Join us for an enchanting evening at Mamma Chen’s as we come together to celebrate the highly-anticipated release of Momoko Rose's latest single, 'softboi.' Supported by the dreamy Catie Alison and soulful Wild Gloriosa, the night will be filled with heartfelt storytelling and the divine voices of up and coming songstresses. With Momoko Rose leading a 5-piece band, prepare to be captivated by a performance that will have you laughing, shedding a tear and dancing, all while witnessing the inexplicable charm of Footscray’s very own Momoko Rose.

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Melbourne misfit Momoko Rose wields her vulnerability as an instrument of healing. As a Japanese-Australian and bisexual artist, her music embodies both wistfulness and wit, exploring realms of ambiguity and contradiction. Momoko’s feminine aesthetic is charged with masculine energy, challenging conventions with edgy softness. Drawing inspiration from otherworldly women in R&B and folk — Björk, Raveena, Joanna Newsom and Ichiko Aoba — Momoko crafts ethereal soundscapes, with lush chords pierced by dynamic beats. Despite her first love for folk music, her sound is constantly evolving and breaks genre boundaries.

Momoko’s latest track, ‘softboi’, emerged during Melbourne’s lockdowns as she experimented with beatmaking in Ableton and eventually collaborated with producer Rino Darusman. The song tackles emotional unavailability and the struggles men have with vulnerability. Although the lyrics are playful and simple, ‘softboi’ exposes the covert ways in which toxic masculinity impacts relationships and society. It references the ‘softboi’ archetype without defining it, to shed light on how some men assert themselves through intellectual prowess rather than traditional physical strength, revealing that these self-imposed barriers often hinder genuine and intimate connections. ‘Softboi’ serves as an anthem for the sensitive and socially awkward, resonating with those navigating the complexities of modern relationships.

Catie Alison: With alternative tunings and catchy songs, Catie Alison blends together a dreamy mix of folk and grunge, capturing the feminine experience through confessional lyrics and a pinch of sarcasm.

Wild Gloriosa: Wild Gloriosa is a soulful songwriter from Geelong, taking delight in sharing her sound with many soul lovers alike. Inspired by Bill Withers, Lianne La Havas and Nick Hakim, Wild Gloriosa enjoys connecting with her audience through storytelling and messages of self-love whilst delivering smooth, gentle melodies to warm your spirit.

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This event will take place on the lands of the Wurrundjeri Woi Wurrung and the Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation. We would like to pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.

Contact the host of Momoko Rose ‘softboi’ Single Launch