Roses" with The Chainsmokers—a track that recently surpassed one billion streams—the Philadelphia native is reclaiming her narrative. In a candid conversation on Curious Goldfish, ROZES explores how a transformative year of motherhood and a move back to her roots have reshaped her artistry for 2025.

For ROZES, 2024 was a "building year" focused on "rebuilding who I am as a person, mother, and artist". She describes the shift from fighting for a "dream" to fighting for her daughter's livelihood, noting that her motivation has moved from career survival to a deeper, more grounded purpose. This evolution is captured in her new single, "Skip Ahead," a track written during a challenging fertility journey that balances the "waiting game" of pain with the stubbornness of hope.

A significant portion of her resilience stems from her return to Philadelphia. After a stint in Nashville, ROZES realized the "culture shock" of being away from her support system was too high a price for an industry "unwilling to compromise" for mothers. Returning to the city where she first learned to write and where she famously skipped college classes to meet The Chainsmokers in New York, she finds peace in being "unavailable" to the industry hustle to prioritize family time.

ROZES remains a vocal advocate for mental health, drawing on her history with OCD, anxiety, and childhood bullying to create a "safe space" for listeners. Her philosophy is clear: "I want to be able to say what people don't have the guts to say". By embracing her vulnerability, she continues to prove that one voice in a million can still be the loudest room for those who need it most.