Ziemba releases new song “The Perfect Rose” after 5-year hiatus
Ziemba, also known as René Kladzyk, released her albums True Romantic and Unsubtle Magic in 2020 and 2021, respectively, and has been relatively quiet since then. During this time, she made the move from El Paso to Los Angeles while continuing to focus on her music. Today, Ziemba has returned with her first new song in five years titled “The Perfect Rose.” This track is a lively folk-rock piece filled with intricate details that do not hinder its energy. There are hints of influences from artists such as the Weather Station, the War On Drugs, and Bruce Hornsby, and Ziemba’s delivery of the word “California” evokes memories of Joni Mitchell. The lyrics in this song are striking, with lines like “Silver in my belly and my time is running out/ Don’t know what to do and my teeth are turning blue” and “I’m on a highway with a splinter in my hand/ Hoping to get lucky and find somewhere to land,” complemented by the addition of the cello that adds a touch of sophistication.
Ziemba provides insight into the inspiration behind the song, stating:
“I was driving from New York to California in fall 2022 with a broken arm and broken heart when this song was born. ‘The Perfect Rose’ feels like a drive to me; like that part of the country where all of a sudden the sky is oppressively large and you feel overwhelmed by your smallness. I made it to my sister’s house in Woodland, CA, and wrote this song on her piano with a vision of cellos and vibrant guitars in my mind. The song explores similar patterns, alternating between major and minor, delving into emotions and feelings before returning to its starting point. I am on a quest for something: something beautiful, maybe even something perfect, could it be a curse?”
“The Perfect Rose” was recorded at the Tropico Beauty recording studio in Glendale, California in spring 2024. The song underwent extensive collaboration with Will Segerstrom (from Mega Bog), who contributed guitar to the track. Despite its vast and expansive nature, the goal was to capture the full band sound in a single take, resulting in Ziemba on upright piano, Andrew Maguire on drums, Will Segerstrom on guitar, and Jay Heiselmann on bass, all in a cozy wood-paneled room together. Cornelia Babbitt and Elizabeth LoPiccolo added cello and flute, respectively, to enhance the song’s richness.
Ziemba’s return with “The Perfect Rose” marks a significant moment in her music career, showcasing her growth and creativity since her previous releases. The song’s intricate instrumentation and emotive lyrics provide a glimpse into Ziemba’s artistic depth and exploration. This new track embodies the essence of her musical journey, capturing the essence of personal experience and artistic expression in a beautifully crafted piece.