After a year that quietly—but decisively—redefined her artistry, ROSÉ is pausing to reflect. In a new interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music’s The Zane Lowe Show, the BLACKPINK member opens up about the unexpected trajectory of her chart-topping collaboration with Bruno Mars, “APT.”, the evolving relationship she has with her own music, and what it meant to step away from the group to pursue solo freedom—before coming back together again.
ON “APT.” TAKING ON A LIFE OF ITS OWN
What began as a spontaneous, almost casual release quickly became the song that defined her year. ROSÉ likens its success to watching something grow beyond her control. “It grew its own arms and legs and just started walking around the world. It did its own thing,” she said. While she returned to BLACKPINK schedules soon after its release, the track continued to climb globally—almost independently of her presence.
ON DOUBTING HERSELF BEFORE RELEASING THE SONG
Despite its eventual success, ROSÉ admits “APT.” came with a great deal of hesitation. Its playful, unconventional nature made her unsure of how it would land. “My self-conscious was telling me it could be a life-changing song. It felt like fifty-fifty because it’s obviously… different,” she told Lowe. Rather than rushing it out, she sat with the track privately for months, waiting until her instinct—not hype—gave her clarity.
ON TRUSTING INSTINCT OVER EXTERNAL VALIDATION
Before committing to “APT.” as a single, ROSÉ quietly tested it in real life, without context or expectation. “I wouldn’t even hype up the song before I played it to anyone. I’d just be like, ‘This was for fun.’” The consistent curiosity and repeat listens ultimately convinced her. “That’s when I accepted it as, I think this could be my single.”
ON HOW HER RELATIONSHIP WITH MUSIC CONTINUES TO EVOLVE
Time has changed how ROSÉ hears her own songs, allowing them to take on new meaning long after release. “It speaks to me differently. I’m just equally as a listener as everyone else.” Rather than feeling finished once they’re out in the world, her songs continue to grow with her. “I always thought once it’s out, it’s done. But no, it’s still ever evolving.”
ON RETURNING TO BLACKPINK AFTER SOLO FREEDOM
After a year of individual exploration, reuniting with BLACKPINK feels less like going back—and more like moving forward. “We all went out and got inspired and came back together. And it’s just like a whole new, funky, new little thing.” The space to grow independently, she suggests, has made the group dynamic sharper, stronger and more creatively charged.
Watch ROSÉ’s full conversation with Zane Lowe now, or listen to the episode on demand via Apple Music.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA Singapore.
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