By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – London, Eliza Rose, the Hackney-born artist who captivated the global electronic music scene with her infectious energy and soulful vocal delivery, has officially entered a new chapter of her artistic journey. With the release of her latest single, “Quasimodo (0800-Flirt-Divert),” Rose is not only reinforcing her status as a premier tastemaker in the UK’s house and garage landscape but is also looking backward to her roots to propel her future forward. This latest offering, a collaboration with the multi-faceted producer Zach Witness, serves as the centerpiece for a wider announcement that includes a highly anticipated debut live performance in the very neighborhood that shaped her.
The new single, “Quasimodo (0800-Flirt-Divert),” is a masterclass in sun-drenched, soulful house. Produced alongside Zach Witness—a Dallas-born artist known for his work with neo-soul royalty like Erykah Badu and his deep ties to the Defected and Glitterbox families—the track exudes a warmth that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. Witness’s production provides a lush, rhythmic foundation that allows Rose’s distinctive vocals to glide effortlessly, capturing a specific kind of urban escapism. According to Rose, the track is intended to mirror the lighthearted, communal spirit of a London summer. She describes the vibe as "carefree" and "a little silly," likening the listening experience to a casual afternoon spent with friends in London Fields, sipping drinks and sharing gossip under a hazy sky. This imagery of East London leisure is central to the track’s identity, grounding its sophisticated production in the relatable, everyday joy of city life.
In a move that emphasizes the tactile nature of music and the importance of independent ownership, “Quasimodo” has been released as a vinyl-only record via Rose’s own imprint, Rosebud Recordings. This decision highlights her commitment to the physical medium and the DJ culture that birthed her career. While digital streaming dominates the modern landscape, the choice to prioritize vinyl for this release speaks to the collector’s market and the enduring value of a physical artifact. To further enrich the package, the release includes a diverse array of remixes from some of the most respected names in the underground. Sally C, a frequent collaborator of Rose’s, brings her signature high-energy house style to the project, while the legendary Zed Bias—a pioneer of the UK garage sound—offers a reimagining that taps into his decades of expertise. Rounding out the remix package is Glasgow’s La La, whose contribution ensures the single has maximum utility across various club environments.
Beyond the music itself, the most significant development in Eliza Rose’s career is the announcement of her first-ever live show with a full band. Scheduled for March 20th, the performance will take place at the Chats Palace Arts Centre in Hackney. For Rose, this is not merely a venue choice; it is a profound homecoming. Chats Palace is an institution with deep ties to the local community, and for Rose, it was the backdrop of her childhood. She recalls growing up within its walls, where her mother ran two drama groups, Stage Left and Chit Chat. At the time, the surrounding area of Lower Clapton Road was notoriously referred to as the "Murder Mile," a stark contrast to the gentrified landscape it has become today.
Reflecting on her history with the venue, Rose shared memories of performing, playing table football, and watching her mother teach while she and her sisters roamed the hallways. The transition from a child "parading about" the halls to a professional artist headlining the space is a narrative arc that Rose describes as feeling "almost unreal" and "like a fever dream." This performance marks a "full circle" moment, allowing her to close the door on her formative years while simultaneously opening a new door as a live performer. Moving from behind the DJ decks to the front of a live band represents a significant evolution in her artistry, signaling a desire to explore more complex arrangements and a more intimate connection with her audience.
This new phase follows a period of prolific output and high-profile collaborations. Last November, Rose teamed up with the garage phenom Oppidan for the track “Too Slow (All Night),” a high-octane club heater that showcased her ability to navigate the faster tempos of the UK underground. Before that, she collaborated with The Trip on the summer anthem “Weekend,” released through the powerhouse label Defected. Her partnership with Sally C also yielded the acclaimed “DR Pleasure” EP, a project defined by its witty lyricism and peak-time house energy. These releases have collectively built a momentum that “Quasimodo” now seeks to refine into something more personal and soulful.
The rise of Eliza Rose has been one of the most compelling stories in British music over the last few years. While many artists find themselves pigeonholed after a massive crossover hit—as she did with the chart-topping "B.O.T.A. (Baddest of Them All)"—Rose has navigated her success with a clear sense of identity. She has resisted the urge to chase commercial trends, instead choosing to double down on her love for crate-digging, vinyl culture, and the authentic sounds of the UK’s club history. By launching Rosebud Recordings, she has taken control of her creative output, ensuring that her music remains an honest reflection of her tastes.
The upcoming show at Chats Palace is expected to be an intimate affair, providing fans with a rare opportunity to see Rose in a setting that is deeply personal to her. The transition to a live band format suggests that the performance will lean into the soulful, jazz-inflected elements of her music that are sometimes overshadowed by the heavy basslines of her club tracks. It is a bold step for any DJ to move into the live arena, but for an artist with Rose’s vocal ability and stage presence, it feels like a natural progression.
As the music industry continues to grapple with the balance between digital accessibility and artistic integrity, Eliza Rose’s approach offers a blueprint for how to maintain a connection to one’s roots while scaling new heights. The vinyl-only release of “Quasimodo” acts as a bridge between the past and the present, while the Chats Palace show acts as a bridge between her childhood and her future. For those who have followed her journey from the record shops of London to the top of the charts, this latest chapter feels like the most authentic version of Eliza Rose yet.
Fans wishing to witness this pivotal moment in her career are encouraged to sign up for the chance to attend the Hackney show, as the demand is expected to far exceed the venue’s capacity. As she prepares to take the stage at Chats Palace, Eliza Rose isn’t just performing a concert; she is reclaiming a piece of her history and inviting her community to be a part of her next story. With “Quasimodo (0800-Flirt-Divert)” playing in the background, the summer of Eliza Rose seems poised to begin early this year, bringing with it a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and the undeniable pulse of East London.