Cardamon Rozzi, or Cardamo, is an unusual musical force from Farnborough’s verdant setting, and they bring a sound that is as original as the artist’s own story.
Cardamo, who is out and glad to promote the LGBTQ and neurodiverse communities, is a shining example of the contemporary, independent musician who has carved out a unique place for themselves in today’s crowded musical environment.
Cardamo is meant to be gender-neutral and mysterious, expressing the artist’s desire to defy categorization. It’s a stamp of originality in a world when labels are all too familiar, and a statement about who you are.
Cardamo may be a band that mainly operates alone, but even they periodically bring in some close friends to help them flesh out their musical stories.
Cardamo doesn’t only compose music; they engage listeners on an intimate voyage, drawing inspiration from the aural creativity of contemporaries like Sophie, A.G. Cook, and Count Baldor. Every song is an introspective look into the artist, a personal confession backed by the pulsating post-dadaism that defines the internet vocabulary of today’s youth.
Their most recent work, “Androgenise,” is a moving story that goes deeply into Cardamo’s challenges and successes in making real relationships in a world where people are becoming more and more isolated from one another. It’s not only a sad retelling, however. It’s a rousing account of the joy of coming into one’s own and the satisfaction of finding a home in the world.
Additionally, “Androgenise” is a musical tapestry made from a wide variety of styles and inspirations. It’s an investigation of not only music, but also ideas, slang, and religions from all around the world. Cardamo’s exploratory nature is on full display throughout their music; they often experiment with new sounds and challenge conventions.
Cardamo is a vivid thread in the vast fabric of modern music, spinning themes of bravery, self-discovery, and unabashed uniqueness. If you want to go on a trip that is both personal and global, “Androgenize” is the album for you.
Could you tell us about the creative process behind “Androgenise”?
Creatively, I started by searching for inspiring samples to start the process with each track. I often had a thematic idea and usually started writing with a title already in mind, I find this helps me to access more of my creative psyche.
The purpose of the album’s existence was originally as a final production for my Master’s degree, however, it quickly turned into a passion project as I started to become more comfortable with my gender identity and expression (while also researching and engaging with London Queer Culture).
Androgenise is a collection of thoughts and feelings that I exploded into broader concepts in sonic form. I wrote, recorded, produced, and mixed all of the album myself in my home studio, which really enabled me to hunker down and be super personal about the entire project.
What inspired you to create “Androgenise”?
The Underground Queer scene! it’s inspiring and I’m so happy to be a part of it. Intertwined with queer culture is Hyper pop. Researching Hyper pop’s inception and the rise of PC Music truly inspired me to follow its head-honcho practitioners and just drown in the soundscape that I had subconsciously been swimming in for years.
You’ve undoubtedly developed a unique sound and style to fit into your musical journey, how does it showcase your growth and artistic evolution?
Compared to some of the older stuff I have made, this album is much more interesting. It is much more complex and experimental which is a clear reflection of the mental growth I’ve experienced through my early adulthood.
Also, embracing my sexuality and gender in music was truly liberating, which is something I had previously never done, and ‘Carδamo’ as an artist project is all about this type of concentrated self-expression.
Can you share the underlying message or theme you wanted to convey through “Androgenise”?
The message here is: Do what you want, be who you want to be, express in any way you want to, be different, be exciting, and be passionate.
How do you envision “Androgenise” resonating with your audience, and what impact do you hope it will have on listeners as this has the potential to become a fan-favourite.?
I hope it makes listeners think somewhat. I also hope it confuses them and takes them by surprise. I think it’s easy to take this album at face value (which I equally understand and accept).
Still, if you are inclined to dive deep into the lyrics and the production, there are loads and loads of little references that people who live similar lives to me will appreciate.
Do you have any exciting plans or projects in the pipeline? Can you give us a glimpse into what the future holds for your music?
More music! So much more music. Remixes, Collaborations, DJing, Performances, everything. Soon!
How do you navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with being an artist in today’s competitive landscape?
Honestly, I do not do this well, I am scrambling to keep my head above the water as a totally independent artist, and sometimes it feels like I am so far away from where I want to be.
I recognise these thoughts and I don’t give them as much energy as I used to though. I’m a lot better at consciously accepting that things take time, and not comparing my journey with others’.
Are there any other musical genres or styles you are interested in exploring in future releases?
I am a genre-hybridist and a destroyer of sonic barriers. Expect everything and nothing…
