Turning the page on a fresh chapter, MULTI-PLATINUM songwriter-producer ROME (Rome Ramirez, former frontman of Sublime with Rome) makes his solo debut with “Why Me?” ROME notably co-penned with Chris Gelbuda (Meghan Trainor, Sabrina Carpenter, Zac Brown Band), and the Dann Huff-produced track heralds a lot more to come. Out today (4/18), listen to “Why Me?” and watch the lyric video.
“I wrote this song with Chris who is one of my best friends in Nashville. We’re both so grateful to be doing music for a living, and we put that feeling into this. It’s been a reflective year for me, and that’s what ‘Why Me?’ is about,” shares ROME. “It touches on leaving Sublime with Rome, doing my own thing, and looking back on all of it like, ‘Why am I so lucky to have gotten this far in life?’ It’s my journey into self-discovery again and a little pat on the back that says, ‘You got here because you deserve it.’”
ROME initially embarked on this journey when he settled in Nashville, TN, with his family during 2020. He stirred up buzz online by hosting regular livestreams where he performed originals, requests, and covers. Along the way, he also quietly wrote songs for superstar artists like Selena Gomez and Enrique Iglesias, alongside working with powerhouse producers including Dann Huff and Benny Blanco. Cultivating a vibrant and vital signature style, he dips in and out of Rock, Pop, Soul, Reggae, and Country, magnifying the scope of his artistry more than ever before.
“Why Me?” embodies the spirit of this next era. ROME’s dynamic vocals coast over the island-inflected bounce of lightly strummed chords. Against this breezy backdrop, introspective verses give way to a sunny and soulful hook. Leaning into the head-nodding groove, he chants, “‘Cause life ain’t fair / That’s a fact / You work so hard then you fall off track / Sometimes you’re down, you can’t shake the feeling / Lately I’m counting my blessings while singin’.” This message of gratitude sails off in the wake of a magnetic and memorable guitar solo.
The song artwork further encapsulates his wild ride up to this point. It depicts ROME back in his childhood bedroom, as a poster of his all-time favorite group – Sublime – adorns the wall and figuratively watches over his younger self. Following nearly 15 years in his dream band, he steps into this solo music grateful for what came before and receptive to the inspiration of a limitless future.
Stacking a series of anticipated music festival performances up next, fans can find a full list of appearances and ticketing information here.
